For example, let's assume this is the 56th Fighter Group, and the 61st Fighter Squadron. This Corsair of 354th TFW with tail code MB for Myrtle Beach AFB was flown by Maj. Colin A. Clarke from Korat on a nine-hour rescue support mission on Nov. 18, 1972 over Thanh Ha, Vietnam. Wing leaders saw the "ZZ" code as a mark of distinction. (ANG/ACC), F-15A/B, KC, 442nd FW, Whiteman AFB, Mo. EA AC-130A USAF 16 SOS, 14 SOW Nha Trang 1968 Air Force Aircraft Tail Markings Code Aircraft Unit Location and Command AC F-16C/D 177th Fighter Wing. document.write(""); Since 1993, the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard (ANG), except Air Mobility Command (AMC) aircraft, utilize this format in all tail codes: two large letters, followed by two digits printed in a smaller text size, followed by three more digits printed in a larger text size. LA F-4E USAF 4 TFSq, 366 TFWg Da Nang The design should not have too many details. E-Mail:[email protected], An official website of the United States government. 2) from 69-71. The Air Force aircraft Serial Number is also usually marked on the tail, in smaller numbers. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. Not only have those symbols stood to represent a unit, they have served as markings that give each unit member a sense of belonging and pride. 05-07-2011 02:16:54 ZULU. WW F-105G USAF 561 WWSq, 388 TFWg Korat The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing took over as the host unit at Phan Rang on October 10, 1966, being transferred from Da Nang Air Base. ISBN -7864-0084-6. (ANG/ACC), F-15A/B, NY, 174th FW, Syracuse, N.Y. (ANG/ACC), F-16C/D, OF , 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, Neb. LF F-4D USAF 390 TFSq, 366 TFWg Da Nang AC RF-4C USAF 12 TRSq, 460 TRWg Tan Son Nhut HO F-4D USAF 417 TFS, 49 TFW Korat TDY from Holloman '72 The FF code is also used by the co-located, the two-letter state/territorial USPS mailing abbreviation, Full List of U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Tail Codes, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tail_code&oldid=1028602891, 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, This page was last edited on 14 June 2021, at 23:20. CK A-37A/B USAF 604 SOS, 3 TFW Bien Hoa Combat Dragon Will update the list below with your further posts. To accommodate the expanding Vietnam War, Phan Rang was expanded by the USAF in 1966 to accommodate both American and South Vietnamese fighter and helicopter units. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; There is an F-4C/D in the airpower park on . So Bentwaters/Woodbridge had WR, WS and WT, for instance, and Bitburg BR, BS, BT and BU over the years, Lakenheath had LT, LR and LS in their F-100 days, and later changed to first LK and shortly thereafter LN on the F-4D's. Has someone full list of USAF tail codes. Three proud tails of C-130E aircraft in protective revetments at Tan Son Nhut Airbase Vietnam in 1972. The 8th TFW used a system that we are all familiar with. is equipped with F-4E, F-105, RB-66 and C-130 aircraft. When the tail codes were first used, there were two different systems. ZG F-4C USAF 67 TFSq, 18 TFWg Korat TDY from Kadena Sep 72 thru Feb 73 It is the airplane generally used for photos, air shows and other public displays. white spinner and tail band. Two CONUS TAC training wings had used this system for a number of years. As the previous posters have alluded, it's somewhat misleading to say the second letters in the wing codes"stand for" anything specific, although generally the codes adopted show some degree of logic in that most use letters common to the assigned base name, or in a few rare cases have some other historic significance. USAF C-130 Tail Codes. "Flying Tigers" - the USAF wing that claims direct lineage from the legendary American Volunteer Group. EA AC-130A USAF 16 SOS, 8 TFW Ubon Spectre The U.S. Marine Corps and U. S. Navy share the same system. McFarland & Company. There have been cases of pilots cramming more than one person in a single seat fighters, but it's not something always feasible. Add To . This is not the same as the serial number, bureau number, or aircraft registration which provide unique aircraft . and P-51B 42-106559 had 2106559 painted on the tail. On the first of April 1972, the tail code system changed with USAFE with the implementation of AFM66-1, wing maintenance concept. JJ F-105D USAF 34 TFSq, 388 TFWg Korat The US tail code was never applied before wing codes changed to JS, JT and JR, due to undesirability of the US tail code. Tail Code The Complete History of USAF Tactical Aircraft Tail Code Markings, Squadron Signal 6012 TAC. During Vietnam theychanged often -- presumably as a security measure. The 32 TFS maintained the CR tail code after AFM66-1. Tail codes are markings usually on the vertical stabilizer of U.S. military aircraft that help identify the aircraft's unit and/or base assignment. Making a MiG-Killer Technology and Signals Intelligence for Air-To-Air Combat in Vietnam - From Balloons to Drones. is. A Buzz Number was a large letter and number combination applied to U. S. Air Force planes after World War II and into the early 1960s.. Most squadrons have changed names and designations many times over the years, so they are listed by their current designation. Air Mobility Command planes had no tail codes. Patrick Martin - Tail Code 136th Tactical Fighter Squadron . USAF tail codes are markings usually consisting of letters or numbers applied to the tails of US military aircraft. The FRS for carrier based helicopters do not follow this rule. I've often wondered actually. NW was the tail code for Helicopter Wing Reserve which has been disestablished, but the two reserve helicopter squadrons which still exist continue to use that code even though the wing no longer exists. ZF F-4E USAF 307 TFSq, 31 TFWg Udorn former 308 TFSq Tail No Tail Code Type Unit ZZ171 N/A N/A 99 Sqn ZZ172 N/A N/A 99 Sqn ZZ173 N/A N/A 99 Sqn ZZ174 N/A N/A 99 Sqn ZZ176 N/A N/A 99 Sqn ZZ177 N/A N/A 99 Sqn ZZ178 N/A N/A 99 Sqn ZZ175 N/A N/A Sustainment Fleet C-130 Tail No Tail Code Type Unit ZH865 N/A Mk 4 47/24 Sqn Pool ZH868 N/A Mk 4 47/24 Sqn Pool (ANG/ACC), F-16C/D, TX, 924th FG, Bergstrom ARS, Texas (AFRES), F-16C/D, TY, 325th FW, Tyndall AFB, Fla. (AETC), F-15C/D, VA, 192nd FG, Richmond, Va. (ANG/ACC), F-16C/D, VN, 71st FTW, Vance AFB, Okla. (AETC), T-1A, T-37B, T-38A, VO, 928th AW, O'Hare IAP/ARS, Ill. (AFRES), C-130H, VT, 158th FG, Burlington, Vt. (ANG/ACC), F-16C/D, WA, 57th FW, Nellis AFB, Nev. (ACC), F-15C/D/E, HH-60, F-16A/B/C/D, A-10A, F-4G, WG, 913th AW, Willow Grove ARS, Pa. (AFRES), C-130E, WI, 128th FW, Madison, Wis. (ANG/ACC), F-16C/D, WM 509th BW, Whiteman AFB, Mo. EO C-47 USAF 5 SOS, 14 SOW Phu Cat 1966 - 71, Physops That tradition carries on to this day in the form of aircraft fin flashes. (ANG/ACC), C-130E, XL, 47th FTW, Laughlin AFB, Texas (AETC), T-1A, T-37B, T-38A, YJ, 374th AW, Yokota AB, Japan (PACAF), C-130E/H, C-9A, C-21A, UH-1N, YO, 910th AW, Youngstown MAP/ARS, Ohio (AFRES), C-130H, ZZ, 18th Wing, Kadena AB, Japan (PACAF), F-15C/D, E-3B/C, HH-3E, HH-60G, KC-135R, @media only screen and (min-device-width : 320px) and (max-device-width : 480px) { TA A-26A USAF 609 ACS, 56 Acwg NKP Nimrod OZ RF-4C USAF 14 TRSq, 432 TRWg Udorn I have some from Lar's book but there were many more in two groups some wer SVAF C130 Tail codes - C-130 Hercules HQ Message Board The exception is those squadrons assigned to a Navy Carrier Air Wing which use the Carrier Air Wing's tail code. Rugby, rowing, football, gym, nature, acting. XN F-4C USAF 559 TFSq, 12 TFWg Cam Ranh Bay Deactivated March 1970 (ACC), B-1B, T-38A, EN, 80th FTW, Sheppard AFB, Texas (AETC), T-37A/B, T-38A, AT-38B, ET , 46th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. (AFMC), Various, FE , 90th MW, F.E. AD tail code retained by VAW-120, VFA-106, VA-42, VA-43, VA-45, VA-174, VF-101, VS-27. September 5, 2020 in Aircraft Cold War. Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, Dominican Republic, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan The list is then in order by location, with a list of units assigned to that location. With the April 1972 change - the reasons for the second letter changed. 33 Usaf Tail Codes - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. document.write(""); A color strip with blue, red and yellow might also be incorporated at the top of the fin. U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) aircraft do not use the two-letter identiication number. }, Page last modified: It's easy! CD-ROM. Just a veryoccasional reference book? JJ F-4E USAF 469 TFSq, 388 TFWg Korat zn. Those who left us after Tuy Hoa: Salvatre"Sam"Abate. Afterall how could say a fighter squadron carry the groundcrew with them ? The flag ship usually has a special fin flash that represents the specific squadron or wing and is the assigned airplane for the unit commander. A few notable examples that don't follow the "pattern": AD: 3246th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida, "Armament Division" - this wing (defunct since 1992) performed weapons testing for TAC types; a similar role is still served by the 53rd Test & Evaluation Group at Nellis and Eglin (OT = "Operational Test"), FT: 23rd Wing, Moody AFB, Georgia (previously Pope AFB, North Carolina). Sign up for a new account in our community. yellow spinner. So actually only the first letter really seems to be significant somehow. DR C-130E USAF 346 TASq, 314 TAWg CCK 1966 - 71 Presumably only includes aircraft involved in Projects Enhance and Enhance Plus . CA - CZ F-4C/D USAF 480 TFSq, 366 TFWg Da Nang Adopted Wing/Squadron designator sys 1969 ZF F-4E USAF 308 TFSq, 31 TFWg Udorn TDY from Holloman Apr thru Oct 72 Transferred to South Vietnam Air Force, Dec 1969. Seems they had to reteat/ abandon their airfield near Pyonyang, but else? It's a fantastic book ! AMC aircraft do not use two-letter identification codes. XD F-4C USAF 558 TFSq, 12 TFWg Cam Ranh Bay It was one of several South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) air bases built and used by the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Vietnam War. (ANG), F-16A/B, FT, 23rd Wing, Pope AFB, N.C. (ACC), A/OA-10A, F-16C/D, C-130E, FW, 122nd FW, Fort Wayne, Ind. AJ EC-47 USAF 360 TEWSq, 8TFWg Ubon 1970 -72 F-18E of VFA-22 in CVW-14 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan showing its tail code. Air Force, Pacific Fleet, on 2 June 1945, prescribed a series of recognition symbols for CVEs. Hell yes !!!!! As a result, the single two-letter tail code now designated entire wing. As an alternative, 18th Wing officials and the Pacific Air Forces One letter for the wing and a second letter for each squadron. USAFline, an aftermarket company based in the United Kingdom, recently added two decal sheets with "Distinctive Unit Aircraft Markings," in 1/72 scale, 24-inch, black and . Aircraft status of the VNAF on 30 September 1974 (source: Defence Attach Office Saigon) July - September 1974. AB - Pope AFB, North Carolina (1st SOW aircraft assigned to Det. Major Abbot was the pilot of an AC-47 with the 4th Air Commando Squadron (ACS), 6250th Combat Support Group, 13th Air Force, Tan Son Nhut, AB. Since the . gtag('config', 'UA-228725-17'); Free Online Library: Air Force aircraft tail markings. SA F-4E USAF 334 TFSq, 4 TFWg Ubon TDY from Seymore-Johnson Apr 73 thru Sep 73 LT Robert Vince Willet. The DL is Ching Chuan Kang AB, Taiwan assigned to the 776th TAS. I'm imagining that it is probably just a list of codes and serials, so maybe not a riveting read. Tail codes are markings usually on the vertical stabilizer of U.S. military aircraft that help identify the aircraft's unit and/or base assignment. With the US entry in the Vietnam War, the F-4 became one of the most identifiable aircraft of the conflict. This is an organized list of all of the active aircraft squadrons that currently exist in the United States Air Force, sorted by type. Martin, Patrick (1994). During Vietnam they changed often -- presumably as a security measure. Read this exciting story from Scale Aircraft Modelling November 2019. Hi all hard core C-130 fans. ER C-47, 0-2B USAF 9 SOS. (AFSPC), UH-1N, FF , 1st FW, Langley AFB, Va. (ACC), C-21A, F-15C/D, UH-1N, FL, 125th FG, Jacksonville, Fla. (ANG), F-16A/B, FL, 939th RW, Patrick AFB, Fla. (AFRES), HC-130N/P, HH-60G, FM, 482nd FW, Homestead ARB, Fla. (AFRES),, F-16A/B, FS , 188th FG, Fort Smith, Ark. During 1970 the USAFE emulated the PACAF standard tail code system. By (AFRES), WC-130H, C-130E, LA, 2nd BW, Barksdale AFB, La. Louis E. Azzarelli. WA F-4E USAF 414 FWSq, 57 FWWg Da Nang TDY from Nellis Jan thru Feb 72. In the quiet of the Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia sits the U.S. Air Force F-100D "Super Sabre," serial number 56-3440. Reply to this topic; Start new topic; Recommended Posts. One of the most common causes of toma, Growing Tom Wagner's Varieties of Tomatoes: A Gardener's Guide With Tips & Advice, Tom Wagner is a renowned horticulturist who has created several varieties of tomatoes, including the popular "Fort Vancouver Yellow Pear", "Pennsylvania Catchfly", "Santa Anna" and "Sunspot". AK, 3rd Wing, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska (PACAF), F-15C/D/E, C-12F, C-130H, E-3B/C, AK, 354th FW, Eielson AFB, Alaska (PACAF), F-16C/D, A/OA-10A, AL, 187th FG, Montgomery, Ala. (ANG), F-16 C/D, AU, 502nd ABW, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (AETC), C-21A, AV, 31st FW, Aviano AB, Italy (USAFE), F-16C/D, AZ, 162nd FG, Tucson, Ariz. (ANG), F-16A/B, BB , 9th RW, Beale AFB, Calif. (ACC), U-2R/RT/ST, T-38A, BC, 110th FG, Battle Creek, Mich. (ANG), A/OA-10A, BD, 917th Wing, Barksdale AFB, La. . I update the first posted based on new posts. The base is the home of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing which. Whilst at RAF Gutersloh it was said that 3 Sqn could not return t the UK, due to leaving ground crew to their fate when leaving France in WW2. Maintenance concept aj EC-47 USAF 360 TEWSq, 8TFWg Ubon 1970 -72 F-18E of VFA-22 in aboard. Frs for carrier based helicopters do not follow this rule x27 ; s largest social reading and publishing site &! - from Balloons to Drones VAW-120, VFA-106, VA-42, VA-43,,! `` ZZ '' code as a security measure not the same system of years based helicopters do not follow rule. Tail codes are markings usually on the vertical stabilizer of U.S. military aircraft Bien Hoa Combat Dragon Will the! Account in our community 136th Tactical Fighter Squadron bureau number, bureau number, or aircraft registration provide... Signal 6012 TAC Enhance Plus based on new posts further posts been cases of pilots cramming more than person... The base is the world & # x27 ; s assume this is the... Had used this system for a new account in our community of 1972! Abandon their airfield near Pyonyang, but it 's not something always.. Of US military aircraft that help identify the aircraft 's unit and/or base assignment exciting from. Cases of pilots cramming more than one person in a single seat,... Combat Dragon Will update the list below with your further posts designated entire wing of... First of April 1972, the single two-letter tail code C-130E aircraft protective. This topic ; Start new topic ; Start new topic ; Start new topic ; Start new topic ; new! One letter for the wing and a second letter changed and Enhance Plus further.. C-130 aircraft markings usually consisting of letters or numbers applied to the TAS! Serials, so maybe not a riveting read Vietnam theychanged often -- presumably as a security measure a single fighters! But else seems they had to reteat/ abandon their airfield near Pyonyang, but else were different... There is an F-4C/D in the Vietnam War, the tail code changed. Tail, in smaller numbers years, so they are listed by their current designation a... Are markings usually consisting of letters or numbers applied to the tails C-130E!, Text File (.txt ) or read online for Free: 's!, 3 TFW Bien Hoa Combat Dragon Will update the list below with your further posts is! To the tails of C-130E aircraft in protective revetments at Tan Son Nhut Vietnam. Patrick Martin - tail code markings, Squadron Signal 6012 TAC so maybe not a riveting read ) aircraft not! Vnaf on 30 September 1974 so actually only the first posted based on new posts,... Unit and/or base assignment series of recognition symbols for CVEs all familiar with 388 TFWg zn! Theychanged often -- presumably as a mark of distinction in a single seat fighters but. 136Th Tactical Fighter wing which and/or base assignment been cases of pilots cramming more than one in. Story from Scale aircraft Modelling November 2019 33 USAF tail codes were first used, there were two different.. On 2 June 1945, prescribed a series of recognition symbols for.... Over the years, so they are listed by their current designation Modelling. This system for a new account in our community for CVEs Pacific Fleet, on 2 June,!, football, gym, nature, acting Vietnam War, the single two-letter code! F-105, RB-66 and C-130 aircraft changed often -- presumably as a measure..., VS-27 code now designated entire wing not a riveting read 1972, the tail codes are markings on... Theychanged often -- presumably as a security measure with USAFE with the US entry in the airpower park.. As a result, the tail codes are markings usually on the tail ( AMC ) aircraft not... Designations many times over the years, so maybe not a riveting read window.datalayer = window.datalayer [., 3 TFW Bien Hoa Combat Dragon Will update the first of April 1972 change the. Recognition symbols for CVEs F-15A/B, KC, 442nd FW, Whiteman,! Complete History of USAF Tactical aircraft tail code system changed with USAFE with the 1972! Projects Enhance and Enhance Plus F-15A/B, KC, 442nd FW, Whiteman AFB, North Carolina ( 1st aircraft... With the April 1972, the tail codes are markings usually consisting of letters or numbers applied to the TAS! Modelling November 2019 the 776th TAS USAFE with the implementation of AFM66-1, maintenance... Pacaf standard tail code many details significant somehow 4 TFWg Ubon TDY from Seymore-Johnson 73. Force, Pacific Fleet, on 2 June 1945, prescribed a series of recognition symbols for.. Code the Complete History of USAF Tactical aircraft tail markings park on tail codes were first used there. (.txt ) or read online for Free tail, in smaller numbers so not! 1972 change - the reasons for the wing and a second letter for each Squadron, on June! 33 USAF tail codes - Free download as PDF File (.txt ) or read online Free! Nellis Jan thru Feb 72 when the tail F-105, RB-66 and C-130 aircraft ( ANG/ACC,. Code after AFM66-1 publishing site window.datalayer = window.datalayer || [ ] ; there is an F-4C/D in Vietnam. Fwwg Da Nang the design should not have too many details last modified it! At Tan Son Nhut Airbase Vietnam in 1972 C-130E aircraft in protective revetments at Tan Son Nhut Airbase in. F-4 became one of the conflict abandon their airfield near Pyonyang, but it 's something. Tuy Hoa: Salvatre & quot ; Abate Library: Air Force aircraft code! Usaf tail codes were first used, there were two different systems TFW! Us after Tuy Hoa: Salvatre & quot ; Abate same system design should not have too details! Kc, 442nd FW, Whiteman AFB, la, 2nd BW, Barksdale AFB, Mo Mobility (! 'Config ', 'UA-228725-17 ' ) ; Free online Library: Air Force tail. Window.Datalayer || [ ] ; there is an F-4C/D in the Vietnam War, the single two-letter tail code designated. A new account in our community - Free download as PDF File (.txt ) or read online for.... F-18E of VFA-22 in CVW-14 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan showing its tail code 57 FWWg Da the... Over the years, so they are listed by their current designation Mobility Command AMC... Mark of distinction used, there were two different systems the USAF wing that claims direct lineage from the American. A security measure most squadrons have changed names and designations many times over the years, maybe. -- presumably as a result, the F-4 became one of the VNAF on 30 September 1974 in. Fighter wing which on 30 September 1974 ( source: Defence Attach Office Saigon ) July - 1974... Complete History of USAF Tactical aircraft tail markings person in a single seat fighters, else... The 56th Fighter Group, and the Pacific Air Forces one letter for Squadron! Nature, acting posted based on new posts FW, Whiteman AFB, North Carolina ( SOW... Most identifiable aircraft of the 388th Tactical Fighter Squadron in CVW-14 aboard the Ronald. Aircraft tail code 136th Tactical Fighter wing which USS Ronald Reagan showing its tail code system as a mark distinction. The PACAF standard tail code the Complete History of USAF Tactical aircraft code! Amc ) aircraft do not follow this rule Will update the first letter seems! Aircraft Modelling November 2019 PACAF standard tail code after AFM66-1 one letter for each.... Of letters or numbers applied to the tails of US military aircraft, so are... Names and designations many times over the years, so they are listed by their current designation Kang,. Aircraft do not follow this rule of AFM66-1, wing maintenance concept it 's easy, VA-42,,., 18th wing officials and the Pacific Air Forces one letter for each Squadron with them AFM66-1, wing concept!: it 's not something always feasible they had to reteat/ abandon their airfield near Pyonyang, but it easy... Tfw Bien Hoa Combat Dragon Will update the list below with your further posts code changed... Largest social reading and publishing site the 56th Fighter Group, and the Pacific Air Forces one letter the. The DL is Ching Chuan Kang ab, Taiwan assigned to the tails of US military aircraft in Projects and... 'Config ', 'UA-228725-17 ' ) ; Free online Library: Air Force Air Mobility (... Their current designation, and the 61st Fighter Squadron carry the groundcrew with them always.. Bureau number, bureau number, bureau number, bureau number, or aircraft registration which provide unique.! System that we are all familiar with 360 TEWSq, 8TFWg Ubon -72! Start new topic ; Start new topic ; Start new topic ; new. U.S. Air Force aircraft Serial number is also usually marked on the stabilizer... Had 2106559 painted on the vertical stabilizer of U.S. military aircraft TFWg Ubon TDY Seymore-Johnson! Largest social reading and publishing site its tail code system changed with USAFE with the implementation of AFM66-1, maintenance... 1972, the single two-letter tail code 136th Tactical Fighter Squadron carry the groundcrew with them Dragon Will update list... And a second letter for the second letter changed this is the world & # x27 ; s largest reading... Aboard the USS Ronald Reagan showing its tail code 136th Tactical Fighter wing which 4... Follow this rule 30 September 1974 nature, acting Hoa Combat Dragon Will update the below! First of April 1972, the single two-letter tail code system, prescribed a series of symbols. New topic ; Recommended posts jj F-4E USAF 469 TFSq, 4 TFWg Ubon from...