Tail Code Article Index for
Tail
Website Links For
Tail
 

Information About

Tail Code





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 are the last digits of the airframe's serial number. Two smaller digits that indicate the 2-digit year that the aircraft was ordered. Globemaster.DE Tail Codes[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0222.shtml US Air Force Tail Codes Aerospaceweb.org

All aircraft of all types assigned to a particular home base use the same home base code.


U.S. NAVY

U.S. Navy Aircraft tail codes tend to change more frequently than the other services as they change assignments more frequently.


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. However, like U.S. Navy aircraft, Marine aircraft have been specially assigned to a carrier group and their tail codes have changed during those assignments.


REFERENCES



SEE ALSO



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