AIRCRAFT MODEL DESIGNATIONS All aircraft have tri-service designations; that is, a given aircraft has the same alphanumeric identification symbol, regardless of which service uses the aircraft. Look at table 8-2. Here, you can find the four basic parts of an aircraft model designation. 1.  Mission/type modification symbol 2.  Basic mission/type symbol 3.  Aircraft series number 4.  Model series letter Now, let’s try out this system of aircraft designation. For example: EA-6B  Prowler 1.  Find the letter “E” in the first column of the table. This aircraft has special electronics. 2.  Find the letter “A” in the second column of the table. The basic mission symbol tells you that this is an attack aircraft. 3.  The  third  column  of  the  table  explains  the number after the dash. This is the sixth aircraft of this series. 8-34 Figure 8-40.—Rotary-wing aircraft. Mission/type modification symbol Basic mission/type symbol Aircraft series number Model series letter A Attack A Attack These numbers are assigned sequentially within each basic mission category. The number is separated from the basic mission  symbol by a dash. This letter, added to the series number, indicates an improvement or alteration of the basic mode. These are assigned in sequence; for example: F-4A, F-4B, F-4C, and so forth. C Cargo/transport B Bomber D Drone control C Cargo/transport E Special electronics E Special electronics H Search and rescue F Fighter K Tanker H Helicopter L Cold weather operations K Tanker M Missile capability O Observation O Observation P Patrol Q Drone S Antisubmarine R Reconnaissance T Trainer S Antisubmarine U Utility T Trainer V Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL)/short takeoff and landing (STOL) U Utility X Research V Staff transport W Weather reconnaissance Table 8-2.—Aircraft Model Designations