List of military aircraft of the United States

This list of military aircraft of the United States includes prototype, pre-production, and operational types. For aircraft in service, see the List of active United States military aircraft. Prototypes are normally prefixed with "X" and are often unnamed (note that these are not the same as the experimental X-planes, which are not generally expected to go into production), while pre-production models are usually prefixed with "Y".

The United States military employs a designation and naming system to provide identifications to all aircraft types. Until 1962, the United States Army, United States Air Force (formerly Army Air Force), and United States Navy all maintained separate systems. In September 1962, these were unified into a single system heavily reflecting the Air Force method. For more complete information on the workings of this system, refer to United States Department of Defense Aerospace Vehicle Designations.

This list does not include aircraft used by the U.S. military services prior to the establishment of a numerical designation system. For these aircraft, see List of military aircraft of the United States (1909–1919). It also does not include aircraft designated under the pre-1962 United States Navy designation system. For these aircraft, see List of military aircraft of the United States (naval).



Prior to 1919
Prior to 1919, all planes flown by the Army Air Service and the Navy were referred to by the designation given to them by their manufacturer. A variety of both domestic and foreign types were operated, with the latter being the primary front-line types during the First World War.

Army Air Service, 1919–1924
In September 1919, the Army Air Service decided that it needed an organized designation sequence, and adopted fifteen classifications, designated by roman numerals. Several other unnumbered designations were added later. Each designation was assigned an abbreviation, and each design a number within that abbreviation. Variants were designated by alphabetically appending letters to the design number.

Type O: Foreign-Built Pursuit Aircraft

 * Fokker D.VII – Fokker
 * Fokker D.VIII – Fokker

Type I: Pursuit, water-cooled

 * PW-1 – Engineering Division
 * PW-2 – Loening
 * PW-3 – Orenco
 * PW-4 – Gallaudet
 * PW-5 – Fokker
 * PW-6 – Fokker
 * PW-7 – Fokker
 * PW-8 – Curtiss
 * PW-9 – Boeing

Type II: Pursuit, night

 * PN-1 – Curtiss

Type III: Pursuit, air-cooled

 * PA-1 – Loening

Type IV: Pursuit, ground attack, 1922

 * PG-1 – Aeromarine

Type V: Two-seat pursuit

 * TP-1 – Engineering Division

Type VI: Ground attack, 1920–1922

 * GA-1 – Boeing
 * GA-2 – Boeing

Type VII: Infantry liaison

 * IL-1 – Orenco

Type VIII: Night observation

 * NO-1 – Douglas
 * NO-2 – Douglas

Type IX: Artillery observation

 * AO-1 – Atlantic

Type X: Corps observation

 * CO-1 – Engineering Division
 * CO-2 – Engineering Division
 * CO-3 – Engineering Division
 * CO-4 – Atlantic
 * CO-5 – Engineering Division
 * CO-6 – Engineering Division
 * CO-7 – Boeing
 * CO-8 – Atlantic

Type XI: Day bombardment

 * DB-1 – Gallaudet

Type XII: Night bombardment, short range

 * NBS-1 – Martin (originally designated MB-2)
 * NBS-2 – Lowe-Willard-Fowler
 * NBS-3 – Elias
 * NBS-4 – Curtiss

Type XIII: Night bombardment, long range

 * NBL-1 – Witteman-Lewis
 * NBL-2 – Martin

Type XIV: Trainer, air-cooled

 * TA-1 – Elias
 * TA-2 – Huff-Daland
 * TA-3 – Dayton-Wright Aircraft
 * TA-4 – Engineering Division
 * TA-5 – Dayton-Wright Aircraft
 * TA-6 – Huff-Daland

Type XV: Trainer, water-cooled

 * TW-1 – Engineering Division
 * TW-2 – Cox-Klemin
 * TW-3 – Dayton-Wright Aircraft
 * TW-4 – Fokker
 * TW-5 – Huff-Daland

Ambulance, 1919–1924

 * A-1 – Cox-Klemin
 * A-2 – Fokker

Messenger

 * M-1 – Engineering Division/Sperry

Pursuit, special

 * PS-1 – Dayton-Wright

Racer

 * R-1 – Alfred V. Verville
 * R-2 – Thomas-Morse
 * R-3 – Verville-Sperry
 * R-4 – Loening
 * R-5 – Thomas-Morse
 * R-6 – Curtiss
 * R-7 – Engineering Division
 * R-8 – Curtiss

Seaplane

 * S-1 – Loening

Transport

 * T-1 – Martin
 * T-2 – Fokker
 * T-3 – Lowe-Willard-Fowler

Attack, 1924–1948

 * A-1 – skipped to prevent confusion with Cox-Klemin XA-1
 * A-2 – Douglas
 * A-3 Falcon – Curtiss
 * A-4 Falcon – Curtiss
 * A-5 Falcon – Curtiss
 * A-6 Falcon – Curtiss
 * A-7 – Fokker
 * A-8 – Curtiss
 * A-9 – Lockheed
 * A-10 Shrike – Curtiss
 * A-11 – Consolidated
 * A-12 Shrike – Curtiss
 * A-13 – Northrop
 * A-14 – Curtiss
 * A-15 – Martin
 * A-16 – Northrop
 * A-17 Nomad – Northrop
 * A-18 Shrike – Curtiss
 * A-19 – Vultee
 * A-20 Havoc – Douglas (redesignated as B-20 in 1948) Douglas A-20G Havoc.jpg
 * A-21 – Stearman
 * A-22 – Martin
 * A-23 Baltimore – Martin
 * A-24 Banshee – Douglas (redesignated as F-24 in 1948)
 * A-25 Shrike – Curtiss
 * A-26 Invader – Douglas (redesignated as B-26 in 1948, then as A-26 in 1966)
 * A-27 – North American
 * A-28 Hudson – Lockheed
 * A-29 Hudson – Lockheed
 * A-30 – Martin, to allow supply to the UK under Lend-lease
 * A-31 Vengeance – Vultee
 * A-32 – Brewster
 * A-33 – Douglas
 * A-34 – Brewster
 * A-35 Vengeance – Vultee
 * A-36 Apache/Invader – North American
 * A-37 – Hughes
 * A-38 Grizzly – Beechcraft
 * A-39 – Kaiser-Fleetwings
 * A-40 – Curtiss
 * A-41 – Vultee
 * A-42 Mixmaster – Douglas
 * A-43 Blackhawk – Curtiss-Wright
 * A-44 – Convair
 * A-45 – Martin

Bomber
Until 1926, the Army Air Service had three sequences for bombers. Light bombers were indicated by the LB- prefix, medium bombers by the B- prefix, and heavy bombers by the HB- prefix. In 1926, the three-category system was scrapped and all bombers subsequently built were placed in the B- sequence.

Light Bomber, 1924–1926

 * LB-1 – Huff-Daland (later Keystone)
 * LB-2 – Atlantic Aircraft Corporation (Fokker Aircraft Corp after 1925)
 * LB-3 – Keystone
 * Martin LB-4 – S/n assigned but prototype not built
 * LB-5 – Keystone
 * LB-6 – Keystone
 * LB-7 – Keystone
 * LB-8 – Keystone
 * LB-9 – Keystone
 * LB-10 – Keystone
 * LB-11 – Keystone
 * LB-12 – Keystone
 * LB-13 – Keystone
 * LB-14 – Keystone

Medium Bomber, 1924–1926

 * B-1 – Huff-Daland
 * B-2 Condor – Curtiss

Heavy Bomber, 1924–1926

 * HB-1 – Huff-Daland
 * HB-2 – Atlantic/Fokker
 * HB-3 – Huff-Daland

Unified bomber sequence, 1926–1962

 * B-1 – Huff-Daland/Keystone
 * B-2 Condor – Curtiss
 * B-3 – Keystone
 * B-4 – Keystone
 * B-5 – Keystone
 * B-6 – Keystone
 * B-7 – Douglas
 * B-8 – Fokker
 * B-9 – Boeing
 * B-10 – Martin
 * B-11 – Douglas
 * B-12 – Martin
 * B-13 – Martin
 * B-14 – Martin
 * B-15 – Boeing
 * B-16 – Martin
 * B-17 Flying Fortress – Boeing
 * B-18 Bolo – Douglas
 * B-19 – Douglas
 * B-20 – Boeing
 * B-20 Havoc – Douglas – designation of A-20 Havoc from 1948 to 1949
 * B-21 – North American
 * B-22 – Douglas
 * B-23 Dragon – Douglas
 * B-24 Liberator – Consolidated 454bg-b24-42-78489.jpg
 * B-25 Mitchell – North American
 * B-26 Marauder – Martin
 * B-26 Invader – Douglas – designation of A-26 Invader from 1948 to 1966
 * B-27 – Martin
 * B-28 Dragon – North American
 * B-29 Superfortress – Boeing
 * B-30 – Lockheed
 * B-31 – Douglas
 * B-32 Dominator – Consolidated
 * B-33 Super Marauder – Martin
 * B-34 Lexington – Lockheed
 * B-35 – Northrop
 * B-36 Peacemaker – Convair
 * B-37 – Lockheed
 * B-38 Flying Fortress – Boeing
 * B-39 Superfortress – Boeing
 * B-40 Flying Fortress – Boeing
 * B-41 Liberator – Consolidated
 * B-42 Mixmaster – Douglas
 * B-43 Jetmaster – Douglas
 * B-44 Superfortress – Boeing
 * B-45 Tornado – North American
 * B-46 – Convair
 * B-47 Stratojet – Boeing
 * B-48 – Martin
 * B-49 – Northrop
 * B-50 Superfortress – Boeing
 * B-51 – Martin
 * B-52 Stratofortress – Boeing Boeing JB-52E (SN 57-0119) in flight 061127-F-1234S-026.jpg
 * B-53 – Convair
 * B-54 – Boeing
 * B-55 – Boeing
 * B-56 – Boeing
 * B-57 Canberra – Martin
 * B-58 Hustler – Convair
 * B-59 – Boeing
 * B-60 – Convair
 * B-61 Matador – Martin (redesignated as TM-61, then MGM-1)
 * B-62 Snark – Northrop (redesignated as SM-62)
 * B-63 RASCAL – Bell (redesignated as GAM-63)
 * B-64 Navaho – North American (redesignated as SM-64)
 * B-65 Atlas – Convair (redesignated as SM-65)
 * B-66 Destroyer – Douglas
 * B-67 Crossbow – Radioplane (redesignated as GAM-67)
 * B-68 – Martin
 * B-68 Titan – Martin (redesignated as SM-68)
 * B-69 Neptune – Lockheed
 * B-70 Valkyrie – North American
 * B-71 Blackbird – Lockheed


 * Beginning with #69, the "M-" (missile) and "B-" (bomber) series diverged. The missiles designated M-69 to M-92, some of which are incorrectly labeled as "formerly designated B-xx" in some sources, never used a "B-" series designation.

Bomber, long range, 1935–1936
A short-lived designation used from 1935–1936 to refer to three long-range bomber projects commissioned by the Army Air Corps. Most of the bombers were night bombers.
 * BLR-1 – Boeing (redesignated as XB-15)
 * BLR-2 – Douglas (redesignated as XB-19)
 * BLR-3 – Sikorsky

Cargo, 1924–1962

 * C-1 – Douglas
 * C-2 – Fokker
 * C-3 – Ford
 * C-4 – Ford
 * C-5 – Fokker
 * C-6 – Sikorsky
 * C-7 – Fokker
 * C-8 – Fairchild
 * C-9 – Ford
 * C-10 Robin – Curtiss-Wright
 * C-11 Fleetster – Consolidated
 * C-12 Vega – Lockheed
 * C-13 – skipped
 * C-14 – Fokker
 * C-15 – Fokker
 * C-16 – Fokker
 * C-17 Super Vega – Lockheed
 * C-18 Monomail – Boeing
 * C-19 Alpha – Northrop
 * C-20 – Fokker
 * C-21 Dolphin – Douglas
 * C-22 Fleetster – Consolidated
 * C-23 Altair – Lockheed
 * C-24 – American
 * C-25 Altair – Lockheed
 * C-26 Dolphin – Douglas
 * C-27 Airbus – Bellanca
 * C-28 – Sikorsky CAP Sikorsky S-39 NC54V.jpg
 * C-29 Dolphin – Douglas
 * C-30 Condor – Curtiss-Wright
 * C-31 – Kreider-Reisner
 * C-32 – Douglas
 * C-33 – Douglas
 * C-34 – Douglas
 * C-35 Electra – Lockheed
 * C-36 Electra – Lockheed
 * C-37 Electra – Lockheed
 * C-38 – Douglas
 * C-39 – Douglas
 * C-40 Electra – Lockheed
 * C-41 – Douglas
 * C-42 – Douglas
 * C-43 Traveller – Beechcraft
 * C-44 – Messerschmitt
 * C-45 Expeditor – Beechcraft
 * C-46 Commando – Curtiss-Wright
 * C-47 Skytrain – Douglas Douglas_C-47_Skytrain.jpg
 * C-48 Skytrain – Douglas
 * C-49 Skytrain – Douglas
 * C-50 Skytrain – Douglas
 * C-51 Skytrain – Douglas
 * C-52 Skytrain – Douglas
 * C-53 Skytrooper – Douglas
 * C-54 Skymaster – Douglas
 * C-55 Commando – Curtiss-Wright
 * C-56 Lodestar – Lockheed
 * C-57 Lodestar – Lockheed
 * C-58 Bolo – Douglas
 * C-59 Lodestar – Lockheed
 * C-60 Lodestar – Lockheed
 * C-61 Forwarder – Fairchild
 * C-62 – Waco
 * C-63 Hudson – Lockheed
 * C-64 Norseman – Noorduyn
 * C-65 Skycar – Stout
 * C-66 Lodestar – Lockheed
 * C-67 Dragon – Douglas
 * C-68 – Douglas
 * C-69 Constellation – Lockheed
 * C-70 Nightingale – Howard
 * C-71 Executive – Spartan
 * C-72 – Waco
 * C-73 – Boeing
 * C-74 Globemaster – Douglas C-74 long beach 2.jpg
 * C-75 – Boeing
 * C-76 Caravan – Curtiss-Wright
 * C-77 – Cessna
 * C-78 Bobcat – Cessna
 * C-79 – Junkers
 * C-80 – Harlow
 * C-81 Reliant – Stinson
 * C-82 Packet – Fairchild
 * C-83 Coupe – Piper
 * C-84 – Douglas
 * C-85 Orion – Lockheed
 * C-86 Forwarder – Fairchild
 * C-87 Liberator Express – Consolidated
 * C-88 – Fairchild
 * C-89 – Hamilton
 * C-90 – Luscombe
 * C-91 – Stinson
 * C-92 – Akron-Funk
 * C-93 Conestoga – Budd
 * C-94 – Cessna
 * C-95 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft
 * C-96 – Fairchild
 * C-97 Stratofreighter – Boeing C-97 stratofreighter 041116-F-9999R-002.jpg
 * KC-97 Stratotanker – Boeing
 * C-98 Clipper – Boeing
 * C-99 – Convair
 * C-100 Gamma – Northrop
 * C-101 Vega – Lockheed
 * C-102 Speedster – Rearwin
 * C-103 – Grumman
 * C-104 – Lockheed
 * C-105 – Boeing
 * C-106 – Cessna
 * C-107 Skycar – Stout
 * C-108 Flying Fortress – Boeing
 * C-109 Liberator Express – Consolidated
 * C-110 – Douglas
 * C-111 Super Electra – Lockheed
 * C-112 – Douglas
 * C-113 Commando – Curtiss-Wright
 * C-114 Skymaster – Douglas
 * C-115 Skymaster – Douglas
 * C-116 Skymaster – Douglas
 * C-117 Super Skytrain – Douglas
 * C-118 Liftmaster – Douglas
 * C-119 Flying Boxcar – Fairchild
 * C-120 Packplane – Fairchild
 * C-121 Constellation – Lockheed
 * YC-121F Constellation – Lockheed
 * C-122 Avitruc – Chase
 * C-123 Provider – Fairchild
 * XC-123A – Chase
 * C-124 Globemaster II – Douglas Cargo Aircraft.jpg in the background]]
 * C-125 Raider – Northrop
 * C-126 – Cessna
 * C-127 – Boeing
 * C-128 Flying Boxcar – Fairchild
 * C-129 Super Skytrain – Douglas
 * C-130 Hercules – Lockheed
 * C-131 Samaritan – Convair
 * C-132 – Douglas
 * C-133 Cargomaster – Douglas
 * C-134 – Stroukoff
 * C-135 Stratolifter – Boeing
 * KC-135 Stratotanker – Boeing
 * C-136 – Fairchild
 * C-137 Stratoliner – Boeing
 * C-138 – reserved for Fokker F27, but never assigned
 * C-139 – Lockheed
 * C-140 Jetstar – Lockheed
 * C-141 Starlifter – Lockheed
 * C-142 – Vought
 * C-143 – reserved for what would become the X-19, but never officially assigned
 * C-143 MRC2A – Bombardier Challenger CL-604 for US Coast Guard Medium Range Command and Control Aircraft
 * C-144 Ocean Sentry – CASA CN-235 300CG for US Coast Guard Medium Range Surveillance Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MRS MPA)
 * C-145 Skytruck - PZL M28 for special operations.
 * C-146 - Dornier 328 for special operations.

1922–1935

 * GL-1 Unmanned Coastal Artillery Target Glider - McCook Field Engineering Section
 * GL-2 Manned Aerial Target Glider - McCook Field Engineering Section
 * GL-3 Unmanned Aerial Target Glider (also known as "G-3") - McCook Field Engineering Section

1940–1941

 * A-1 – Fleetwings
 * A-2 – Radioplane
 * A-3 – Curtiss
 * A-4 – Douglas
 * A-5 – Boeing
 * A-6 – Douglas
 * A-7 Airacobra – Bell
 * A-8 Cadet – Culver

1942–1948

 * PQ-8 Cadet – Culver
 * PQ-9 – Culver
 * PQ-10 – Culver
 * PQ-11 – Fletcher
 * PQ-12 – Fleetwings
 * PQ-13 – ERCO
 * PQ-14 Cadet – Culver
 * PQ-15 – Culver

Aerial Target (Model Airplane), 1942–1948

 * OQ-2 – Radioplane
 * OQ-3 – Radioplane/Frankfort
 * OQ-4 – Brunswick-Balke-Collender
 * OQ-5 – contractor unknown
 * OQ-6 – Radioplane
 * OQ-7 – Radioplane
 * OQ-11 – Simmonds Aerocessories
 * OQ-12 – Radioplane
 * OQ-13 – Radioplane
 * OQ-14 – Radioplane/Frankfort
 * OQ-16
 * OQ-17 – Radioplane
 * OQ-18
 * OQ-19 Quail – Radioplane

Controllable bomb, 1942–1945

 * BQ-1 – Fleetwings
 * BQ-2 – Kaiser-Fleetwings
 * BQ-3 – Fairchild
 * BQ-3 – Fairchild
 * BQ-4 – Interstate
 * BQ-5 – Interstate
 * BQ-6 – Interstate
 * BQ-7 Aphrodite – Boeing
 * BQ-8 Liberator – Consolidated

Target Control, 1942–1948

 * CQ-1 – Fletcher
 * CQ-2 – Stinson
 * CQ-3 Expeditor – Beechcraft
 * CQ-4 Flying Fortress – Boeing

Unified sequence, 1948–1962

 * Q-1 – Radioplane
 * Q-2 Firebee – Ryan
 * Q-3 – Radioplane
 * Q-4 – Northrop
 * Q-5 Kingfisher – Lockheed
 * Q-6 – Wright Air Development Center
 * Q-7 – skipped: request for redesignation of QB-17 not approved
 * Q-8 Cadet Culver
 * Q-8 – request for redesignation of QF-80 not approved
 * Q-9 – WADC
 * Q-10 – Radioplane
 * Q-11 – WADC
 * Q-12 – Beechcraft
 * Q-14 Cadet – Culve

Assault Glider, 1942–1944

 * AG-1 – Christopher
 * AG-2 – Timm

Bomb Glider, 1942–1944

 * BG-1 – Fletcher
 * BG-2 – Fletcher
 * BG-3 – Cornelius

Cargo Glider, 1941–1948

 * CG-1 – Frankfort
 * CG-2 – Frankfort
 * CG-3 – Waco
 * CG-4 Hadrian – Waco
 * CG-5 – St. Louis
 * CG-6 – St. Louis
 * CG-7 – Bowlus-DuPont/Douglas
 * CG-8 – Bowlus-DuPont/Douglas
 * CG-9 – AGA Aviation
 * CG-10 Trojan Horse – Laister-Kauffman
 * CG-11 – Snead
 * CG-12 – Read-York
 * CG-13 – Waco
 * CG-14 – Chase
 * CG-15 Hadrian – Waco
 * CG-16 – General Airborne Transport
 * CG-17 – Douglas
 * CG-18 – Chase
 * CG-19 – Douglas
 * CG-20 – Chase

Fuel Glider, 1930–1948

 * FG-1 – Cornelius

Powered Glider, 1943–1948

 * PG-1 – Northwestern
 * PG-2 – Ridgefield
 * PG-3 – Waco

Training Glider, 1941–1948

 * TG-1 – Frankfort
 * TG-2 – Schweizer
 * TG-3 – Schweizer
 * TG-4 – Laister-Kauffman
 * TG-5 Grasshopper – Aeronca
 * TG-6 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft
 * TG-7 Orlik – Kocjan
 * TG-8 Grasshopper – Piper
 * TG-9 – Briegleb
 * TG-10 – Wichita Engineering
 * TG-11 – Schempp-Hirth
 * TG-12 – Bowlus-DuPont
 * TG-13 – Briegleb
 * TG-14 – Stiglmeier
 * TG-15 – Franklin-Stevens
 * TG-16 – Schultz
 * TG-17 – Franklin
 * TG-18 – Midwest Sailplane
 * TG-19 – Jacobs-Schweyer
 * TG-20 – Laister-Kauffman
 * TG-21 – Notre Dame
 * TG-22 – Mehlhose
 * TG-23 – Harper-Corcoran
 * TG-24 – Bowlus-Dupont
 * TG-25 Plover – Wolcott
 * TG-26 – Universal
 * TG-27 – Schneider
 * TG-28 Hawk Junior – Haller
 * TG-29 – Volmer Jensen
 * TG-30 Bluebird – Smith
 * TG-31 – Aero Industries
 * TG-32 – Pratt-Read
 * TG-33 – Aeronca

Unified sequence, 1948–1955

 * G-2 – Ridgefield
 * G-3 – Waco
 * G-4 Hadrian – Waco
 * G-10 Trojan Horse – Laister-Kauffman
 * G-13 – Waco
 * G-14 – Chase
 * G-15 Hadrian – Waco
 * G-18 – Chase
 * G-20 – Chase

Sailplane, 1960–1962

 * S-1 – Schweizer
 * S-2 – Schweizer

Gyroplane, 1935–1939

 * G-1 – Kellett
 * G-2 – Pitcairn

Liaison, 1942–1962

 * L-1 Vigilant – Stinson
 * L-2 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft
 * L-3 Grasshopper – Aeronca
 * L-4 Grasshopper – Piper
 * L-5 Sentinel – Stinson (redesignated as U-19 in 1962)
 * L-6 Grasshopper – Interstate
 * L-7 – Universal
 * L-8 Cadet – Interstate
 * L-9 – Stinson
 * L-10 – Ryan
 * L-11 – Bellanca
 * L-12 Reliant – Stinson
 * L-13 – Stinson/Convair
 * L-14 Cub – Piper
 * L-15 Scout – Boeing
 * L-16 Champion – Aeronca
 * L-17 Navion – North American/Ryan (redesignated as U-18 in 1962)
 * L-18 Super Cub – Piper
 * L-19 Bird Dog – Cessna (redesignated as O-1 in 1962)
 * L-20 Beaver – de Havilland Canada (redesignated as U-6 in 1962)
 * L-21 Super Cub – Piper (redesignated as U-7 in 1962)
 * L-22 Navion – Ryan
 * L-23 Seminole – Beechcraft (redesignated as U-8 in 1962)
 * L-24 Courier – Helio (redesignated as U-24 in 1962)
 * L-25 – McDonnell (redesignated as XH-35, then XV-1)
 * L-26 Commander – Aero Design (redesignated as U-4 and U-9 in 1962)
 * L-27 – Cessna (redesignated as U-3 in 1962)
 * L-28 Super Courier – Helio (redesignated as U-10 in 1962)

Pursuit, 1924-1948/Fighter, 1948–1962
Designated P- for "pursuit" until 1948, when the United States Air Force was founded. After this, all P- designations were changed to F- ("fighter"), but the original numbers were retained.
 * P-1 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-2 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-3 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-4 – Boeing
 * P-5 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-6 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-7 – Boeing
 * P-8 – Boeing
 * P-9 – Boeing
 * P-10 – Curtiss
 * P-11 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-12 – Boeing
 * P-13 Viper – Thomas-Morse
 * P-14 – Curtiss
 * P-15 – Boeing
 * P-16 – Berliner-Joyce
 * P-17 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-18 – Curtiss
 * P-19 – Curtiss
 * P-20 – Curtiss
 * P-21 – Curtiss
 * P-22 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-23 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-24 – Lockheed
 * P-25 – Consolidated
 * P-26 Peashooter – Boeing Boeing P-26.jpg
 * P-27 – Consolidated
 * P-28 – Consolidated
 * P-29 – Boeing
 * P-30 – Consolidated
 * P-31 Swift – Curtiss
 * P-32 – Boeing
 * P-33 – Consolidated
 * P-34 – Wedell-Williams
 * P-35 – Seversky
 * P-36 Hawk – Curtiss
 * P-37 – Curtiss
 * P-38 Lightning – Lockheed
 * P-39 Airacobra – Bell
 * P-400 - Royal Air Force Airacobra put into U.S. service before export
 * P-40 Warhawk – Curtiss
 * P-41 – Seversky
 * P-42 – Curtiss
 * P-43 Lancer – Republic
 * P-44 Rocket – Republic
 * P-45 – Bell
 * P-46 – Curtiss
 * P-47 Thunderbolt – Republic
 * P-48 – Douglas
 * P-49 – Lockheed
 * P-50 – Grumman
 * P-51 Mustang – North American P-51H.jpg
 * P-52 – Bell
 * P-53 – Curtiss
 * P-54 Swoose Goose – Vultee
 * P-55 Ascender – Curtiss
 * P-56 Black Bullet – Northrop
 * P-57 Peashooter – Tucker
 * P-58 Chain Lightning – Lockheed
 * P-59 Airacomet – Bell
 * P-60 – Curtiss
 * P-61 Black Widow – Northrop
 * P-62 – Curtiss
 * P-63 Kingcobra – Bell
 * P-64 – North American
 * P-65 – Grumman
 * P-66 Vanguard – Vultee
 * P-67 Bat – McDonnell
 * P-68 Tornado – Vultee
 * P-69 – Republic
 * P-70 Nighthawk – Douglas
 * P-71 – Curtiss
 * P-72 – Republic
 * P-73 – Hughes (officially never assigned)
 * P-74 – skipped
 * P-75 Eagle – Fisher
 * P-76 – Bell
 * P-77 – Bell
 * P-78 – North American
 * P-79 Flying Ram – Northrop
 * F-80 Shooting Star – Lockheed
 * P-81 – Convair
 * F-82 Twin Mustang – North American
 * P-83 – Bell
 * F-84 Thunderjet – Republic
 * F-85 Goblin – McDonnell
 * F-86 Sabre – North American F-86f-527fbs-Ramstein.jpeg
 * F-87 Blackhawk – Curtiss
 * F-88 Voodoo – McDonnell
 * F-89 Scorpion – Northrop
 * F-90 – Lockheed
 * F-91 Thunderceptor – Republic
 * F-92 – Convair
 * F-93 – North American
 * F-94 Starfire – Lockheed
 * F-95 – North American
 * F-96 – Republic
 * F-97 Starfire – Lockheed (redesignated as F-94C Starfire)
 * F-98 Falcon – Hughes (redesignated as GAR-1, then AIM-4)
 * F-99 BOMARC – Boeing (redesignated as IM-99, then CIM-10)
 * F-100 Super Sabre – North American
 * F-101 Voodoo – McDonnell
 * F-102 Delta Dagger – Convair
 * F-103 – Republic
 * F-104 Starfighter – Lockheed
 * F-105 Thunderchief – Republic
 * F-106 Delta Dart – Convair
 * F-107 – North American
 * F-108 Rapier – North American
 * F-109 – designation was reserved for the X-13 Vertijet, F-101B, and Bell D-188A, but never officially assigned Mig-23-usaf.jpg
 * F-110 Spectre – McDonnell Douglas (redesignated as F-4 in 1962)
 * F-111 Aardvark – General Dynamics
 * Unofficial designations YF-112 and up were later assigned to "black" projects – see Fighter series in Unified System.

Fighter, Multiplace

 * FM-1 Airacuda – Bell
 * FM-2 – Lockheed

Pursuit, Biplace

 * PB-1 – Berliner-Joyce
 * PB-2 – Consolidated
 * PB-3 – Lockheed

Observation, 1924–1942

 * O-1 Falcon – Curtiss
 * O-2 – Douglas
 * O-3 Mohawk – Dayton-Wright
 * O-4 – Martin
 * O-5 – Douglas
 * O-6 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-7 – Douglas
 * O-8 – Douglas
 * O-9 – Douglas
 * O-10 – Loening
 * O-11 Falcon – Curtiss
 * O-12 Falcon – Curtiss
 * O-13 Falcon – Curtiss
 * O-14 – Douglas
 * O-15 – Keystone
 * O-16 Falcon – Curtiss
 * O-17 Courier – Consolidated
 * O-18 Falcon – Curtiss
 * O-19 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-20 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-21 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-22 – Douglas
 * O-23 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-24 – Curtiss
 * O-25 – Douglas
 * O-26 – Curtiss
 * O-27 – Fokker
 * O-28 Corsair – Vought
 * O-29 – Douglas
 * O-30 – Curtiss
 * O-31 – Douglas
 * O-32 – Douglas
 * O-33 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-34 – Douglas
 * O-35 – Douglas
 * O-36 – Douglas
 * O-37 – Keystone
 * O-38 – Douglas
 * O-39 Falcon – Curtiss
 * O-40 Raven – Curtiss
 * O-41 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-42 – Thomas-Morse
 * O-43 – Douglas
 * O-44 – Douglas
 * O-45 – Martin
 * O-46 – Douglas
 * O-47 – North American
 * O-48 – Douglas
 * O-49 Vigilant – Stinson (redesignated as L-1 in 1942)
 * O-50 – Bellanca
 * O-51 Dragonfly – Ryan YO-51 Dragonfly takeoff.jpg
 * O-52 Owl – Curtiss
 * O-53 Havoc – Douglas
 * O-54 – Stinson
 * O-55 – ERCO
 * O-56 Ventura – Lockheed
 * O-57 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft (redesignated as L-2 in 1942)
 * O-58 Grasshopper – Aeronca (redesignated as L-3 in 1942)
 * O-59 Grasshopper – Piper (redesignated as L-4 in 1942)
 * O-60 – Kellett
 * O-61 – Pitcairn
 * O-62 Sentinel – Stinson (redesignated as L-5 in 1942)
 * O-63 Grasshopper – Interstate (redesignated as XL-6 in 1942)

Observation amphibian, 1925–1948

 * OA-1 – Loening
 * OA-2 – Loening
 * OA-3 Dolphin – Douglas
 * OA-4 Dolphin – Douglas
 * OA-5 – Douglas
 * OA-6 – Consolidated
 * OA-7 – Douglas
 * OA-8 – Sikorsky
 * OA-9 Goose – Grumman
 * OA-10 Catalina – Consolidated
 * OA-11 – Sikorsky
 * OA-12 Duck – Grumman
 * OA-13 Goose – Grumman
 * OA-14 Widgeon – Grumman
 * OA-15 Seabee – Republic

Photographic reconnaissance, 1930–1948 / Reconnaissance, 1948–1962

 * F-1 – Fairchild
 * F-2 Expeditor – Beechcraft
 * F-3 Havoc – Douglas
 * F-4 Lightning – Lockheed
 * F-5 Lightning – Lockheed
 * F-6 Mustang – North American
 * F-7 Liberator – Consolidated
 * F-8 Mosquito – de Havilland
 * F-9 Flying Fortress – Boeing
 * F-10 Mitchell – North American
 * F-11 – Hughes
 * F-12 Rainbow – Republic
 * F-13 Superfortress – Boeing
 * F-14 Shooting Star – Lockheed
 * F-15 Reporter – Northrop
 * R-11 – Hughes
 * R-12 Rainbow – Republic
 * R-16 Stratofortress – Boeing

Reconnaissance-strike, 1960–1962
Both of the following aircraft are numbered in the B- (bomber) sequence.
 * RS-70 Valkyrie – North American
 * RS-71 Blackbird – Lockheed

Rotary wing 1941–1948 and helicopter 1948–present
In 1941, the category letter R- was allotted for "rotary wing" aircraft, and this designation was used until the founding of the United States Air Force in 1947, at which point the category letter was changed to H-, for "helicopter". However, the original numbering sequence was retained.

In 1962 when the Unified Designation System was adopted, six former Navy and Army types received new designations in the H-1 to H-6 series, which can be found here. However, the original sequence was also continued, and remains in use to the present, with the next designation available being H-73.


 * R-1 – Platt-LePage
 * R-2 – Kellett
 * R-3 – Kellett
 * R-4 Hoverfly – Sikorsky
 * R-5/H-5 Dragonfly – Sikorsky
 * R-6 Hoverfly II – Sikorsky
 * R-7 – Sikorsky
 * XR-8 Kellett
 * R-9/H-9 – Firestone
 * R-10/H-10 – Kellett
 * R-11/H-11 – Rotorcraft
 * R-12/H-12 – Bell
 * R-13/H-13 Sioux – Bell
 * R-14 – Firestone
 * R-15/H-15 – Bell
 * R-16/H-16 – Piasecki
 * XR-17/XH-17 – Hughes/Kellett
 * YH-18 – Sikorsky
 * H-19 – Sikorsky
 * XH-20 Little Henry – McDonnell
 * H-21 – Piasecki
 * H-22 – Kaman
 * OH-23 Raven – Hiller
 * YH-24 – Seibel
 * H-25 – Piasecki
 * XH-26 Jet Jeep – American Helicopter
 * YH-27 Transporter – Piasecki
 * XH-28 – Hughes
 * H-29 – McDonnell
 * YH-30 – McCulloch
 * YH-31 – Doman
 * YH-32 – Hiller
 * XH-33 – Bell (redesignated as XV-3)
 * H-34 Choctaw – Sikorsky
 * XH-35 – McDonnell (redesignated as XV-1)
 * H-36 – reserved for secret project LONG EARS
 * H-37 Mojave – Sikorsky
 * H-38 – reserved for secret project SHORT TAIL
 * XH-39 – Sikorsky
 * XH-40 – Bell
 * YH-41 Seneca – Cessna
 * XH-42 – Hughes
 * H-43 Huskie – Kaman
 * H-44 – reserved for secret project BIG TOM
 * H-45 – reserved for secret project STEP CHILD
 * H-46 Sea Knight – Boeing Vertol
 * H-47 Chinook – Boeing Vertol
 * XH-48 – Bell (redesignated as UH-1F)
 * XH-49 – Boeing Vertol (redesignated as XCH-46B)
 * H-50 DASH – Gyrodyne
 * XH-51 – Lockheed
 * H-52 Sea Guard – Sikorsky
 * H-53 – Sikorsky
 * MH-53 Pave Low
 * CH-53E Super Stallion
 * CH-53K Super Stallion
 * H-54 Tarhe – Sikorsky
 * H-55 Osage – Hughes
 * H-56 Cheyenne – Lockheed
 * H-57 Sea Ranger – Bell
 * H-58 Kiowa – Bell
 * XH-59 – Sikorsky
 * H-60 Black Hawk – Sikorsky
 * SH-60 Seahawk
 * HH-60 Pave Hawk
 * HH-60 Jayhawk
 * YH-61 – Boeing Vertol
 * XH-62 – Boeing Vertol
 * YH-63 Kingcobra – Bell
 * H-64 Apache – Hughes
 * H-65 Dolphin – Aérospatiale
 * H-66 Comanche – Boeing/Sikorsky
 * H-67 Creek – Bell
 * H-68 Stingray – Agusta
 * H-69 – skipped
 * H-70 – Bell
 * H-71 Kestrel – Lockheed Martin
 * H-72 Lakota – Eurocopter

Supersonic/special test, 1946–1948

 * XS-1 – Bell
 * XS-2 – Bell
 * XS-3 Stiletto – Douglas
 * XS-4 Bantam – Northrop
 * XS-5 – Bell
 * This series was continued as the X (Experimental) series after 1948 – see X-series in Unified System.

Advanced Trainer, 1925–1948

 * AT-1 – Huff-Daland
 * AT-2 – Huff-Daland
 * AT-3 – Boeing
 * AT-4 Hawk – Curtiss
 * AT-5 Hawk – Curtiss
 * AT-6 Texan – North American (redesignated as T-6 in 1948)
 * AT-7 Navigator – Beechcraft (redesignated as T-7 in 1948)
 * AT-8 Bobcat – Cessna
 * AT-9 Jeep – Curtiss-Wright
 * AT-10 Wichita – Beechcraft
 * AT-11 Kansan – Beechcraft (redesignated as T-11 in 1948)
 * AT-12 Guardsman – Republic
 * AT-13 Gunner – Fairchild
 * AT-14 Gunner – Fairchild
 * AT-15 Crewmaker – Boeing
 * AT-16 – Noorduyn
 * AT-17 Bobcat – Cessna
 * AT-18 Hudson – Lockheed
 * AT-19 Reliant – Stinson
 * AT-20 Anson – Avro/Federal
 * AT-21 Gunner – Fairchild
 * AT-22 Liberator – Consolidated
 * AT-23 Marauder – Martin
 * AT-24 Mitchell – North American

Basic Combat, 1936–1940

 * BC-1 – North American
 * BC-2 – North American
 * BC-3 – Vultee

Basic Trainer, 1930–1948

 * BT-1 – Douglas
 * BT-2 – Douglas
 * BT-3 – Stearman
 * BT-4 – Curtiss
 * BT-5 – Stearman
 * BT-6 – Consolidated
 * BT-7 – Consolidated
 * BT-8 – Seversky
 * BT-9 – North American
 * BT-10 – North American
 * BT-11 – Aircraft Research
 * BT-12 – Fleetwings
 * BT-13 Valiant – Vultee
 * BT-14 – North American
 * BT-15 Valiant – Vultee
 * BT-16 Valiant – Vultee
 * BT-17 – Boeing-Stearman

Primary Trainer, 1925–1948

 * PT-1 Trusty – Consolidated
 * PT-2 Trusty – Consolidated
 * PT-3 Trusty – Consolidated
 * PT-4 Trusty – Consolidated
 * PT-5 Trusty – Consolidated
 * PT-6 – Consolidated
 * PT-7 Pinto – Mohawk
 * PT-8 – Consolidated
 * PT-9 – Stearman
 * PT-10 – Verville
 * PT-11 – Consolidated
 * PT-12 – Consolidated
 * PT-13 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman
 * PT-14 – Waco
 * PT-15 – St. Louis
 * PT-16 – Ryan
 * PT-17 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman
 * PT-18 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman
 * PT-19 Cornell – Fairchild
 * PT-20 – Ryan
 * PT-21 Recruit – Ryan
 * PT-22 Recruit – Ryan
 * PT-23 Cornell – Fairchild
 * PT-24 Tiger Moth – de Havilland
 * PT-25 – Ryan
 * PT-26 Cornell – Fairchild
 * PT-27 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman

Unified sequence, 1948–present
The AT-6 Texan, AT-7 Navigator, and AT-11 Kansan, were retroactively given T- designations. The new sequence began at 28, continuing the "PT-" numbering sequence.
 * T-6 Texan – North American
 * T-7 Navigator – Beechcraft
 * T-11 Kansan – Beechcraft
 * T-28 Trojan – North American
 * T-29 Flying Classroom – Convair
 * T-30 – Douglas
 * T-31 – Fairchild
 * T-32 – Convair
 * T-33 Shooting Star – Lockheed
 * T-34 Mentor – Beechcraft
 * T-35 Buckaroo – Temco
 * T-36 – Beechcraft/Canadair
 * T-37 Tweet – Cessna
 * T-38 Talon – Northrop
 * T-39 Sabreliner – North American
 * T-40 Jet Star – Lockheed
 * T-41 Mescalero – Cessna
 * T-42 Cochise – Beechcraft
 * T-43 – Boeing
 * T-44 Pegasus – Beechcraft
 * T-45 Goshawk – McDonnell Douglas/BAE Systems
 * T-46 – Fairchild
 * T-47 – Cessna
 * T-48 – Cessna
 * T-48 MPATS
 * T-49 – Boeing
 * T-50 Golden Eagle – Korean Aerospace Industries (designation reserved, none procured)
 * T-51 – Cessna
 * T-52 – Diamond Aircraft
 * T-53 – Cirrus

Army, 1956–1962
In 1956, the U.S. Army adopted a new, and relatively simple, designation system for its aviation assets. Aircraft were divided into three different types – 'A' for fixed-wing aircraft, 'H' for helicopters, or 'V' for V/STOL aircraft, and then were given a mission modifier, which, unlike the USAF system, came after the type code: 'C' for transports, 'O' for observation and reconnaissance aircraft, 'U' for utility types, and 'Z' for experimental aircraft. Aircraft types designated in this system were numbered sequentially.

Airplane, Cargo, 1956–1962

 * AC-1 Caribou – de Havilland Canada (redesignated as CV-2 in 1962, then C-7 in 1967)
 * AC-2 Buffalo – de Havilland Canada (redesignated as CV-7 in 1962, then C-8 in 1967)

Airplane, Observation, 1956–1962

 * AO-1 Mohawk – Grumman (redesignated as OV-1 in 1962)
 * AO-2 Inflatoplane – Goodyear
 * AO-3 Inflatoplane – Goodyear

Flying Platform, 1955–1956

 * HO-1 Pawnee – Hiller (redesignated as VZ-1 in 1956)
 * HO-2 – de Lackner Helicopters (redesignated as HZ-1 in 1956)

Helicopter, Cargo, 1956–1962

 * HC-1A Sea Knight (redesignated as CH-46C in 1962)
 * HC-1B Chinook (redesignated as CH-47A in 1962)

Helicopter, Observation, 1956–1962

 * HO-1 – Sud-Ouest
 * HO-2 – Hughes
 * HO-3 – Brantly
 * HO-4 – Bell (redesignated as OH-4A in 1962)
 * HO-5 – Fairchild Hiller (redesignated as OH-5A in 1962)
 * HO-6 – Hughes (redesignated as OH-6A in 1962)

Helicopter, Utility, 1956–1962

 * HU-1 Iroquois – Bell (redesignated as UH-1 in 1962)

Helicopter, Experimental, 1956–1962

 * HZ-1 Aerocycle – de Lackner Helicopters

Vertical Takeoff and Landing Research, 1956–1962

 * VZ-1 Pawnee – Hiller
 * VZ-2 – Vertol
 * VZ-3 Vertiplane – Ryan
 * VZ-4 Convertiplane – Doak
 * VZ-5 Fledgling – Fairchild
 * VZ-6 – Chrysler
 * VZ-7-Curtiss-Wright
 * VZ-8 Airgeep – Piasecki
 * VZ-9 Avrocar – Avro Canada
 * VZ-10 Hummingbird – Lockheed (redesignated as XV-4 in 1962)
 * VZ-11 Vertifan – Ryan (redesignated as XV-5 in 1962)
 * VZ-12 Kestrel – Hawker Siddeley (redesignated as XV-6 in 1962)

Experimental, 1948–present
In addition to aircraft intended to support military operations, the armed forces of the United States have also supported efforts to push the boundaries of aeronautical and aerospace knowledge. Some of the best-known of these projects are the aircraft designated in the "X-series", which led them to become known as "X-planes".

Fighter

 * F-13 – skipped
 * F-19 – officially skipped; rumored to be still classified
 * YF-24 – (fictional?) Classified project
 * YF-113G – possible USAF "black project"
 * YF-121 Rumored "black project"

Note: Captured foreign aircraft used for evaluation and aggressor were given designations in sequence—based on chronology—with "black" project aircraft, continuing the pre-1962 F series.
 * YF-116 – Rumored designation of captured MiG-25
 * YF-118 – Rumored designation of MiG-29

Glider

 * TG-1 – Schweizer
 * TG-2 – Schweizer
 * TG-3 – Schweizer
 * TG-4 – Schweizer
 * TG-5 – Schweizer
 * TG-6 – Schweizer
 * TG-7 – Schweizer
 * RG-8 Condor – Schweizer
 * TG-9 – Schleicher
 * TG-10 Blaník – Let
 * TG-11 – Stemme
 * TG-12 – Caproni Vizzola
 * G-13 – skipped
 * TG-14 Super Ximango – Aeromot
 * TG-15 – Schempp-Hirth
 * TG-16 – DG Flugzeugbau

Helicopter
Unlike most other categories of aircraft, the introduction of the tri-service designation system in 1962 did not result in a wholesale redesignation of helicopters. While six types received new designations in the unified, "re-started" sequence, the original "H-" series of designations that started in 1948 was also continued, and no further types of rotorcraft have been designated in the "post-1962" system.

Spaceplane
The only designation in the "Spaceplane" series, the MS-1A shares a designation letter with the anti-submarine warfare category, and is perhaps unique among MDS identifiers as being assigned to a future, and currently not wholly defined, concept, as opposed to a specific project.

Tanker
No specialised types have been acquired to receive a stand-alone 'K for Tanker' designation; for aircraft modified for use as tankers, see the parent aircraft in the proper sequence.

Trainer, 1962, 1990–present
Despite the adoption of the unified Mission Designation System in 1962, only two aircraft were designated in the new series, both former Navy types. The old series continued in use until 1990, at which point a new series was started over at T-1, with the previous T-2 still being in use. However, the old series has still seen new designations being assigned. The next designation available in the 'T' series is T-52 or T-7, depending on which series is continued.

Utility, 1955–present

 * U-1 Otter – de Havilland Canada
 * U-2 – Lockheed Corporation
 * U-3 – Cessna
 * U-4 Aero Commander – Aero Design
 * U-5 Twin Courier – Helio
 * U-6 Beaver – de Havilland Canada
 * U-7 Super Cub – Piper
 * U-8 Seminole – Beechcraft
 * U-9 Aero Commander – Aero Design
 * U-10 Super Courier – Helio
 * U-11 Aztec – Piper
 * U-12 – skipped
 * U-13 – skipped
 * U-14 – skipped
 * U-15 – skipped
 * U-16 Albatross – Grumman
 * U-17 Skywagon – Cessna
 * U-18 Navion – North American/Ryan
 * U-19 Sentinel – Stinson
 * U-20 – Cessna
 * U-21 Ute – Beechcraft
 * U-22 – Beechcraft
 * U-23 Peacemaker – Fairchild Hiller/Pilatus
 * U-24 Courier – Helio
 * U-25 Guardian – Dassault-Breguet
 * U-26 – Cessna
 * U-27 Caravan – Cessna
 * U-28 – Pilatus
 * U-38 Twin Condor – Schweizer

Un-designated foreign aircraft operated by the United States

 * Airspeed Horsa – Airspeed Ltd
 * Airspeed Oxford – Airspeed
 * Bristol Beaufighter – Bristol Aeroplane Company
 * Boulton Paul Defiant – Boulton Paul Aircraft
 * CAC Wirraway – Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
 * de Havilland Dominie – de Havilland
 * de Havilland Moth Minor – de Havilland.
 * de Havilland Tiger Moth – de Havilland
 * Diamond DA20 – Diamond Aircraft
 * Hawker Hurricane – Hawker Aircraft
 * Heinkel HD 22 – Heinkel Flugzeugwerke
 * M28 Skytruck – PZL
 * Mil Mi-17 – Mil
 * Miles Master – Miles Aircraft Ltd
 * Morane-Saulnier MS-234
 * Percival Proctor
 * Supermarine Spitfire
 * Westland Lysander