Tail Code
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tail codes are the markings usually on the vertical stabilizer of U.S. military aircraft that help characterize the aircraft. This is not the same as the serial number.
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[edit] U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force uses multiple codes that relate to the aircraft. Two large letters that identify the home base. Three smaller numbers that the last digits of the airframe's serial number. Two smaller digits that indicate the 2-digit year that the aircraft was ordered.[1][2]
All aircraft of all types assigned to a particular home base use the same tail code.
[edit] U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy Aircraft tail codes tend to change more frequently than the other services as they change assignments more frequently.
[edit] U.S. Marines
U.S. Marine Corps tail codes tend to remain the same for the entire history of the squadron no matter where the home base.
[edit] References
- ^ [1] Globemaster.DE Tail Codes
- ^ US Air Force Tail Codes Aerospaceweb.org
[edit] Books
- Tail Code - The Complete History of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings by Patrick Martin, Published 1994
- Hook Code - United States Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Tail Code Markings 1963-1994 by Patrick Martin, Published 1994
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