From Steve Bridges From Steve Bridges ACRONYMS. Note -- This is a congolmeration of many files, and isn't it too much of order, which will change by October. The military is famous for acronyms, and to help out new readers, a list of common acronyms is below. In addition there is some other info in there that may enhance your understanding of the topics AAA: Anti Aircraft Artillery Aardvark: F-111 fighter-bomber ALCM: Air Launched Cruise Missle Atrite: to loose troops by attrition Apache: AH64 helicopter AWACS: Airborne Warning and Control System Beaches: fighting terrain, arabian deserts Buff: nickname for the B-52 bomber (Big Ugly Fat Fu@*er) Collateral damage: Civ deaths, injuries and unexpected damage Decapitating attack: behind the lines attack on enemy commanders Eagle: F-15 Fighter Electronic jammers: Computer controlled pulses that disarm or disorient radar EPW's: Enemy prisoners of war Fighting Falcon: F-16 Fighter Fur Balls: fliers slang for the hectic tange of Air to Air dogfights Hornet F-18 Fighter Intruder: A-6 attack aircraft Jink: move quickly to evade enemy fire Killsack: Minefeilds or oil filled trenches MIA: Mising In Action NBC: Nuclear, Biological and Chemical weapons Patriot: a type of Anti ballistic missle missle a type of anti-aircraft missile with limited anti-ballistic missile capability Pave Tack: Infrared laser system for pinpointing targets POW: Prisoner Of War Prowler: EA-6B Electronic warfare fighter (NAVY) Raven: EF-111A Electronic warfare fighter (USAF) SLAM: Standoff Land Attack Missle Smart Bombs: self piloted microchip controlled weapon Sortie: a single mission flown by a single military aircraft Thunderbolt II: A-10A Attack Aircraft (Tank Killer)(SCUD Hunter) Tomcat: F-14 Fighter Tomahawk: Navy's cruise missle Warthog: Nickname for the USAF A-10A Wild Weasel: F-4G Fighter (SAM site Killer) Zulu: Greenwhich Mean time (0000 Zulu = 7 P.M EST = 3 A.M. Bagdad) 7. Soviet Acronyms: Surface combatants BPK Bol'shoy protivolodochniy korabl' (large anti-submarine ship) BRK Bol'shoy raketniy korabl' (large rocket ship) EM Eskadrenniy minonosets (destroyer) KR Kreyser (cruiser) KRU Korabl' upravleniye (command ship) PKR Protivolodochniy kreyser (anti-submarine cruiser) RAKR Atomnaya raketniy kreyser (nuclear rocket cruiser) RKR Raketniy kreyser (rocket cruiser) TAKR Takticheskoye avianosniy kreyser (tactical aircraft-carrying cruiser) Submarines PL Podvodnaya lodka (patrol submarine) PLA Atomnaya podvodnaya lodka (nuclear attack submarine) PLAP Atomnaya protivolodochnaya podlodka (nuclear hunter-killer submarine) PLARB Atomnaya podlodka raketnaya ballisticheskaya (nuclear ballistic missile submarine) PLARK Atomnaya podlodka raketnaya krilataya (nuclear cruise missile submarine) PLK Podlodka raketnaya krilataya (cruise missile submarine) Patrol/attack vessels MPK Maliy protivolodochniy korabl' (small anti-submarine ship) MRK Maliy raketniy korabl' (small rocket ship) PSKR Pogranichniy storozhevoy korabl' (border patrol ship) RKA Raketniy kater (rocket cutter) SKR Storozhevoy korabl' (patrol ship) TKA Torpedniy kater (torpedo cutter) Mine warfare vessels BT Bazoviy tral'shchik (base minesweeper) MT Morskoy tral'shchik (seagoing minesweeper) RT Reydovoy tral'shchik (roadstead minesweeper) ZM Zagraditel' minniy (minelayer) Amphibious warfare vessels BDK Bol'shoy desantniy korabl' (large landing ship) DK Desantniy korabl' (landing ship) SDK Sredniy desantniy korabl' (medium landing ship) Auxiliary vessels PB Plovuchaya baza (floating base) PM Plovuchaya masterskaya (floating workshop) VT Voyenniy transport (military transport) 8. U.S. Navy ship acronyms Abbr. Type --- -------------------- AE Ammunition Ship AFS Fleet Stores Ship AK General Cargo Ship AO Oiler AP Troop Ship (non-landing) APD Fast Destroyer Transport AR Repair Ship AVT Aircraft Carrier (Training) BB Battleship BC Battlecruiser BCGN Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Battlecruiser CA Heavy (armored) Cruiser CAH Through-Deck Cruiser (e.g. HMS _Invincible_) CB Big Cruiser (e.g. US WW2 era _Alaska_ class) CG Guided Missile Cruiser CGN Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Cruiser CL Light Cruiser CS Seaplane Tender (WW2 usage) CS Strike Cruiser (post-WW2 usage) CV Aircraft Carrier (conventional power) CVA Attack Carrier (post-WW2) CVE Escort Carrier CVH Helicopter Carrier CVL Light Carrier CVN Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier CVS Anti-submarine Aircraft Carrier DD Destroyer DDG Guided Missile Destroyer DE Escort Destroyer DMS Destroyer/Minesweeper FF Frigate FFG Guided Missile Frigate FFL Corvette LCC Command Ship. (Used for amphibious operations) LCI Landing Craft - Infantry LCM Landing Craft - Mechanized LCT Landing Craft - Tank LHA Helicopter Assault Ship LST Landing Ship - Tank ML Minelayer MS Minesweeper PC Patrol Corvette/Patrol Craft PG Patrol Gunboat PHM Missile-armed Patrol Hydrofoil PT Torpedo Boat PTM Missile-armed Patrol Boat (Often carries torpedoes as well.) SS Submarine (Conventional Deisel/Electric) SSB Balistic Missile Sub (Convenitonal power) SSBN Nuclear-powered Balistic Missile Submarine SSG Guided Missile Sub (Conventional power) SSGN Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Submarine SSN Nuclear-powered (attack) Submarine 9. RANK STRUCTURES -- Note: Those from other countries are most welcome. I'm especially looking for Great Britain, Germany, Former USSR (or CIS if they kept the same structures), and any other countries! U.S. Rank Structure Pay Grade USAF ARMY USMC USN ---- ---- ---- --------- --------------- E-1 Airman Basic Private(E1) Private Seaman Recruit E-2 Airman Private (E2) Private First Seaman Class [PFC] Apprentice E-3 Airman PFC Lance Corporal Seaman 1st Class E-4 Senior Airman/ Specialist or Corporal Petty Officer Sergeant Corporal 3rd Class E-5 Staff Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant PO 2nd Class E-6 Tech. Sergeant Staff Sgt. Staff Sgt. PO 1st Class E-7 Master Sergeant Sgt 1st Class Gunnery Sgt. Chief PO E-8 Senior Master Master Sgt or Master Sgt or Senior Chief Sergeant 1st Sgt 1st Sgt PO E-9 Chief Master Sgt Major or Master Gunnery Master Chief Sergeant Command SgtMaj Sgt or SgtMaj PO O-1 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut. 2nd Lieut Ensign O-2 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut. 1st Lieut Lieut. (JG) O-3 Captain Captain Captain Lieut. O-4 Major Major Major Lieut. Comdr. O-5 Lt. Col. Lt. Col. Lt. Col Commander O-6 Colonel Colonel Colonel Captain O-7 Brig. Gen. Brig. Gen. Brig. Gen. Rear Adm.(Lower) O-8 Maj. Gen Maj. Gen Maj Gen. RAdm (Upper) O-9 Lieut. Gen. Lieut. Gen. Lieut. Gen Vice Adm O-10 General General General Admiral US Coast Guard ranks are the same as for USN. Canadian Rank Structure: CANADA (rank structure in use today) Navy Army Air Force Noncommissioned: Ordinary Seaman Private Private Able Seaman Private Private Leading Seaman Corporal Corporal Master Seaman Master Corporal Master Corporal Petty Officer2 Sergeant Sergeant Petty Officer 1 Warrant-Officer Warrant-Officer Chief P.O. 2 Master W.O. Master W.O. or Sergeant-Maj Chief P.O. 1 Chief W.O. Chief W.O. or Regt Sgt Maj Commissioned: Acting Sub- Second- Second- Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant Sub-Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant Captain Captain Lieutenant- Major Major Commander Commander Lieutenant- Lieutenant- Colonel Colonel Captain Colonel Colonel Commodore Brigadier- Brigadier- General General Rear Admiral Maj Gen Maj Gen Vice Admiral Lt Gen Lt Gen Admiral General General Swedish Rank Structure Army, Air Force, Coastal Artillery Navy Approximate U.S equivalent ----------------- --------- ------------------------- menig Private korpral Corporal furir Sergeant sergeant Master Sergeant fa"nrik 2nd Lieut. / Ensign lo"jtnant 1st Lieut. / Lieut. (JG) kapten Captain / Lieut. major o"rlogskapten Major / Lieut. Cmdr. o"verstelo"jtnant kommendo"rkapten Lt. Col. / Commander o"verste kommendo"r Colonel / Captain o"verste 1 gr. kommendo"r 1 gr. Brig. Gen / Rear Adm. (LH) generalmajor konteramiral Maj. Gen. / Rear Adm. (UH) generallo"jtnant viceamiral Lieut. Gen. / Vice Adm. general amiral General / Admiral German Army Ranks Ranks in the German army come in groups. Everyone in a lower group has to greet everyone in a higher group when he/she (there are women in the Bundeswehr, but so far only as medics and in bands) meets one, and take orders from him(/her). This does not, however, apply within a group (ie a Major would not have to greet or take orders from an Oberstleutnant because of rank alone; then again, there are other categories, like position- if the OTL is in the same unit and commands the M, then he would be greeted, and could give orders), and never outside a military area- if I were still in the army, and stumbled across my korps general in town, I wouldn't be obliged to do so much as say "Hi" - if I recognised him at all, that is. And anyway, we have conscription in Germany and so I am OG d.R. (der Reserve - in reserve), and after basic training I wouldn't greet (militarily) anyone except when on guard duty, and this was entirely normal (I was in a staff company where a lot of officers ran around. Presumably I'd have spent half my time with my hand on my temple otherwise :). We - conscripts - would say "Gruess Gott" (Hello) to our unit commander, an Oberst, and call him "Obi" when no officer listened... Time periods given in the list below are how long you have to enlist total to get to finish with this rank, except where explained differently (ie enlisted men). On paper, people are not promoted because of seniority. They just become eligible for promotion after so-and-so many years. Draw your own conclusions on the influence seniority has on promotions, and promotion expectations, please. rank name group abbreviation Schuetze, Jaeger, Panzergrenadier, Panzer- Mannschaften S, J, PG, PS, P schuetze, Pionier, Sanitaetssoldat... SanS (?) Unterster Mannschaftsdienstgrad, if refer- lowest enlisted red to in regulation, as there are several rank names for different kinds of troops; Schuet- ze covers all support troops except as men- tioned; Jaeger is paras and mountain troops (Fallschirmjaeger and Gebirgsjaeger, respec- tively, but I think they are addressed just as "Jaeger", too), and light infantry; Pan- zergrenadier is mechanised infantry; Panzer- schuetze is armoured troops; Pionier is com- bat engineer; Sanitaetssoldat is combat pa- ramedic. Gefreiter (usually after six months of service) G Obergefreiter (after another six months) OG Stabsgefreiter (only for volunteers serving SG ? longer time, max 8 years!) (or upon leaving service even for conscripts if you get your personnel officer to do a lot of paperwork and bend some rules and give the boss a reason to promote you to it, anyway) Unteroffizier (must be volunteer, 2+ years) Unteroffiziere U, Uffz Stabsunteroffizier (four years minimum?) SU, StUffz Feldwebel (up to eight years?) Feldwebel Fw Oberfeldwebel (up to eight years?) OF, OFw Hauptfeldwebel (should be 12 years or life) HF, HFw Stabsfeldwebel (only if for life) SF, SFw Leutnant (officers are enlisted for six years. Leutnant L During this time they study at a university of the army, where they obtain a civilian degree, Masters level, like in management or engineer- ing. If they fail there, they're dismissed as Leutnant after six years. Otherwise their time is automatically prolonged to twelve years, and they should eventually become Hauptmann). Oberleutnant (I'm not sure whether the L or the H OL, OLt stand alone in a group. I tend towards the H, though) Hauptmann (needs 12 years) Hauptmann H, Hptm Major (all following grades need at least twelve Stabsoffiziere M years, and I do not think you can become anything higher than Major if you do not stay in for life - there is no third alternative between these two). Oberstleutnant OTL Oberst O Brigadegeneral (there isn't really such a thing as a "Generale My unit rank group. Each of them would theoretically have to greet any did not higher-ranking general- well, theoretically). have any of these Generalmajor so I do not know Generalleutnant them... General Shoulder patches are one to four diagonal stripes for Mannschaften, an overturned U for Uffze, closed by a bar for Stuffze, one to three silver stars for Offze (Offiziere: L - H), one to three silver stars with silver oak leaves for Stoffze, and one to four golden stars with oak leaves for generals. There is a little coloured band on the shoulder patch in a troop type specific colour- pink for Panzer, green for Jaeger, blue for Maintenance and Transport,... Most troops wear red berets; Jaeger and Panzergrenadiere have green ones and Panzertruppe black ones. Sanis (medics) have blue ones. The Luftwaffe don't have any, they wear the "Schiffchen" (like a little ship you can fold out of a sheet of paper, overturned). Rumour had it some time ago they'd get yellow berets... On the berets is a metal insignia identifying the exact troop type, eg artillery, maintenance, transport (yes, doesn't match with the above), psychological warfare, what you want... ODDITIES: pilots usually have to stay longer because they are more expensive to train (both fixed-wing and helicopter). In the Luftwaffe (air force) the lowest rank is "Flieger", but afterwards it seems to go on pretty much like in the army. The Bundesmarine (navy) should of course have its own lowest enlisted rank though I don't know it; for sure they call the Feldwebel Bootsmann, and I think they have different levels of Kapitaen (as equivalent of Stoffz levels, I think). I'm sure again that in place of Generale, they have Admirale (various levels, one of which is Flotillenadmiral). The medics have a prefix of San- (short for Sanitaets-, meaning medical xxx) for their Uffze. Their Hauptmann is a Stabsarzt, and from then on they have some combination of rank and -arzt, meaning doctor. While prospecitve Offze and Uffze do their basic training they have enlisted ranks with the suffix OA for Offiziersanwaerter (officer-to-be) or UA for Unteroffiziersanwaerter (Uffz in the making). OAs wear a silver band on their shoulder patch. I have forgotten what identifies UAs. Somewhere in that Faehnrich (F, Fhr) and Oberfaehnrich (OFhr) fit in. These are intermediary ranks between xx OA and Lt. I honestly do not remember where they fit into the groups, but theoretically I had to greet them as an OG. If Fw want to become Officer they can, but only as "Offizier des Militaerfachlichen Dienstes", and can then have only certain special positions, and are promoted much slower, to Hptm maximum. There is no way to recognise these guys from the outside, except that they are far too old for their rank :). Royal Navy Rank Structure RN rank structure. Junior Seaman Ordinary Seaman Able Seaman Leading Seaman (sl 'killick') Petty Officer Chief Petty Officer Warrant Officer RAF Officers Army Officers Midshipman Pilot Officer 2nd Lt Sub Lieutenant Flying Officer Lt Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant Captain Lt Commander Squadron Leader Major Commander Wing Commander Lt Colonel Captain Group Captain Colonel Commodore Air Commodore Brigadier Rear Admiral Major General Vice Admiral Air Vice Marshall Lt General Admiral Air Marshall General Admiral of the Fleet Air Chief Marshall Field Marshall The RN rank of Commodore is held by Captains in certain jobs thus Captain- Rr Adml is the normal promotion. British army rank titles for ncos vary from regiment to regiment. 10. More Acronyms 1MC - [One-M-C] Ship's Primary Broadcast System AAW - Antiaircraft Warfare ACB - Amphibious Construction Battalion ADAC - Acoustic Data Analysis Center ADCOM - Administrative Command ADIZ - Air Defense Identification Zone ADS - Advanced Deployable System ADSW - Antidiesel Submarine Warfare AEW - Airborne Early Warning AIMD - Avionics Integrated Maintenance Department ALNAV - [All Navy] Message for distrubution to all naval personnel ALUSNA - U.S. Naval Attache (followed by location, e.g., ALUSNA, London) AMDP - Aircraft Maintenance Delayed For Parts ANFE - Aircraft Not Fully Equipped ANGLICO - Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company AOC - Aviation Officer Cadet AOCP - Aircraft Out-of-Commission for Parts APFSDS-DU Armor Penetrating Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot - Depleted Uranium ARG - Amphibious Ready Group ASOC - Air Support Operations Center ASROC - Antisubmarine Rocket ASTOVL - Advanced Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing ASUW - Antisurface Warfare ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (was GCT) ASW - Antisubmarine Warfare ATO - Air Tasking Order AUTEC - Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center AWOL - Absent Without Leave -- Steve Bridges, sci.military moderator|AT&T Global Information Solutions military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com | WorldWide Information Systems Phone: 513-445-4486 VP 622-4486 | Campus Lan Administration Fax: 513-445-1933 622-1933 (VP)__| PP-ASEL,AMEL "I want a P-38 type rating" From military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com Thu Sep 1 22:27:32 EST 1994 >From Steve Bridges >From Steve Bridges BADRA - Blackhawk and Assigned Destroyers Reunion Association (Asiatic) BAI - Battlefield Air Interdiction BARCAP - Barrier Combat Air Patrol BCD - Bad Conduct Discharge BDA - Bomb Damage Assessment BDS - Battle Dressing Station BLT - Battalion Landing Team BNEP - Basic Naval Establishment Plan BT - Bathythermograph BUSANDA - Bureau of Supplies And Accounts C(4)I - Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence CAG - Carrier Air Group CAP - Combat Air Patrol CARQUAL - Carrier Qualification CAS - Close Air Support CASREP - Casualty Report CB - Construction Batallion (Seabee) CBI - Computer Based Instruction CBMU - Maintenance Unit Construction Battalion CBR - Chemical, Biological, and Radiological CC - Tactical Command Ship CCA - Carrier Controlled Approach CCIR - Commander's Critical Information Requirement CEP - Circular Error Probable CIC - Combat Information Center CNO - Chief of Naval Operations (The Most Senior Navy Officer) CO - Commanding Officer COD - Carrier Onboard Delivery COLREGS - International Nautical Rules of the Road COM - Prefix referencing the "Commander" of a Command (not the Command) COMRATS - Commuted Rations CONUS - Continental United States COOP - Craft-Of-Opportunity Program CRUD - Corrosive, Radioactive, Undetermined Deposit (nuclear Navy) CS - Commissaryman (now MS) CSAR - Combat Search And Rescue CSMP - Current Ship's Maintenance Project CTE - Commander, Task Element CTF - Commander, Task Force CTG - Commander, Task Group CTU - Commander, Task Unit CVBG - Carrier Battle Group CW - Carrier Wave D-DAY - Day on which an operation is to commence DAB - Defense Acquisition Board DADCAP - Dawn and Dusk Combat Air Patrol DASH - Drone Antisubmarine Helicopter DDS - Digital Data System DECM - Defensive Electronic Countermeasures DMA - Defense Mapping Agency DOD - Department of Defense DR - Dead Reckoning DRT - Dead Reckoning Tracer DSRV - Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicle DTG - Date-Time-Group EAB - Emergency Air Breathing (Mask) ECM - Electronic Countermeasures EDO - Engineering Duty Officer EFPH - Equivalent Full-Power Hours EHF - Extremely High Frequency ELF - Extremely Low Frequency EOD - Explosive Ordnance Disposal EOOW - Engineering Officer Of the Watch EP - Estimated Position EPANS - Enlisted Personnel Allocation and Nomination System ESM - Electronic Support Measure ESR - Equivalent Service Round ETC - Electrothermal Chemical (Guns) FAST - Fast Automatic Shuttle Transfer System FBM - Fleet Ballistic Missile FIFO - First-In-First-Out FLIR - Forward Looking Infrared FLY(#) - Flight Deck Subdivisions (Fly 1, Fly 2, and Fly 3) FMF - Fleet Marine Force FOD - Foreign Object Damage FOUR-0 - Perfect FPV - Force Projection Vehicle FRAM - Fleet Rehabilitation And Modernization (Program) FSCL - Fire Support Coordination Line FXR - Foxer Gear GCA - Ground-Controlled Approach GCI - Ground-Controlled Interception GCT - General Classification Test (now ASVAB) GEM - Ground Effects Machine GEOREF - Geographical Reference (System) GHA - Greenwich Hour Angle GLORIA - Geographical Long Range Inclined Asdic GQ - General Quarters (Battle Stations) H-HOUR - Time at which an operation is to commence (usually on D-DAY) HALO High Altitude Low Opening - SF parachute insertion technique HCS - Helicopter Combat Support HEAT Tank ammo - High Explosive Anti-Tank HESH Tank ammo - High Explosive Squash Head HHW - Higher High Water HIHO High Insertion High Opening - SF parachute insertion technique HILO High Insertion Low Opening - another name for HALO HLW - Higher Low Water HUK - Hunter-Killer Force HZ - Hertz IADS - Integrated Air Defense System IFF - Identification, Friend or Foe ILW - International Low Water IMC - Image/Motion Compensation JAG - Judge Advocate General JAN - Joint Army-Navy JATO - Jet-Assisted Take-Off JFACC - Joint Force Air Component Commander JFC - Joint Task Force Commander JLRSS - Joint Long Range Strategic Study JOOD - Junior Officer Of the Deck JOOW - Junior Officer Of the Watch JPATS - Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (USN & USAF) JSCP - Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan JSOP - Joint Strategic Objectives Plan JTF - Joint Task Force LAMPS - Light Airborne MultiPurpose System LAN - Local Apparent Noon LDO - Limited Duty Officer LFA - Low Frequency Active LHW - Lower High Water LIDAR - Laser-Light-Detection-And-Ranging LLW - Lower Low Water LORAD - Long-Range Active Detection (System) LPO - Leading Petty Officer LTA - Lighter-Than-Air LW - Low Water MAA - Master-At-Arms MAD - Magnetic Airborne Detector MAD - Magnetic Anomaly Detection MAD - Mutual Assured Destruction MAG - Maritime Action Group MAGTF - Marine Air-Ground Task Force MCB - Mobile Construction Battalion MCM - Mine Countermeasures MEB - Marine Expeditionary Brigade MEF - Marine Expeditionary Force MERCAST - Merchant Ship Broadcast System MEREP - Merchant Ship Report MEU - Marine Expeditionary Unit MIFASS - Marine Integrated Fire and Air Support System MILSTRIP - Military Standard Requisitioning and Issuing Procedures MK - Mark (specific equipment designation - followed by MOD) MLRS - Multiple Launch Rocket System MOD - Model or Modification (variety of MK) MOS - Military Occupational Specialty MPA - Maritime Patrol Aircraft MRC - Movement Report Center MRO - Movement report Office MS - Mess Management Specialist (was CS) MSB - Minesweeping Boat MSC - Military Sealift Command MTACCS - Marine Tactical Command and Control System MTI - Moving Target Indicator NAAS - Naval Auxiliary Air Station NAF - Naval Air Facility NAS - Naval Air Station NATF - Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter NAVALT - Naval Alteration NAVSAT - Navy (Navigation) Satellite (System) NDRF - National Defense Reserve Fleet NEC - Navy Enlisted Classification (Code) NEWRADS - Nuclear Explosion Warning and Radiological Data System NEX - Navy Exchange NFO - Naval Flight Officer NFST - National Fleet Surgical Team NMPC - Naval Military Personnel Command NOL - Naval Ordnance Laboratory NOMAD - Navy Oceanographic and Meteorological Automatic Device NOS - National Ocean Survey NOTAL - Not To (nor needed by) All NOTAMS - Notice to Airmen NROTC - Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps NSFO - Navy Standard Fuel Oil (i.e., Black Oil) NSFS - Naval Surface Fire Support NTDO - Navy Technical Data Office NUC - Navy Unit Commendation NVG - Night Vision Goggles OBA - Oxygen Breathing Apparatus OBOGS - On-Board Oxygen Generating System OCONUS - Outside Continental United States ODR - Omnidirection Range OOD - Officer Of the Deck OOW - Officer Of the Watch OPCON - Operational Control OPNAV - Entire Pentagon staff under control of the CNO OPORD - Operation Order OPPLAN - Operation Plan ORE - Operational Readiness Evaluation ORI - Operational Readiness Inspection PAE - Program Analysis & Evaluation PAL - Prisoner At Large PDL - Pass Down the Line (Book) PDR - Periscope Detection Radar PECM - Passive Electronic Countermeasures POD - Plan Of the Day PPI - Plan Position Indicator PUC - Presidential Unit Citation QM - Quartermaster RADAR - Radio Detection And Ranging RADIAC - Radioactivity Detection, Indication, And Computation RATAN - Radio And Television Aid to Navigation RATT - Radioteletype RAWIN - Radar Wind Sounding RAWINSONDE - Radar Wind Sounding and Radiosonde RCM - Radio Countermeasures RDF - Radio Direction Finder RECSHIP - Receiving Ship RECSTA - Receiving Station RESCAP - Rescue Combat Air Patrol RO/RO - Roll-On/Roll-Off ROC - Reserve Officer Candidate ROTC - Reserve Officer Training Corps SAR - Search And Rescue SAU - Search and Attack Unit SCN - Shipbuilding and Conversion Navy SDI - Strategic Defense Initiative SEAL - Sea, Air, Land SEBS - Submarine Emergency Buoyancy System SECNAV - The Secretary of the Navy SELF - Submarine Extremely Low Frequency SERB - Selective Early Retirement Board SERVFOR - Service Force SES - Surface Effect Ship SEW - Space and Electronic Warfare SHF - Super High Frequency SHIPALT - Ship Alteration SIV - Special Interest Vehicle SK - Storekeeper SLAM - Standoff Land Attack Missle SLCM - Submarine Launched Cruise Missle SLEP - Service Life Extension Program SLOC - Sea Lines Of Communication SLR - Side Looking Radar SNAP - Shipboard Nontactical Automated Data Processing SNAPII - Shipboard Nontactical Automated Data Processing - 2nd Generation SOBT - Submarine On-Board Training SOFA - Status Of Forces Agreement SOFAR - Sounding, Fixing, And Ranging SONAR - Sound Navigation And Ranging SOP - Senior Officer Present SOP - Standard Operating Procedure SOPA - Senior Officer Present Afloat SORD - Submerged Ordnance Recovery Device SP - Shore Patrol SPC - Specific Fuel Consumption SSBN - Fleet Ballistic Missle Submarine SSC - Supply Systems Command STOL - Short Take-Off/Landing SUBCAP - Submarine Combat Air Patrol SUBROC - Submarine Rocket TACAN - Tactical Air Navigation TACGRU - Tactical Air Control Group TACRON - Tactical Air Control Squadron TAD - Temporary Additional Duty TAO - Tactical Action Officer TAR - Reservist on Active duty for Training TASM - Tomahawk Conventional Antishipping Missle TERF - Terrain Flight TLAM - Tomahawk Conventional Land Attack Missle TO - Table of Organization UA - Unauthorized Absence UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UCMJ - Uniform Code of Military Justice UDT - Underwater Demolition Team UHF - Ultra High Frequency UNREP - Underway Replenishment USNI - United States Naval Institute USNR - United States Navy Reserve USNR(R) - United States Navy Reserve (Ready) USNS - United States Naval Ship USS - United States Ship UUV - Unmanned Undersea Vehicle VERTREP - Vertical Replenishment VHF - Very High Frequency VLF - Very Low Frequency VOR - Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range VORTAC - Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range & Tactical Air Navigation VPR - Virtual PPI Reflectoscope VSTOL - Vertical Short Take-Off/Landing VT - Variable Time (Proximity) Fuze WIG - Wing-In-Ground (Effect) XO - Executive Officer (slang) SS - Silent Service or Submersable Ship SSN - Submersable Ship Nuclear (fast attack sub) 11. U.S. DOD DESIGNATION SYSTEM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PUBLICATION 4120.15-L MISSION, DESIGN, AND SERIES SYSTEM (MDS) The current military vehicle designation system for military aircraft was introduced as a standard for all services in 1962. It is used for three purposes: 1) Aircraft 2) Guided missiles, rockets, boosters, and satellites 3) Electronic equipment The system consists of designations of the following type: XXXX-...X (-..-XX) where X indicates a letter, and . indicates a number. Not all letters are used all the time. 1) AIRCRAFT DESIGNATIONS: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: VEHICLE TYPE: It indicates the type of vehicle at hand, e.g. helicopter, V/STOL. For normal aircraft, this designator is NOT used. (Example: the SH-2F uses the H to indicate it is a helicopter. The F-16A is a regular aircraft, and does not have a vehicle type designator). G - Glider H - Helicopter S - Spaceplane V - VTOL/STOL Z - Lighter than air BASIC MISSION: This is the most important designator. It indicates the primary design task of the aircraft. (Example: The B-1B uses a B because it is a bomber). A - Attack B - Bomber C - Cargo/ transport E - Special electronic installation F - Fighter O - Observation P - Patrol R - Reconnaissance: ER - Electronic Reconnaissance SR - Strategic Reconnaissance TR - Tactical Reconnaissance S - Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) T - Trainer U - Utility X - Research MODIFIED MISSION: Indicates the vehicle has been modified for a specific mission. Only one modified mission symbol is allowed. The modified mission symbol precedes the basic mission symbol. A - Attack C - Cargo/ transport D - Drone director E - Special electronic installation F - Fighter H - Search and Rescue (SAR) K - Tanker (from Kerosine tanker) L - Cold weather M - Multi-mission O - Observation P - Patrol Q - Drone R - Reconnaissance S - Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) T - Trainer U - Utility V - Staff/ VIP transport W - Weather STATUS PREFIX: Indicates that the vehicle is not standard due to tests, modifications, or experiments. This prefix precedes the modified and basic mission symbols. G - Permanently grounded J - Special test temporary N - Special test permanent X - Experimental Y - Prototype Z - Planning Returning to the first dash, and moving RIGHT, we encounter: DESIGN NUMBER: Supposedly in sequential order, it indicates the model aircraft within the basic mission catagorie. For example, C-20D, C-21A, C-22A, C-23B, EC-24A, VC-25A, C-26A, C-27A, etc. Obviously, the order is not always sequential, e.g. F-23, F-111, F-117. SERIES: Indicates alphabetically major modifications to the original design, which is indicated by the A. For example, the F-16B is a major modification of the F-16A. I and O are skipped. Then we officially encounter another dash, and two more designators. These are not used very often, however, and are not always indicated on the aircraft. Moving to the right from the dash, we find: BLOCK NUMBER: Indicates the block of identical aircraft to which the aircraft belonges. (another dash) MANUFACTURER IDENTIFICATION CODE: Indicates the manufacturer. Let's take an example: NKC-135A ||| | | Status prefix ----------------------------+|| | | || | | Modified mission --------------------------+| | | | | | Basic mission ------------------------------+ | | | | Design number ---------------------------------+ | | Series ------------------------------------------+ Sometimes, the block number and manufacturer code are added to the designation: F-4G-43-MC | || | | Basic mission ----------------------------+ || | | || | | Design number ------------------------------+| | | | | | Series --------------------------------------+ | | | | Block number ----------------------------------+ | | Manufacturer--------------------------------------+ 2) GUIDED MISSILES, ROCKETS, BOOSTERS, AND SATTELITES: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: VEHICLE TYPE: Indicates the type of (unmanned) vehicle. B - Booster M - Guided missile or drone N - Probe R - Rocket S - Satellite BASIC MISSION: This is the most important designator. It indicates the primary design task of the vehicle. C - Cargo/ transport D - Decoy E - Electronic or communication G - Surface attack I - Intercept aerial or space L - Launch detection or surveillance M - Scientific/ calibration N - Navigation Q - Drone S - Space support T - Training U - Underwater attack W - Weather LAUNCH ENVIRONMENT: Type of launching platform. A - Air B - Multiple C - Coffin F - Individual G - Runway H - Silo stored L - Silo launched M - Mobile P - Soft pad R - Ship S - Space U - Underwater STATUS PREFIX: C - Captive D - Dummy J - Special test temporary M - Modified N - Special test permanent X - Experimental Y - Prototype Z - Planning The same rules as for aircraft apply to the rest of the designation, except for the block and manufacturer. This might be replaced by a CONFIGURATION NUMBER, which indicates a modification. Let's take an example: AIM-9L ||| || Launch environment -----------------------+|| || || || Basic mission -----------------------------+| || | || Vehicle type -------------------------------| || || Design number --------------------------------+| | Series ----------------------------------------+ 3) ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: -- Steve Bridges, sci.military moderator|AT&T Global Information Solutions military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com | WorldWide Information Systems Phone: 513-445-4486 VP 622-4486 | Campus Lan Administration Fax: 513-445-1933 622-1933 (VP)__| PP-ASEL,AMEL "I want a P-38 type rating" From military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com Thu Sep 1 22:27:47 EST 1994 >From Steve Bridges >From Steve Bridges Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: PURPOSE: The primary task of this electronic equipment. A - Auxilary assemblies B - Bombing C - Communications D - Direction finding, recon, and/or surveillance E - Ejection and/or release G - Fire control or light finding H - Recording or reproducing K - Computing M - Maintenance or test assemblies N - Navigational aids Q - Special or combinations of purposes R - Receiving/ passive detecting S - Detecting and/or range bearing, search T - Transmitting W - Automatic flight or remote control X - Identification and recognition Y - Surveillance and control EQUIPMENT TYPE: A - Infrared or invisible light C - Carrier (wire) D - Radiac E - Nupac F - Photographic G - Telegraph or teletype I - Interphone or public address J - Electromechanical or inertial wire covered K - Telemetering L - Countermeasure M - Meteorological N - Sound in air P - Radar Q - Sonar and underwater sound R - Radio S - Special types, magnetic combination of types T - Telephone (wire) V - Visual or visible light W - Armament X - Facsimile or TV Y - Data processing PLATFORM/ INSTALLATION: A - Airborne (piloted aircraft) B - Underwater mobile (submarine) C - Air transportable D - Pilotless carrier F - Fixed (ground) G - General purpose use K - Amphibious M - Ground mobile P - Portable S - Water T - Ground transportable U - General utility assemblies V - Ground vehicular W - Water surface and underwater combination Z - Piloted and pilotless airborne combination JOINT SERVICE INDICATOR: AN - Joint services The same rules as for aircraft apply to the rest of the designation, except for the block and manufacturer. This might be replaced by a VARIABLE GROUPING, which indicates a modification. Let's take an example: AN/APG-68A | ||| || Approved for joint services -------------+ ||| || ||| || Installation ------------------------------+|| || || || Equipment type -----------------------------+| || | || Purpose -------------------------------------+ || || Design number ----------------------------------+| | Series ------------------------------------------+ 12. Military Associations The Marine Corps Association maintains a military book store with an extensive collection of interest to the military reader. Their selection includes many books addressing military issues not explicitly connected to the Marine Corps. A free catalog of current listings may be obtained by writing to: Marine Corps Association (attn: Book Service) Box 1775, Quantico VA 22134 The book store may also be reached by telephone at: local (Northern Virginia) 703.640.6161 Autovon 278.3171 Toll Free 1.800.336.0291 FAX 703.640.0823 Major topic areas listed in the catalog (of 1993) include: MARINE CORPS HISTORY AND HERITAGE AVIATION * CIVIL WAR ** WORLD WAR II KOREA VIETNAM MIDDLE EAST GENERAL READING REFERENCE LEADERSHIP * The largest population group of Marine officers are pilots. This often comes as a surprise to people who think of the Marine Corps as light infantry only. ** For those with a Southern background, such as Texas Aggies, this is what the Yankees call the War of Northern Aggression. There is also a gift shop that carries a variety of flags, posters, postcards, videos, and boardgames. The MCA bookstore can also provide formal and informal calling cards. This information is provided solely for the benefit of the users of sci.military and other related electronic media. I have no official connection with the MCA book service. Also available by anonymous ftp from byrd.mu.wvnet.edu, in /pub/history/submissions/eg (temporarily, latest versions) or /pub/history/military/airforce. Nothing guaranteed. Any corrections, additions and comments are very welcome -- please mail to gustin@uia.ac.be Emmanuel Gustin Lucus a non lucendo gustin@uia.ac.be /--------------------------------------- -------------------------------------/ FROM StdTexts IMPORT Disclaimer; ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Version 4 of 20 April 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: See the sov_mil.txt file for NATO codenames for soviet equipment. See the jap_mil.txt file for the Japanese WWII designation system, Allied WWII codenames for Japanese equipment and translations of Japanese aircraft names. See the us_mil.txt file for the US designation systems. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- --A-------------------------------------------------------------------------- AAA Anti-Aircraft Artillery AAAM [USA] Advanced AIr-to-Air Missile. A replacement for AIM-54 Phoenix. Cancelled. AAC [UK] Army Air Corps AAC [USA] Alaskan Air Command A&AEE [UK] Aerospace & Armament Experimental Establishment, at Boscombe Down, UK. AAF [USA] Army Airfield AAFA [USA] Army Aviation Flight Activity AAFCE [NATO] Allied Air Forces Central Europe AAFTC [USA] Air Force Flight Test Center (Edwards AFB) AAH [USA] Advanced Attack Helicopter, the AH-64. AALAW Advanced Air-Launched Anit-armour Weapon AAM Air-to-Air Missile AAOFA [USA] Army Aviation Operating Facility AAR Air-to-air refuelling AAS [USA] Aeromedical Airlift Squadron AASF [USA] Army Aviation Support Facility AAW Anti-Aircraft Warfare ABC [UK] AirBorne Cigar, codename for equipment used during WWII to jam German communications. ABCCC [USA] Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center. ABG [USA] Air Base Group ABM Anti-Ballistic Missile ABS [USA] Air Base Squadron ABW [USA] Air Base Wing ACA Airspace Coordination Area ACBT Air Combat training ACC [Allied] Armored Column Cover, continous presence of tactical aircraft to support advancing armored forces. ACC [USA] Air Combat Command; created at 1 June 1992 by merging TAC and SAC. ACC Air Component Commander ACCP Anti-Char Courte Portee -- short-range anti-tank missile. ACCS [USA] Airborne Command & Control Squadron ACE [NATO] Allied Command Europe ACE Airborne Command Element ACF Air Combat Fighter ACLS Automatic Carrier Landing System ACLS Air Cushion Landing System ACM [UK] Air Chief Marshal ACMR [USA] Air Combat Maneuvering Range ACO Airspace Control Order ACR [USA] Armoured Cavalry Regiment ACS [USA] Air Commando Squadron ACT [USA] Armoured Cavalry Troop ACT [USA] Air Combat Tactics ACTIVE [USA] Advanced Control Technology for Integrated Vehicles; application of fully thrust-vectoring nozzles to the F-15 SMTD. ACV [USA] Auxiliary AIcraft Carriers, later renamed CVE. See CVE for numbers. ACW [USA] Air Control Wing ADA Air Defense Artillery ADC [USA] Aerospace Defence Command ADCOM Administrative Command ADCS [USA] Air Deployment & Control Squadron ADF Automatic Direction Finder ADG [Canada] AIr Defence Group ADIZ Air Defense Identification Zone Adler Tag [Germany] Eagle's Day, 13 August 1940. Formal start of the German bomber offensive against Britain. ADM [USA] Air-launched decoy missile. See "us_mil.txt" for a description of the USA designation system. ADM-20 Quail ADS Advanced Deployable System ADS [USA] Air Defense Sector ADSM [USA] Air-Defence Suppression Missile, an air-launched, anti-radiation development of Stinger. ADSW Anti Diesel Submarine Warfare ADV [UK] Air Defence Variant, the interceptor version of the Panavia Tornado. AE [USA] Ammunition ship. AEAF [Allied] Allied Expeditionary Air Force, the air support force for 'Overlord'. AEB [USA] Area Exploration Battalion Aegis [USA] Advanced anti-missile and anti-aircraft system fitted to a number of USN ships. Aeronautica Militare Italiana [Italy] Italian Air Force AEW Airborne Early Warning AEW&C Airborne Early Warning & Control Aeronavale [France] Naval air force AETC [USA] Air Education & Training Command AF Air Force AFAC Airborne FAC AFB [USA] Air Force Base AFBMD [USA] Air Force Ballistic Missile Division. AFMC [USA] Air Force Materiel Command AFPLA [China] Air Force of the People's Liberation Army AFRES [USA] Air Force Reserve AFS [USA] Fleet Stores Ship AFSOC [USA] Air Force Special Operations Command AFSPACECOM [USA] Air Force Space Command AFSS [USA] Air Force Security Service AFTI [USA] Advanced Fighter Technology Integration AFWL [USA] Air Force Weapons Laboratory AG [USA] Airlift Group AGL Above Ground Level AGM [USA] Air-to-Ground Missile AGM-12 Bullpup AGM-28 Hound Dog AGM-45 Shrike AGM-53 Condor AGM-62 Walleye AGM-64 Hornet AGM-65 Maverick AGM-69 SRAM AGM-78 Standard ARM AGM-84 Harpoon and SLAM AGM-86 ALCM AGM-88 HARM AGM-109 Tomahawk TALCM AGM-114 Hellfire AGM-122 Sidearm AGM-123 Skipper AGM-131 SRAM II AGM-136 Tacit Rainbow AGM-142 Have Nap AGT [USA] Advanced Gun Technology. AHAMS [USA] Advanced Heavy Anti-tank Missile System AHB [UK] Air Historical Branch of the MoD. AHC Aircraft Handling Characteristics AI Air Interdiction AI Air Intercept AIAAM [USA] Advanced Intercept Air-to-Air Missile, a proposed successor for AIM-54 Phoenix. AID [UK] Aeronautical Inspection Directorate AIM [USA] Air-to-air missile. See "us_mil.txt" for an explanation of the USA designation system. AIM-4 Falcon AIM-7 Sparrow AIM-9 Sidewinder AIM-26 (Falcon) AIM-47 (Falcon) AIM-54 Phoenix AIM-82 AIM-92 Stinger AIM-95 Agile AIM-97 Seekbat AIM-120 AMRAAM AIM-132 ASRAAM AIR [USA] Air-to-air rocket AIR-2 Genie AK [USA] General Cargo Ship AKG [Germany] Aufklarungsgeschwader -- reconaissance wing AKG 51 'Immelmann' AKV [USA] Aircraft Ferry. Often old carriers. ALAT [France] Aviation Legere de l'Armee de Terre; 'light air force of the land army'. ALCM [USA] Air-Launched Cruise Missile, the AGM-86 cruise missile carried by the B-52 and B-1. ALCS [USA] Augmented Longitudinal Control System ALF [USA] Airlift Flight ALFSEA [Allied] Allied Land Forces South-East Asia, central command for these forces, created in November 1944. ALH Active Laser Homing ALIC Aircraft Launcher Interface Computer ALLNAV [USA] All Navy, message to all navy personnel. ALO Air Liaison Officer Alpha Check Request for heading and distance to a specified point. Alpha Scramble Operational Alert mission. Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Malakiya Marakishaya [Maroc] Royal Maroccan Air Force Al Quwwat al Jawwiya as Saudiya [Saudi-Arabia] Royal Saudi Air Force. Al Quwwat al Jawwiya bij Libiyya [Libya] Libyan Air Force. Al Quwwat bij Jawwiya il Misriya [Egypt] Egyptian Air Force ALS [USA] Airlift Squadron ALUSNA [USA] U.S. Naval Attache AMC [USA] Air Mobility Command. Created in 1992, combining the transport part of MAC, TAC and SAC. AMDP Aircraft Maintenance Delayed for Parts AMF [USA] Automatic Maneuvring Flaps, fitted to the A-7D. AMI [Italy] Aeronautica Militare Italiana -- Italian Air Force AMPSA [USA] Advanced Manned Precision Strategic Aircraft. Requirement, 1965. AMRAAM [USA] Advanced Medium Range AAM, also known as AIM-120, the replacement for AIM-7 Sparrow, similar in layout but smaller, and with an active seeker. AMSA [USA] Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft. Requirement, 1965. AMW [USA] Air Mobility Wing ANFE Aircraft Not Fully Equipped ANG [USA] Air National Guard ANG [France] Atlantique Nouvelle Generation ANGB [USA] Air National Guard Base Angels Altitude in thousands of feet. ANGLICO Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company ANP [USA] Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion -- an attempt to build a nuclear-powered aircraft, primarily a strategic bomber. ANT [France] Armament Nucleaire Tactique; the nuclear-armed part of the air force. Anvil [Allied] Allied invasion in South France, originally intended to contemporary with 'Overlord'. Postponed and renaled 'Dragoon'. AO [USA] Oiler ship. AOA Angle of attack AOC Aviation Officer Cadet AOCP Aircraft Out-of-Commission for Parts AP Armour Piercing AP [USA] Troop Ship, non-landing. APAM [USA] Anti-Personnel and Anti-Materiel APD [USA] Fast Destroyer Transport (ship category) APU Auxiliary Power Unit AR [USA] Training Ship Archimedes [Germany] WWII acoustic guidance system for missiles. Arclight [USA] Deployment of B-52s to Guam in support of the American forces in Vietnam. ARCP Air Refuelling Control Point ARCT -- Steve Bridges, sci.military moderator|AT&T Global Information Solutions military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com | WorldWide Information Systems Phone: 513-445-4486 VP 622-4486 | Campus Lan Administration Fax: 513-445-1933 622-1933 (VP)__| PP-ASEL,AMEL "I want a P-38 type rating" From military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com Thu Sep 1 22:27:59 EST 1994 >From Steve Bridges >From Steve Bridges Air Refuelling Control Time AREFG [USA] Air Refuelling Group AREFS [USA] Air Refuelling Squadron AREFW [USA] Air Refuelling Wing ARG [USA] Air Refuelling Group ARG [Canada] Air Reserve Group Argument [Allied] Offensive of the 8th AF to eliminate the Luftwaffe, beginning of 1944. ARH Active Radar Homing ARIP Air Refuelling Initial Point ARM Anti-Radiation Missile Armee de l'Air [France] Air Force ARNG [USA] Army National Guard ARP [USA] Aero Rifle Platoon; infantrymen carried by helicopters. ARPA [USA] Advanced Projects Research Agency ARPV [USA] Advanced Remotely Piloted Vehicle. RPV development programme. ARRS [USA] Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. ARS [USA] Air Rescue Squadron Article 341 [USA] Name the CIA used for the Lockheed U-2. ARV [USA] Aviation Repair Vessel ARW [USA] Air Refuelling Wing AS Anti-Submarine ASA [USA] Army Security Service ASALM [USA] Advanced Strategic Air-Launched Missile, a Mach 4 air-breathing missile. Cancelled in 1980. ASARS [USA] Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System ASAT [USA] Anti-SATtelite missile, launched by an F-15 at high altitude. Some test have been completed. ASF [UK] Advanced Striking Force. RAF units sent to France in 1939. ASM Air-to-Surface Missile ASMP [France] Air-Sol Moyenne Portee -- medium-range air-to-surface missile. Supersonic, air-breathing and nuclear-armed. ASMS [USA] Advanced Surface Missile Sytem. Became Aegis, see there. ASOC Air Support Operations Center ASPJ Airborne Self-Protection Jammer ASRAAM [USA] Advanced Short Range AAM, a Sidewinder replacement. ASROC [USA] Anti Submarine Rocket AST [UK] Air Staff Target, an operational requirement. ASTOVL [USA] Advanced STOVL ASUW Antisurface Warfare ASW Anti-Submarine Warfare ATAF [NATO] Allied Tactical Air Force ATB [USA] Advanced Technology Bomber. Development program for the Northrop B-2. ATC [USA] Air Training Command ATC Air Traffic Control ATF [UK] Air Transport Force ATF [USA] Advanced technology Fighter. F-22 and F-23 program. ATG [Canada] Air Transport Group ATGM Anti-Tank Guided Missile ATGW Anti-Tank Guided Weapon ATM Anti-Tank Missile ATM [USA] AGM Training Missile ATM-12 Bullpup Trainer ATO Air Tasking Order ATOC [NATO] Allied Tactical Operations Center ATRS [USA] Areial Training Squadron ATS [USA] Airmanship Training Squadron Aurora Express [NATO] Exercise for European forces, involving deployment to Eastern Turkey. AV [USA] Aircraft (seaplane) Tender AV-4 Curtiss (Curtiss) AV-5 Albemarle (Curtiss) AV-7 Currituck (Currituck) AV-8 Tangier (Tangier) AV-9 Pocomoke (Tangier) AV-10 Chandeleur (Chandeleur) AV-11 Norton Sound (Currituck) AV-12 Pine Island (Currituck) AV-13 Puget Sound (Currituck) AV-13 Salisbury Sound (Currituck) AV-14 Kenneth Whiting (Whiting) AV-15 Hamlin (Whiting) AV-16 St. George (Whiting) AV-17 Cumberland Sound (Whiting) AVCRAD [USA] Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot AVEN [USA] Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle, a vectoring nozzle for the General Electric F-101 engine; applied to MATV. AVG [USA/China] American Volunteer Group, the 'Flying Tigers' unit. AVG [USA] Aicraft Escort Vessel, later renamed ACV. See CVE for numbers. Aviation Legere / Licht Vliegwezen [Belgium] army air force AV-MF [USSR] Aviatsiya Voenno-Morsko Flota (Naval Air Force) AVP [USA] Small Seaplane Tender AVP-10 Barnegat (Barnegat) AVP-32 Yukatat AVP-34 Bering Strait AVP-37 Corson (Barnegat) AVP-38 Duxbury Bay (Barnegat) AVP-39 Gardiners Bay (Barnegat) AVP-40 Floyds Bay (Barnegat) AVP-41 Greenwich Bay (Barnegat) AVP-48 Onslow (Barnegat) AVP-49 Orca (Barnegat) AVP-51 San Carlos (Barnegat) AVP-52 Shelikof (Barnegat) AVP-53 Suisun (Barnegat) AVP-54 Timbalier (Barnegat) AVP-55 Valcour (Barnegat) AVT [USA] Auxiliary Aircraft Transport. Includes some former CV's of the Essex class and CVL's of Saipan and Independence class. AVT-6 Saipan (Saipan) AVT-7 Wright (Saipan) AW [USA] Airlift Wing AWACS [USA] Airborne Warning And Control System, the Boeing E-3 Sentry. Also Airborne Warning And Control Squadron. AWACTS [USA] Airborne Warning And Control Training Squadron. AWAY [France] Rocket extraction system for the pilot; made by Hurel-Dubois. AWCW [USA] Airborne Warning Composite Wing Azon [USA] See VB. --B-------------------------------------------------------------------------- B [USSR] Bombardirovshkchik BA [Portugal] Base Aera -- Air (force) Base. BAI Battlefield Air Interdiction Bandit Hostile aircraft Barbarossa [Germany] German attack on the USSR, 22 June 1941. BARCAP Barrier Combat Air Patrol Baritone [UK] Delivery of Spitfires to Malta, 17 August 1942. Barrel Roll [USA] The north of Laos. Bat [USA] A winged bomb with active radar homing, used against Japanese ships from May 1945 onwards. Battleaxe [UK] Counter-attack against Italian and German forces in North Africa, 15 June 1941. BB [USA] Battleship BC [USA] Battlecruiser BCE Battlefield Coordination Element BCGN [USA] Nuclear-powered, Guided Missile Battlecruiser BDA Battle / Bomb Damage Assessment BDM Bomber Defense Missile. BDU [USA] Practice versions of nuclear bombs. BDZ [NATO] Base Defense Zone Beef Broth [USA] Building of a strategical reserve in the USA for TAC units in Vietnam. Beethoven [Germany] Official codename for the 'Mistel' combinations. Bellows [UK] Delivery of Spitfires to Malta, 11 August 1942. Bell Tone [USA] Transfer of F-100s to Bangkok, Thailand. 16 April 1961. BG [USA] Bombardment Group 91th BG 'The Ragged Irregulars' 345th BG 'Air Apaches' BG [USA] Bomb Glider. Fletcher XBG-1 Fletcher XBG-2 Cornelius XBG-3 BGM [USA] BGM-71 TOW BGM-109 Tomahawk Bharatoya Vayusena [India] Air Force. Big Belly [USA] Program to modify the B-52 to carry increased conventional bomb loads. Big Safari [USA] Modification program of the Ryan Firebee target drone to create the Firefly recce drone. Big Team [USA] The program for the RC-135B. Bingo fuel Fuel level necessary for return to base. BITE [USA] Built-In Test Equipment BK [Germany] Bordkanone BK 3,7 37mm clip-fed 180rds/min 798m/s BK 5 50mm 50rds/min 917m/s BK 7,5 75mm 933m/s Black Buck [UK] Attacks on Argentine positions on the Falkland Islands, flown by Vulcan bombers based on Ascension, with air refuelling. The Vulcan was refuelled six times, by a fleet of twelve Victor tankers. Black Crow [USA] This equipment detects the ignition systems of piston engines. Fitted to AC-130 gunships. Black Fly Black Night [USA] Code name for the RB-57D high-altitude recce aircraft. Black Spot [USA] Sensor package fitted to the NC-123. BLT Battalion Landing Team BLu [Belgium] FAB/Blu: Force Aerienne Belge / Belgische Luchtmacht. Belgian Air Force. BLU [USA] Bomb Live Unit, subminution for cluster bombs or dispensers. Blue Springs [USA] The 4080th SRW unit, equipped with Ryan 147 recce drones. BMDO [USA] Ballistic Missile Defence Office BMR [NATO] Basic Military Requirement Bogey Unidentified aircraft Bolo [USA] Operation in Vietnam, 2 January 1967, that ended with the shooting down of seven MiG-21s by F-4s. Bookie Escort [USA] Air cover for transport aircraft on resupply missions. Bowery [UK] Delivery of Spitfires to Malta, 9 May 1942. BQ [USA] Unmanned aircraft carrying explosives. See the "us_mil.txt" files for details. Brigg [Germany] Receiver for Kogge. Bright Star [USA] Exercise. BS [USA] Bombardment Squadron 390th BS 'Crusaders' 498th BS 'Falcons' 499th BS 'Air Apaches' 500th BS 'Rough Raiders' 501th BS 'Black Panthers' BTO [USA] Bombing Trough Overcast, a WWII bombing radar. Buffalo Hunter [USA] Ryan AQM-34L or M for low-altitude reconaissance. BUIC [USA] Backup Interceptor Control Bumblebee [USA] Programme to develop an shipboard SAM, started in 1945. BuOrd [USA] Bureau of Ordnance of the USN. BuWeps [USA] Bureau of Weapons of the USN. BVR Beyond Visual Range BW [USA] Bombardment Wing --C-------------------------------------------------------------------------- C^2 Command and Control C^3 Command, Control and Communications C^3I Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence C^3CM Command, Control and Communications Countermeasures CA [USA] Heavy Cruiser CAB [USA] Civil Aeronautics Board CADC [USA] Central Air Data Computer CAF [Canada] Canadian Armed Forces CAFDA [France] Commandement Air des Forces Defence Aerienne -- Air Command, Air Defence Forces. CAFI [France] Composante Air des Forces d'Intervention -- Air component of the intervention force. CAG [USA] Carrier Air Group CAH [USA] Through-deck cruiser, i.e. a small carrier with helicopters and VTOL aircraft, like the British HMS Invincible. Calendar [UK] Delivery of Spitfires to Malta, 20 April 1942. CAMAL [USA] A Continuous Airborne alert, Missile-launching Aircraft with Low level penetration capability. The acronym doesn't mention the most important part: CAMAL was going to have nuclear jet engines. Cancelled in 1961. CANA [Argentina] Comando de Aviacion Naval Argentina -- Argentine Naval Aviation Command. CAP Combat Air Patrol Capital [Allied] Plan for an attack in Burma, late in 1944. Changed to create 'Extended Capital'. CARQUAL [USA] Carrier Qualification CAS Close Air Support CASF [USA] Composite AIr Strike Force. Castor [France] The fight at Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam. CATac [France] Commandement Aerien Tactique, tactical air command. Catapult [UK] British attempt to disable the remains of the French fleet, July 1940. CATCS [UK] Central Air Traffic Control School CATGME [Canada] Canadian Air Task Group Middle East. CB [USA] Construction Battalion CB [USA] Big Cruiser CBI [Allied ]China-Burma-India, an operational sector of the Allied forces in WWII. CBU Cluster Bomb Unit CC [USA] Tactical Command Ship CCA Carrier Controlled Approach CCA Command and Control Agency CCT Combat Control Team CCTS [USA] Combat Crew Training Squadron CCV [USA] Control Configured Vehicle, a test program that involved aircraft with additional control surfaces. At least a B-52, A F-104 and and an F-16 were modified. CEAM [France] Centre d'Experiences Aeriennes Militaires CEAT [France] Centre d'Essais Aeronautiques de Toulouse CECAT [USA] Combat Enhancing Capability Aviation Team Cefirm Leader [USA] RU-21 mission. Cefly Lancer [USA] Electronic intelligence mission, flown by the RU-21J. CEL [France] Centre d'Essais des Landes -- Landes test centre. CENTCOM [USA] Central Command Central Enterprise [USA] Excercise mission to Southern Europe. Central Exercise [USA] Exercise in central Europe. CEP Circular Error Probability, the radius within which 50% of the launched weapons hit. CEV [France] Centre d'Essais en Vol. CEVSV [France] Centre d'Entrainement en Vol Sans Visibility -- IFR training centrum. CFS [UK] Central Flying School CG [USA] Guided Missile Cruiser CGM [USA] Missile. See "us_mil.txt" for an explanation of the USA designation system. CGM-13 Mace CGN [USA] Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Cruiser Chung-kuo Kung Chuan [Taiwan] Chinese Nationalist Air Force. Chutai [Japan] Squadron CIEH [France] Centre d'Instruction des Equipages d'Helicopeteres CIFAS [France] Centre d'Instruction de Force Aerienne Stragique -- training center of the strategic air force CINPAC [USA] Commander-in-Chief, Pacific CINPACAF [USA] Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Air Force CL [USA] Light Cruiser CLBRP [USA] Cannon-Launched Beam-Rider Projectile. CMCA [USA] Cruise Missile Carrier Aircraft CNO [USA] Chief of Naval Operations. CO Commanding Officer Cobra [Allied] Concentrated air attack on a 6 by 12 km sector near St. Lo, to create a gap in the German lines. 25 July 1944. COD Carrier Onboard Delivery -- aircraft designed to deliver goods to carriers, but not necessarily carrier-based. COIN Counter-insurgency, anti-guerilla warfare. Cold Chuck [USA] RB-57F mission. Cold Dome [USA] RB-57F mission. Cold Speck [USA] RB-57F mission. Colmar [Germany] Radio guidance receiver, used with Kehl. Fitted to Hs 298. COMAO [USA] Combined Air Operations Combat Angel [USA] Programme that used the Ryan AQM-34G, J and H RPV's. Combat Beef [USA] See Beef Broth. Combat Bronco [USA] Six-month combat evaluation of the Rockwell OV-10 Bronco in Vietnam, from August 1968. Combat Bullseye [USA] Tests with the F-111A. Combat Dawn [USA] Programme that used the Ryan AQM-34Q and R. Combat Hornets [USA] Project to convert C-119's to gunships. Combat Lancer [USA] First deployment of F-111As to Southeast Asia, 1968. Combat Martin [USA] This involved specially-equipped F-105's that jammed communications between Nort Vietnamese MiG's and their ground control. Combat Pink -- Steve Bridges, sci.military moderator|AT&T Global Information Solutions military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com | WorldWide Information Systems Phone: 513-445-4486 VP 622-4486 | Campus Lan Administration Fax: 513-445-1933 622-1933 (VP)__| PP-ASEL,AMEL "I want a P-38 type rating" From military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com Thu Sep 1 22:28:11 EST 1994 >From Steve Bridges >From Steve Bridges [USA] RC-135U. Combat Scent [USA] RC-135 mission. Combat Talon [USA] Versions of the C-130 for the Special Forces, equipped for low-altitude deep-penetration missions. Comfy Levi [USA] Psychological warfare version of the C-130 Hercules. EC-130E. COMInt Communications Intelligence Commando Hunt [USA] Attacks on North-Vietnamese supply lines in the south of Laos. Commando Nail [USA] F-105's equipped for low-level night bombardment missions. Compass Arrow [USA] Ryan AQM-91A, a high-flying reconaissance drone. Compass Bin [USA] Program that used a series of Ryan RPV's, the types AQM-34G, H, L, M, K, Q, P and R. Compass Call [USA] Lockheed EC-103E and EC-130H electronic warfare aircraft. Compass Cookie [USA] Program to gather data on the SA-2 Guideline SAM missile by unmanned recconaissance drones. Compass Cope [USA] A high-altitude long-range reconaissance RPV programme. Boeing QM-94 and Ryan QM-98. Compass Dawn [USA] Program to locate ground-based enemy radars. Used the Ryan 147TE RPV. Compass Dwell [USA] Program to locate ground-based enemy radars. Used the Ryan 147TE drone. COMPG [USA] Composite Group Cook-Craigie plan [USA] The Cook-Craigie production plan intended to hasten service entry of new aircraft by building the prototypes on actual production lines, and incorporating any modifications while the production was already running. It was troublesome because a large number of unsuitable aircraft were delivered, and very costly if the aircraft had to be completely redesigned, as was the case with the F-102 and F-105. Coroner [USA] Plan for the invasion of the Japanese island of Honshu. 1945. Coronet Havoc [USA] Deployment of F-117's to Gilze-Rijen in the Nederlands. Corporate [UK] British operation to retake the Falkland islands on Argentina, in 1982. CoTAM [France] Commandement du Transport Aerien Militaire -- Military air transport command. Corvus [USA] Missile project, cancelled in 1960. Intended as stand-off attack missile for carrier aircraft. CPIR [France] Centre de Prediction et INstruction Radar CP/VC [Belgium] Centre de perfectionnement / Vervolmakingscentrum -- advanced training centre. CR [USA] Control and Reporting CRAF [USA] Civilian Reserve Air Fleet; airliners that have special equipment and can be used for military transport operations. Crazy Dog [USA] RU-21 mission. CRC [NATO] Control and Reporting Center Credible Chase [USA] Development programme of the AU-23 and AU-24 small gunships. CRP [USA] Control and Reporting Post CS [USA] Seaplane Tender (WW2) CS [USA] Strike cruiser (post WW2) CSA [USA] Combat Support Aircraft CSAF Czechoslovakian Air Force CSAR Combat Search And Rescue CSRL [USA] Common Strategic Rotary Launchers, launchers that can accept both ALCM and SRAM. CSW [USA] Conventional Standoff Weapon. CT Case-Telescoped, a round that contains the bullet withing the cartridge, to have a compact, cilindrical round. CTOL Conventional Take Off and Landing CTS [USA] Composite Training Squadron CV [USA] Aircraft Carrier, conventional power. Numbers are unique for ships, names are not; CV-5 Yorktown and CV-10 Yorktown are different ships, but CV-12 'Kearsage' and 'Hornet' indicates that the ship was renamed. Double class names (Essex, Oriskany) identify a modification. CV-1 Langley (Langley) CV-2 Lexington (Lexington) CV-3 Saratoga (Lexington) CV-4 Ranger (Ranger) CV-5 Yorktown (Enterprise) CV-6 Enterprise (Enterprise) CV-7 Wasp (Ranger, modified) CV-8 Hornet (Enterprise, modified) CV-9 Essex (Essex, Oriskany) CV-10 Bonhomme Richard (Essex) CV-10 Yorktown (Essex, Oriskany) CV-11 Intrepid (Essex, Oriskany) CV-12 Kearsage (Essex, Oriskany) CV-12 Hornet (Essex) CV-13 Franklin (Essex) CV-14 Hancock (Essex) CV-14 Ticonderoga (Essex, Oriskany) CV-15 Randolph (Essex, Oriskany) CV-16 Cabot (Essex) CV-16 Lexington (Essex, Oriskany) CV-17 Bunker Hill (Essex) CV-18 Oriskany (Essex) CV-18 Wasp (Essex, Oriskany) CV-19 Ticonderoga (Essex) CV-19 Hancock (Essex, Oriskany) CV-20 Bennington (Essex, Oriskany) CV-21 Boxer (Essex) CV-22 Independence (Independence) CV-23 Princeton (Independence) CV-24 Belleau Wood (Independence) CV-25 Cowpens (Independence) CV-26 Monterey (Independence) CV-27 Crow Point (Independence) CV-27 Langley (Independence) CV-28 Cabot (Independence) CV-29 Bataan (Independence) CV-30 Reprisal (Independence) CV-30 San Jacinto (Independence) CV-31 Bonhomme Richard (Essex, Oriskany) CV-32 Crown Point (Essex) CV-32 Leyte (Essex) CV-33 Kearsage (Essex) CV-34 Oriskany (Essex, Oriskany) CV-35 Reprisal (Cancelled) CV-36 Antietam (Essex) CV-37 Valley Forge (Essex) CV-37 Princeton (Essex) CV-38 Shangri-La (Essex, Oriskany) CV-39 Lake Champlain (Essex, Oriskany) CV-40 Tarawa (Essex) CV-41 Midway (Midway) CV-42 Franklin D. Roosevelt (Midway) CV-43 Coral Sea (Midway) CV-45 Valley Forge (Essex) CV-46 Iwo Jima CV-47 Wright (Essex) CV-47 Phillipine Sea (Essex) CV-59 Forrestal (Forrestal) CV-60 Saratoga (Forrestal) CV-61 Ranger (Forrestal) CV-62 Independence (Forrestal) CV-63 Kitty Hawk (Kitty Hawk, improved Forrestal) CV-64 Constellation (Kitty Hawk, improved Forrestal) CV-66 America (Kitty Hawk, improved Forrestal) CV-67 John F. Kennedy (John F. Kennedy, improved Kitty Hawk) CVA [USA] Attack carrier CVA-11 Intrepid CVA-14 Ticonderoga CVA-19 Hancock CVA-34 Oriskany CVA-41 Midway (Midway) CVA-42 Franklin D. Roosevelt (Midway) CVA-43 Coral Sea (Midway) CVA-59 Forrestal (Forrestal) CVA-60 Saratoga (Forrestal) CVA-61 Ranger (Forrestal) CVA-62 Independence (Forrestal) CVA-63 Kitty Hawk (Kitty Hawk (improved Forrestal)) CVA-64 Constellation (Kitty Hawk (improved Forrestal)) CVA-66 America (Kitty Hawk (improved Forrestal)) CVA-67 John F. Kennedy (Kitty Hawk (improved Forrestal)) CVAN CVAN-65 Enterprise (Enterprise) CVB [USA] Large Aircraft Carrier CVB-41 Midway (Midway) CVB-42 Coral Sea (Midway) CVB-42 Franklin D. Roosevelt (Midway) CVB-43 Coral Sea (Midway) CVBG Carrier Battle Group CVE [USA] Escort aircraft carrier. (Casablanca class also known as Anzio class) CVE-1 Long Island (Long Island) CVE-9 Bogue (Bogue) CVE-11 Card (Bogue) CVE-12 Copahee (Bogue) CVE-13 Core (Bogue) CVE-16 Nassau (Bogue) CVE-18 Altamaha (Bogue) CVE-20 Barnes (Bogue) CVE-21 Block Island CVE-23 Breton (Bogue) CVE-25 Croatan (Bogue) CVE-26 Sangamon (Sangamon) CVE-27 Suwannee (Sangamon) CVE-28 Chenango (Sangamon) CVE-29 Santee (Sangamon) CVE-30 Charger (Long Island) CVE-31 Prince William (Prince William) CVE-55 Ameer (Casablanca) CVE-55 Alazon Bay (Casablanca) CVE-55 Casablanca (Casablanca) CVE-56 Liscombe Bay (Casablanca) CVE-57 Alikula Bay (Casablanca) CVE-57 Coral Sea (Casablanca) CVE-57 Anzio (Casablanca) CVE-58 Anguilla Bay (Casablanca) CVE-58 Corregidor (Casablanca) CVE-59 Atheling (Casablanca) CVE-59 Mission Bay (Casablanca) CVE-60 Astrolabe Bay (Casablanca) CVE-60 Guadalcanal (Casablanca) CVE-61 Bucareli Bay (Casablanca) CVE-61 Manilla Bay (Casablanca) CVE-62 Begum (Casablanca) CVE-62 Natoma Bay (Casablanca) CVE-63 Chapin Bay (Casablanca) CVE-63 Midway (Casablanca) CVE-63 St Lo (Casablanca) CVE-64 Didrickson Bay (Casablanca) CVE-64 Tripoli (Casablanca) CVE-65 Dolomy Bay (Casablanca) CVE-65 Wake Island (Casablanca) CVE-66 Elbour Bay (Casablanca) CVE-66 White Plains (Casablanca) CVE-67 Nassuk Bay (Casablanca) CVE-67 Solomons (Casablanca) CVE-68 Kalinin Bay (Casablanca) CVE-69 Kasaan Bay (Casablanca) CVE-70 Fanshaw Bay (Casablanca) CVE-71 Kitkun Bay (Casablanca) CVE-72 Fortezela Bay (Casablanca) CVE-72 Tulagi (Casablanca) CVE-73 Gambier Bay (Casablanca) CVE-74 Nehenta Bay (Casablanca) CVE-75 Hoggatt Bay (Casablanca) CVE-76 Kadashan Bay (Casablanca) CVE-77 Kanalku Bay (Casablanca) CVE-77 Markus Island (Casablanca) CVE-78 Kaita Bay (Casablanca) CVE-78 Savo Island (Casablanca) CVE-79 Ommaney Bay (Casablanca) CVE-80 Petrof Bay (Casablanca) CVE-81 Rudyerd Bay (Casablanca) CVE-82 Saginaw Bay (Casablanca) CVE-83 Sargent Bay (Casablanca) CVE-84 Shamrock Bay (Casablanca) CVE-85 Shipley Bay (Casablanca) CVE-86 Sitkoh Bay (Casablanca) CVE-87 Steamer Bay (Casablanca) CVE-88 Cape Esperance (Casablanca) CVE-89 Takansis Bay (Casablanca) CVE-90 Thetis Bay (Casablanca) CVE-91 Makassar Strait (Casablanca) CVE-92 Windham Bay (Casablanca) CVE-93 Makin Island (Casablanca) CVE-94 Lunga Point (Casablanca) CVE-95 Alikula Bay (Casablanca) CVE-95 Bismarck Sea (Casablanca) CVE-96 Salamaua (Casablanca) CVE-97 Astrolabe Bay (Casablanca) CVE-97 Hollandia (Casablanca) CVE-98 Bucareli Bay (Casablanca) CVE-98 Kwajalein (Casablanca) CVE-99 Chapin Bay (Casablanca) CVE-99 Admiralty Islands (Casablanca) CVE-100 Didrickson Bay (Casablanca) CVE-100 Bougainville (Casablanca) CVE-101 Dolomi Bay (Casablanca) CVE-101 Manitakau (Casablanca) CVE-102 Attu (Casablanca) CVE-103 Alava Bay (Casablanca) CVE-103 Roi (Casablanca) CVE-104 Munda (Casablanca) CVE-105 St Joseph Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-105 Commencement Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-106 Sunset Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-106 Block Island (Commencement Bay) CVE-107 St Andrews Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-107 Gilbert Islands (Commencement Bay) CVE-108 Vermillion Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-108 Kula Gulf (Commencement Bay) CVE-109 Willapa Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-109 Cape Gloucester (Commencement Bay) CVE-110 Salerno Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-111 Totem Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-111 Vella Gulf (Commencement Bay) CVE-112 Frosty Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-112 Siboney (Commencement Bay) CVE-113 Hobart Bay (Commencement Bay) CVE-113 Puget Sound (Commencement Bay) CVE-114 Rendova (Commencement Bay) CVE-115 Bairoko (Commencement Bay) CVE-116 Badoeng Strait (Commencement Bay) CVE-117 Saidor (Commencement Bay) CVE-118 Sicily (Commencement Bay) CVE-119 Point Cruz (Commencement Bay) CVE-120 Mindoro (Commencement Bay) CVE-121 Rabaul (Commencement Bay) CVE-122 Palau (Commencement Bay) CVE-123 Tinian (Commencement Bay) CVE-124 Bastogne (Cancelled) CVE-125 Eniwetok (Cancelled) CVE-126 Lingayen (Cancelled) CVE-127 Okinawa (Cancelled) CVH [USA] Helicopter Carrier CVHA [USA] Assault Helicopter Transport CVHA-1 Thetis Bay (Anzio) CVHE [USA] Escort Helicopter Aircraft Carrier. CVL [USA] Light aircraft carrier. CVL-22 Independence (Independence) CVL-23 Princeton (Independence) CVL-24 Belleau Wood (Independence) CVL-25 Cowpens (Independence) CVL-26 Monterey (Independence) CVL-27 Langley (Independence) CVL-28 Cabot (Independence) CVL-29 Bataan (Independence) CVL-30 San Jacinto (Independence) CVL-48 Saipan (Saipan) CVL-49 Wright (Saipan) CVN [USA] Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. CVN-65 Enterprise (Enterprise) CVN-68 Nimitz (Nimitz) CVN-69 Dwight D. Eisenhower (Nimitz) CVN-70 Carl Vinson (Nimitz) CVN-71 Theodore Roosevelt (Nimitz) CVN-72 Abraham Lincoln (Nimitz) CVN-73 George Washington (Nimitz) CVN-74 John Stennis (Nimitz) CVN-75 United States (Nimitz) CVS [USA] Support (ASW) Aircraft Carrier. Includes some former CV-'s of the Essex class. CVS-11 Intrepid CVS-12 Hornet CVS-15 Randolph CVS-20 Bennington CVS-29 Lake Champlain CVU [USA] Utility Aircraft Carrier CVW [USA] Carrier Air Wing CW [USA] Composite Wing CWW [USA] Cruciform Wing Weapon, the GBU-15 guided bomb. CX-X [USA] Requirement for an utility aircraft for US emabassies. The Beech C-12F was selected. --D-------------------------------------------------------------------------- DA [USSR] Dalnaya Aviatsiya (Strategic Aviation) DACM [USA] Dissimilar Air Combat Maneuvring, i.e. training in air combat with 'aggressor' aircraft. DACT [USA] Dissimilar Air Combat Training DADCAP Dawn And Dusk Combat Air Patrol Daguet [France] French participation in the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq. DARPA [USA] Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, a research institute. DAS Direct AIr Support DASH Drone Anti Submarine Helicopter Dash Ten [UK] Jamming pod. DCA Defensive Counter Air DCMU [UK] Digital Colour Map Unit DD [USA] Destroyer DDG [USA] Guided Missile Destroyer DE [USA] Escort Destroyer Deadstick [UK] Attack by glider and paratroop units to capture bridges over the Orne river and the Caen canal, near Ouistreham, as part of 'Overlord'. These were the first soldiers to set foot on occupied France. Deny Flight [NATO] NATO operation to enforce the 'no-fly' zone over Bosnia. Desert Shield [USA] Operation to reinforce the forces in the Gulf to defend Saudi-Arabia and prepare for an eventual conflict with Iraq. Desert Storm [USA] Operation to remove the Iraqi Army from Kuwait. DEW [USA] Distant Early Warning, a line of radar sites close to the Arctic. Dewey Canyon [USA] Sweep of the A Shau and Da Krong valleys in Vietnam, April 1969. DHA [France] Detachement d'Helicopteres Armes -- Armed helicopter detachment. DIA [USA] Defense Intelligence Agency DIANE [USA] Digital Integrated Attack and Navigation Equipment, for the Grumman A-6 intruder. Disclipined Guard [USA] Operation to provide aircover for UN forces in Bosnia. DIV [USA] Division Diver [UK] Codename for the V-1. DLZ Dynamic Launch Zone DME Distance Measuring Equipment DMPI Desired Mean Point of Impact DOD Department of Defense Downfall [USA] Plan for the invasion of Japan in 1945. DR Dead Reckoning Dragon Fly [USA] ? --E-------------------------------------------------------------------------- EA [France] Ecole d'Application EAATS [USA] Eastern ARNG Aviation Training Site Eagle Claw [USA] The failed attempt in 1980 to free the hostages in the US embassy in Teheran. EAP [UK] Experimental Aircraft Programma, technology demonstrator for the EFA. EB [France] Escadre de Bombardement -- bombardment wing EB 1/91 'Gascogne' EB 2/91 'Bretagne' EB 3/91 'Cevennes' EB 1/94 'Guyenne' EB 2/94 'Marne' EB 3/94 'Arbois' EC Electronic Combat EC [France] Escadre de Chasse -- fighter wing EC 1/2 'Cicognes' EC 3/2 'Alsace' EC 1/3 'Navarre' EC 2/3 'Champagne' EC 3/3 'Ardennes' EC 1/4 'Dauphine' EC 2/4 'La Fayette' EC 1/5 'Vendee' EC 2/5 'Ile de France' EC 1/7 'Provence' EC 2/7 'Argonne' EC 3/7 'Languedoc' EC 1/10 'Valois' EC 2/10 'Seine' EC 3/10 'Vexin' EC 1/11 'Rousillon' EC 2/11 'Vosges' EC 3/11 'Corse' EC 4/11 'Jura' EC 1/12 'Cambresis' EC 2/12 'Cornouaille' EC 1/13 'Artois' EC 2/13 'Alpes' EC 3/13 'Auvergne' ECCFFA [France] Escadrille de Commandement Centralr de Forces Francais Allemande -- flight of the central command of the French forces in Germany. ECE [France] Escadron de Chasse et d'Entrainment -- fighter trainer squadron. ECS [USA] Electronic Combat Squadron -- Steve Bridges, sci.military moderator|AT&T Global Information Solutions military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com | WorldWide Information Systems Phone: 513-445-4486 VP 622-4486 | Campus Lan Administration Fax: 513-445-1933 622-1933 (VP)__| PP-ASEL,AMEL "I want a P-38 type rating" From military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com Thu Sep 1 22:28:18 EST 1994 >From Steve Bridges >From Steve Bridges ECT [France] Escadron de Chasse et de Transformation -- fighter trainer conversion squadron. ECTT [France] Escadre de Chasse Tous Temps -- All-wheater fighter wing. ECCM Electronic Counter-Counter Measures ECM Electronic Counter Measures EE [France] Escadre Electronique EFA European Fighter Aircraft, also known as Eurofighter 2000. EFIS Electronic Flight Information System EFM [USA] Enhanced Fighter Maneuvrability, the X-31 test aircraft. EH Escadre d'Helicopteres -- helicopter wing EH 1/67 'Pyrenees' EH 2/67 'Valmy' EH 3/67 'Parisis' EH 4/67 'Durance' EH 5/67 'Alpilles' EHAC Escadrille d'Helicopteres Anti-Chars -- Anti-tank helicopter flight. EHL Escadrille d'Helicopteres Legers -- light helicopter flight ehp Equivalent Horse Power EID [UK] Electronic Identification Device Eisenhammer [Germany] Late 1944 plan to attack the power stations in the Soviet Union, at first with bombers, later the plan was modified to use the 'Mistel' combination. Never done. ekW Equivalent Kilowatt ELA [France] Escadre de Liaison Aeriennes ELAS [France] Escadre de Liaison Aeriennes et de Sauvetage Eldorado Canyon [USA] Attack on Libya in 1986. ELINT Electronic Intelligence Elliniki Aeroporia [Greece] Greek Air Force EMCON Emission Control EMP Electromagnetic Pulse (from a nuclear explosion at high altitude) Enzian [Germany] SAM, designed and built during WWII. Abandoned in January 1945. EO Electro-Optically. Said of missile guidance systems and similar equipment which can 'see', in the most primitive case steering on contrasting objects, e.g. a dark ship at the horizon, but sometimes a full-TV link is used. EOGB Electro-Optically Guided Bomb. EPA Evasive Plan of Action EPA/VVS [Belgium] Ecole de Pilotage Avance / Voortgezette Vliegopleidings school -- advanced flying school. EPE/EVS [Belgium] Ecole de Pilotage Elementaire / Elementaire Vliegschool -- elementary flying school. EPU Emergency Power Unit EPW Enemy Prisoner of War ER [France] Escadre de Reconaissance -- reconaisssance wing ER 1/33 'Belfort' ER 2/33 'Savoie' ER 3/33 'Moselle' ERSA [USA] Extended Range Strike Aircraft. Requirement, 1963. ERV [France] Escadre de Ravitaillement en Vol -- air tanker wing ERV 1/93 'Aunis' ERV 2/93 'Landes' ERV 3/93 'Sologne' ES [France] Ecole de Specialisation ESC [USA] Electronic Security Command ESM Electronic Surveillance Measures ESM Electronic Support Measures ESM Electronic Signal Monitoring ET [France] Escadre de Transport -- transport wing ET 3/60 'Esterel' ET 1/61 'Touraine' ET 2/61 'Franche Comte' ET 3/61 'Poitou' ET 1/62 'Vercors' ET 1/64 'Bearn' ET 2/64 'Anjou' ET 2/64 'Maine' ET 3/64 'Bigorre' ETA Estimated Time of Arrival ETAC [USA] Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller ETOM [France] Escadre de Transport d'Outre Mer -- overseas transport wing Eureka [UK] Beacon transmitter, used by paratroop 'pathfinders' during WWII to identify a landing site to the dropping aircraft. Eurofar [Europe] European Future Advanced Rotorcraft. EVS [USA] Electro-Optical Viewing System -- system fitted in the turrets under the nose of the B-52. EW Electronic Warfare EW Early Warning EWO [USA] Electronic Warfare Officer EWSM Early-Warning Support Measures Extended Capital [Allied] Attack in Burma, late 1944 and 1945. --F-------------------------------------------------------------------------- FA [USSR] Frontovaya Aviatsiya -- tactical air force. FAA [UK] Fleet Air Arm FAA [USA] Federal Aviation Administration FAB [Belgium] FAB/Blu: Force Aerienne Belge / Belgische Luchtmacht. Belgian Air Force. FAC [USA] Forward Air Control FACP [USA] Forward Air Control Post FAD [USA] Fleet Air Defense FADEC Full Authority Digital Engine Control FAE Fuel Air Explosive FAEC [Cuba] Fuerza Aerea del Ejercito Cubano -- Cuban Army Air Force. FAHV [Upper Volta] Force Aerienne de Haute Volta -- Air Force of Upper Volta. FAMG [USA] Field Artillery Missile Group. FAN [USA] Forward Air Navigator FAN [Cuba] Fuerza Aerea Naval -- Naval Air Force. FAP [Portugal] Forca Aerea Portuguesa -- Portugese Air Force Farm Gate Detachement of the 440th 'Combat Crew Training Squadron', a COIN unit, to Bien Hoa, Vietnam. FAS [France] Force Aerienne Strategique, Strategic Air Force FAS [El Salvador] Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena -- Air Force of El Salvador FAST [USA] Fighter Airborne Supply Tank, low-drag conformal tanks attached to the sides of F-15s. FAV [Venezuela] Fuerzas Aereas Venezolanas -- Venezuelan Air Force FBL Fly By Light FBM Fleet Ballistic Missile FBW Fly By Wire FCLP [USA] Field Carrier Landing Practice FCS Fire Control System FEAF [USA] Far East Air Force FEBA [USA] Forward Edge of Battle Area FEFA [Europe] Future European Fighter Aircraft, renamed EFA. Felix [Germany] German plan, 1940, for operations in the Mediterranean. Feuerlilie [Germany] SAM under development in 1944. Never entered service. Had radio command guidance. FF [USA] Frigate. FFAR Folding Fin Aircraft Rocket FFG [USA] Guided missile Frigate FFL [USA] Corvette FG [USA] Fighter Group FGM [USA] Man-launched, surface-target missile -- mainly anti-tank missiles. FGM-77 Dragon FICON [USA] FIghter CONveyer: a GRB-36 carried a RF-84K reconaissance aircraft in its bomb-bay. Brief operational use in 1955-1956. FIG [USA] Fighter-Interceptor Group 177th FIG 'Jersey Devils' FIM [USA] Man-launched SAM. FIM-43 Redeye. FIM-92 Stinger FIS [USA] Fighter-Interceptor Squadron 87th FIS 'Red Bulls' 177th FIS 'Jersey Devils' 178th FIS 'Happy Hooligans' Firebee [USA] The Ryan BQM-34A / MQM-34D RPV. Firebee II [USA] The Ryan BQM-34E/F, a supersonic development of the Ryan 147 RPV, model 166. FLA Future Large Airlifter FLIR Forward-Looking Infra-Red FLOT [USA] Forward Line of Own Troops FOBS Fractional Orbit Bombardment System FOD Foreign Object Damage, damage caused by dirt or stones sucked into jet engines. FOL Forward Operation Location Forca Aerea Portuguesa [Portugal] Portugese Air Force FPB Fast Patrol Boat Frantic [Allied] 'Shuttle' bombardments of Germany. American bombers flew over Germany to the USSR and back. The USSR allowed -- under strict conditions -- American aircraft to use its bases. Frequent Wind [USA] The helicopter evacuation of Siagon, April 1975. Friction [Canada] Canadian participation in the 1991 Gulf War. Friedensengel [Germany] Winged torpedoes, developed during WWII. A more or less standard torpedo was fitted with short wings with endplates and a tail with twin fins. ABout 450 built. Fritz X [Germany] WWII guided bomb. Fritz-X sank the battleship Roma, damaged the battleships Italia and Warspite, sank the cruiser Spartan, damaged the cruisers Savannah and Uganda, and snak the destroyer Janus. Numerous merchant ships also fell victim to Fritz-X. Frog [NATO] Free Rocket Over Ground, or Free flight Range Over Ground, or something else... A family of USSR unguided artillery rockets. FS [USA] Fighter Squadron 526th FS 'Black Knights' FSCL Fire Support Control Line FSD Full Scale Development FSS [USA] Flight Screening Squadron FSW Forward Swept Wings FTRFLT [USA] Fighter Flight FTS [UK] Flight Training School FTS [USA] Flight Training Squadron FTW [USA] Flying Training Wing Fuerza Area Argentina [Argentina] Argentine Air Force Fuerza Aerea del Ejercito Cubano [Cuba] Cuban Army Air Force. Fuerza Aero Moviles del Ejercito de Tierra [Spain] Air-mobile force of the Spanish Army. Fuerza Aerea Naval [Cuba] Naval Air Force. Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena [El Salvador] Air Force of El Salvador Fuerzas Aereas Venezolanas [Venezuela] Venezuelan Air Force Funryu [Japan] 'Raging Dragon', a series of SAM's developed by the Imperial Navy during WWII. FW [USA] Fighter Wing FWS Forward Swept Wing FZG [Germany] Flakzielgerat -- target for anti-aircraft artillery. The cover designation FZG 76 was applied to the V-1. --G-------------------------------------------------------------------------- GALCA [France] Groupe d'Avitaion Legere de Corps d'Armee -- army corps light aircraft group. GALDiv [France] Groupe d'Aviation Legere de Division -- division light aircraft group. GALReg [France] Groupe d'Aviation Legere de la Region -- regional light aircraft group. GALSTA [France] Groupement ALAT de Section Technique de l'Armee de Terre. GAM [France] Groupe Aerienne Mixte GAM 56 'Vaucluse' GAM [USA] Air-to-Surface missile. GAM-63 Rascal Game Warden [USA] USN operations in the Mekong Delta. Garden [Allied] Ground troop component of 'Market Garden' Gargoyle [USA] USN guided missile. Flown in 1944, but never operational. GAU [USA] Designation for aircraft guns. GAU-2 Minigun 7.62mm 2000-6000rds/min 869m/sec GAU-4 Vulcan Derivative of the M61 Vulcan. GAU-7 25mm Cancelled in 1974, was intended to replace the M61 Vulcan. GAU-8 Avenger 30mm 2100-4200rds/min 1066m/sec GAU-12 Equaliser 25mm 3600-4200rds/min 1100m/sec GAU-13 30mm 3000rds/min 1037m/sec Derivative of the GAU-8. GB [USA] Guided bomb, a standard bomb fitted with wings and a tail on twin booms. The GB-1 series weapons were used by the 8th AF from 1944 onwards, but had no guidance, effectively being glide bombs. GB-4 entered service in July 1944 with camera guidance, but suffered from unreliability. GB-1 glide bomb, unguided GB-4 TV-guidance GB-6 IR seeker GB-8 radio, visual control GB-12 Light-contrast anti-ship seeker GB-13 Light flare seeker GB-14 Active radar seeker GBU [USA] Guided Bomb Unit GCA Ground Controlled Approach GCI Ground-Control of Interception GCHQ [UK] Government Communications Headquarters GE [France] Groupement Ecole GEM Ground Effect Machine GHL [France] Groupe d'Helicopteres Legers -- light helicopter group GI [France] Groupement d'Instruction GLAM [France] Groupe de Liaison Aeriennes Ministerielles GLCM [USA] Ground Launched Cruise Missile. Glomb [USA] The Pratt-Read LBE glide bomb, a conversion of a light plane with a 1814kg warhead. 1942--1944. GMEA [France] Groupe de Manoevre de l'Ecolde d'Applications GMT Greenwich Mean Time Gold [Allied] One of the landing beaches used for 'Overlord'. GOR [USA] General Operational Requirement GOR 49 [USA] The official requirement for the Republic F-105. Gorgon [USA] Missiles tested by the USN, 1945--1953. GP General Purpose GPS Global Positioning System GPU Ground Power Unit GPU [USA] Gun Pod. GPU-2 Pod with the M197 20mm gun. GPU-5 Pod with a GAU-13 gun. Grand Slam [UK] 22000lb bomb, larger version of 'Tallboy'. (See Tallboy) Green Flag Exercise held on Nellis AFB. GRU [USSR] Glavnoye Razvedyvatelnoye Upravleniye -- military intelligence service. Gunsmoke [USA] Exercise and competition for fighter-bomber squadrons at Nellis AFB, Nevada. --H-------------------------------------------------------------------------- HA [USA] USN attack helicopter squadron HA(L)-3 'Seawolves' HAC [France] Helicoptere Anti-Char -- anti-tank helicopter. Hagelkorn [Germany] WWII long-range glided bomb. Range was up to 200km if launched at 10500m; but guidance was a problem. Hagelkorn was very streamlined and had high aspect ratio wings with steel cores and _concrete- aerofoils. HA-GO [Japan] Plan for an attack in Birma, that began in February 1944. Failed. Han-guk Kong Goong [Korea] Korean Air Force HARM [USA] High-Speed Anit-Radiation missile. AGM-88A. Harvest Reaper [USA] Modification programme for the F-111A. HASPA [USA] High Altitude Superpressure Powered Aerostat: Navy programma for a high-altitude, remotely controlled airship for surveillance and data relay purposes. HAST [USA] High-Altitude Supersonic Target: Project for a target drone that is to fly at Mach 4 and at altitudes up to 30500m. HAST [UK] Harrier Avionics Systems Trainer Have Blue [USA] Precursor of the F-117, smaller, with inwards canted tailfins. Have Dash [USA] Project for an active radar-guided missile. Have Dungeon [USA] Project to track cruise missiles and locate their launchers. Have Flag [USA] Tactical missile project. Have Nap [USA] The AGM-142 missile, a development of the Israli Popeye missile. Have Quick [USA] Communications security system. A radio. Hawk [USA] Homing All the Way Killer -- the MIM-23 surface-to-air missile. HC [USA] USN helicopter combat support squadron HCA Heading Crossing Angle HCS Helicopter Combat Support HDD Head Down Display HE High Explosive HEAT High Explosive Anti-Tank HESH High Explosive Squash Head Heyl Ha'Avir [Israel] Israeli Air Force, part of the la Tsvah Haganah le Israel -- Israel Defence Force. IDF/AF. Heeresflieger [Germany] Army Air Force. HFK [Germany] Heeresflieger Kommando HFR Height Finding Radar HFS [Germany] Heeresfliegerstaffel -- army air squadron HFWS [Germany] Heeresfliegerwaffenschule -- army air weapons school HGM [USA] Silo-stored, guided ground-to-ground Missile. See "us_mil.txt" for an explanation of the USA designation system. 'Silo stored' means that the engines cannot be fired inside the silo. HGM-16 Atlas HGM-25 Titan HHC [USA] Headquarters & Headquarters Company HHS [USA] Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron HHT [USA] Headquarters & Headquarters Troop HIAC [USA] High Altitude Camera. This weighed nearly 2000kg, and was carried in a side-looking configuration by the RB-47F. HIDACZ High Density Airspace Control Zone High Flight -- Steve Bridges, sci.military moderator|AT&T Global Information Solutions military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com | WorldWide Information Systems Phone: 513-445-4486 VP 622-4486 | Campus Lan Administration Fax: 513-445-1933 622-1933 (VP)__| PP-ASEL,AMEL "I want a P-38 type rating" From military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com Thu Sep 1 22:28:28 EST 1994 >From Steve Bridges >From Steve Bridges [USA] Route from the US to Sidi Slimane, Morocco, where the USAFE once had a training center. Higspeed [USA] Fly-off between the F-106 Delta Dart and F-4 Phantom, leading to the selection of the F-4 by the USAF. High Wire [USA] Standardization and upgrading program for the F-100D. Hiko [Japan] Air-, as in Hiko Sentai, Hiko Rentai, Hiko Chutai, etc. See Sentai, Rentai, Chutai... HIMAD High and Medium Altitude Air Defense HiMAT [USA] Highly Manoeuvrable Aircraft Technology: a research RPV for investigation into the aerodynamics of highly-maneuvrable fighters. HIMEZ [NATO] High Missile Engagment Zone HM [USA] USN mine-sweeper helicopter squadron HOBOS [USA] Homing Bomb System. A large family of guided bombs, first introduced in combat in 1969. Holy Moses [USA] 5in aircraft rocket. Also known as HVAR. Horus [France] See Orchidee. This name was applied to its deployment as part of Daguet (See there too). HOTAS Hands on Throttle And Stick HS [USA] USN helicopter anti-submarine warfare squadron HS-9 'Sea Griffens' HSL [USA] USN light helicopter anti-submarine warfare squadron HUD Head-Up Display HUK Hunter-Killer Force HVAR [USA] High-Velocity Aircraft Rocket, the 5 inch 'Holy Moses'. HVM [USA] High-Velocity Missile --I-------------------------------------------------------------------------- IADS Integrated Air Defense System IAS Indicated Airspeed ICBM Interconintal Ballistic Missile IDF [Taiwan] Indigenous Defence Fighter, the Ching-Kuo. IDF/AF [Israel] Israeli Defence Force / Air Force Ieshi la Wanachi la Tanzania Air Force, Tanzanian People's Army IFF Identification Friend or Foe IGE In Ground Effect. Noted by operational ceiling of helicopters; this is the ceiling if the heli is flown near to the earth's surface, i.e. in mountaineous terrain. IHADSS Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System IHE [USA] Improved High Explosive -- mainly intended for nuclear bombs. IIR Imaging Infra-Red IMI [USA] Improved Manned Interceptor INS Inertial Navigation System Insect [UK] Delivery of Spitfires to Malta, 21 July 1942. IOC Initial Operational Capability IR Infra Red IRAN [USA] Inspect and Repair As Necessary -- a repair facility. IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile IRCM Infrared Counter Measures IRH Infrared Homing IRIAF [Iran] Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. Iron Hand [USA] Early 'Wild Weasel' missions over Vietnam, 1965. IRST Infrared Search and Track IX [USA] Traing carrier IX-64 Wolverine IX-81 Sable --J-------------------------------------------------------------------------- J [China] Jian -- Fighter JAAT Joint Air Attack Team JASDF [Japan] Japan Air Self-Defence Force JATO Jet-Assisted Take-Off JB [USA] Jet powered bomb. JB-1 Northrop JB-1 'Bat', a twin-jet flying-wing guided bomb. JB-2 Americanized German V-1 flying bomb. JB-3 Air-to-Air missile with rocket engine and SARH homing. JB-4 JB-5 Rocket. JB-6 Rocket. JB-7 Pilotless bomber. JB-10 Northrop JB-10 flying-wing jet-engined cruise missile. JBG [Germany] Jagdbombergeschwader -- fighter bomber wing JBG 31 'Boelcke' Jericho [UK] Bombardment on the Amiens prison, on 18 February 1944, in a desperate attempt to free 180 resistance members convicted to death. JFACC Joint Force Air Component Commander JFC Joint Force Commander JG [Germany] Jagdgeschwader -- fighter wing JG 71 'Richthogen' JG 74 'Molders' JMO Joint Maritime Operations JPATS [USA] Joint Primary Aircraft Trainer System JPL [USA] Jet Propulsion Laboratory of Caltech. JSTARS [USA] Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System JTIDS [UK] Joint Tactical Integrated Display System. A tactical display that combines information from the aircraft own equipment with information from an AWACS, gound stations or ships. Fitted to the Sea Harrier FRS.2 JTS [USA] Joint Training Squadron Jungle Jim [USA] See "Farm Gate". Juno [Allied] One of the landing beaches used for 'Overlord'. --K-------------------------------------------------------------------------- KDF [Denmark] Kongelige Danske Flygvabnet -- Royal Danish Air Force Kehl [Germany] Command transmitter for Fritz-X and Hs 193 guided weapons. KGB [USSR] Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopastny, secret service. KIA Killed in Action Kingfisher [USA] Anti-ship cruise missile. AQM-60. (Also a NATO codename for a USSR cruise missile, see sov_mil.txt.) Kit Carson [USA] Ex-NVA or Viet Cong people, serving as scouts for the USA / South Vietnamese forces. KMU [USA] Guidance unit for guided bombs. KLu [Netherlands] Koninklijke Luchtmacht -- Royal Air Force. KNL [Norway] Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret -- Royal Norwegian Air Force Kogge [Germany] WWII guidance transmitter, used for the Enzian missile. Koku Hombu [Japan] Air Headquarters of the Imperial Army. Koku Jieitai [Japan] Air Self-Defense Force. Kongelige Danske Flygvabnet Royal Danish Air Force Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret [Norway] Royal Norwegian Air Force Koninklijke Luchtmacht [Netherlands] Royal Air Force. KP [USA] Kitchen Punishment KTO Kuwait Theatre of Operations Ku.Fl.Gr. [Germany] Kustenfliegergruppen, coastal air group. --L-------------------------------------------------------------------------- LABS [USA] Low-altitude Bombing System -- 'tossing' nuclear bombs in a half-loop, returning to low altitude on the opposite direction. LADD [USA] Low Altitude Drogue Delivery -- dropping nuclear bombs that are retarded by a parachute and have a time fuse. Laffing Eagle [USA] RU-21 mission. LAMPS [USA] Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System LANA [USA] Low-Altitude Night Attack system. Podded system carrier by the A-7. LANDSS [USA] Lightweight Advanced Night/Day Surveillance System. A surveillance RPV programme. LANTIRN [USA] Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red, Night. Equipment carried by aircraft configured for night attacks. LASL [USA] Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory LB [UK] Delivery of Spitfires to Malta, 18 May 1942. LCC [USA] Command ship for amphibious operations. LCC [USA] Land Component COmmander LCEHV [USA] Low Cost Expendable Harassment Vehicle. RPV development programme. Left Foot RU-21 mission. LCI [USA] Landing Craft, Infantry LCLM [USA] Low-Cost Lightweight Missile, a possible Sidewinder replacement. LCM [USA] Landing Craft, Mechanized (units) LCT [USA] Landing Craft, Tank Left Jab [USA] RU-21 mission. LEX Leading Edge eXtension LGB [USA] Laser Guided Bomb LGM [USA] Silo-launched, guided ground-to-ground Missile. See "us_mil.txt" for an explanation of the USA designation system. LGM-25 Titan II LGM-30 Minuteman LHA [USA] Helicopter Assault Ship. Carrier for helicopters and VTOL aircraft, combined with loading dock for amphibious operations. LHA-1 Tarawa (Tarawa) LHA-2 Saipan (Tarawa) LHA-3 Belleau Wood (Tarawa) LHA-4 Nassau (Tarawa) LHA-5 Da Nang (Tarawa) LHA-5 Pelileu (Tarawa) Licht Vliegwezen / Aviation Legere [Belgium] army air force Lightning Bug [USA] Ryan 147B recconaissance drone. LIM [USA] Silo-launched SAM. LIM-49 Nike Zeus / Spartan Lineback I [USA] Bombardment offensive in Vietnam, 8 May -- 22 October 1972. Linebacker II [USA] Bomber offensive in Vietnam, 18-30 December 1972. Little Brother [USA] Intended gunship version of the Cessna 337. Abandoned. LKdo [Germany] Luftflotten Kommando LLLTV Low-Light Level TeleVision LLTR [USA] Low-Level Transit Route LOC [USA] Line Of Communication L&OG [USA] Logistics & Operations Group LOMEZ [USA] Low Missile Engagement Zone Lookout [USA] ? Loon [USA] Navy version of the JB-2, the Americanized version of the German V-1. Never operational, but fired from two submarines in tests. LORAN Long Range Air Navigation LOROP Long-Range Oblique Photography LOX Liquid Oxygen. LPH [USA] Amphibious Assault Ship. Includes a number of former CV's of the Essex class and CVE's of the Anzio and Commencement Bay class. The later 'Iwo Jima' class were purpose-designed helicopter carriers. They are also suitable for AV-8 Harriers. LPH-2 Iwo Jima (Iwo Jima) LPH-3 Okinawa (Iwo Jima) LPH-4 Boxer (Essex) LPH-5 Princeton (Essex) LPH-6 Thethis Bay (Anzio / Casablanca) LPH-7 Guadalcanal (Iwo Jima) LPH-8 Valley Forge (Essex) LPH-9 Guam (Iwo Jima) LPH-10 Tripoli (Iwo Jima) LPH-11 New Orleans (Iwo Jima) LPH-12 Inchon (Iwo Jima) LRBM Long-Range Ballistic Missile LRCA [USA] Long Range Combat Aircraft. The B-1B. LRDMM [USA] Long-Range Dual-Mission Missile. A ship-launched missile programme, intended against both ships and aircraft. LRMP [USA] Long-Range Maritime Patrol LRMTS [UK] Laser Range Meter and Target Seeker, targeting equipment fitted to the Jaguar. LRU Line Repleceable Unit LST [USA] Landing Ship, Tank LTF [UK] Lightning Training Flight LTG [Germany] Lufttransportgeschwader -- air transport wing. Luftwaffe [Germany] Air Force. LVA [Netherlands] Luchtvaartafdeling, Air Corps, name of home-based air force before and during WWII. LZC [USA] Landing Zone Construction -- dropping blast bombs to clear an area. LZP [USA] Landing Zone Preparation -- supressing enemy action to make landing of aicraft or helicopters possible. --M-------------------------------------------------------------------------- M [USSR] Modifikatsirovanny or Modifikatsiya; both indicating a modification. M [USA] Code applied to designations for armament systems and equipment, used by the US Army. M1 Cluster bomb M2 Browning .30 or .50 machine gun M3 Browning .50 machine gun M5 40mm grenade launcher M6 The M6 combined four M60s with six 70mm rockets. M8 MDD Grenade launcher. M12 Incendiary cluster bomb M13 Incendiary cluster bomb M16 Combination of the M60 guns and two M158 rocket launchers. M17 Incendiary cluster bomb M19 Incendiary cluster bomb M20 Incendiary cluster bomb M21 Incendiary cluster bomb M21 Emerson M21 armament system for helicopters; two M134 and two M158. M22 Incendiary cluster bomb M24 20mm cannon. M26 Cluster fragmentation bomb M27 McDonnell Douglas M27, a nose turret for helicopters with a single M134 gun or M8 grenada launcher, interchangeable. M28 Emerson gun turret for helicopters with one M134 and one M129. M28 Cluster fragmentation bomb M30 Cluster adapter M30A1 45.4 kg General Purpose bomb M31 20mm cannon M31 Incendiary cluster bomb M32 Gas cluster bomb M35 Installation of the M195 in helicopters. M35 Incendiary cluster bomb M36 Incendiary cluster bomb M38A2 45.4 kg Practice bomb M39 Pontiac M39, a 20mm revolver cannon, copy of the WWII German MG213 gun. M40A1 10.4 kg Fragmentation bomb M41A 9.1 kg Fragmentation/ shaped-charge bomb M43 Gas cluster bomb M44 Gas generator M47 45.4 kg Incendiary / Smoke bomb M50 1.81 kg Thermite, incendiary bomb M52 454 kg Armour-piercing bomb M56 1814 kg Blast bomb M57 113 kg General Purpose bomb M58 227 kg Semi-armour piercing bomb M59 454 kg Semi-armour piercing bomb M60 7.62mm aicraft gun. M61 General Electric 20mm 'Vulcan' aircraft gun. M64 227 kg General Purpose bomb M65 454 kg General Purpose bomb M65 Airborne TOW system. M66 907 kg General Purpose bomb M69 2.7 kg Incendiary bomb M70 52.2 kg Mustard gas / gel bomb M74 4.5 kg Incendiary bomb M76 227 kg Incendiary bomb M78 227 or 454 kg Gas bomb M81 117.9 kg Fragmentation bomb M82 40.8 kg Fragmentation bomb M83 1.81 kg Fragmentation bomb M86 54.4 kg Fragmentation bomb M88 99.8 kg Fragmentation bomb M103 907 kg Semi-armour piercing bomb M104 45.4 kg Leaflet bomb M105 227 kg Leaflet bomb M109 5443 kg General Purpose bomb M110 9979 kg General Purpose bomb M113 56.7 kg Gas bomb M116 340 kg Napalm bomb M117 340 kg General Purpose bomb M118 1361 kg General Purpose, low-drag bomb M121 4536 kg General Purpose bomb M124 113 kg Practice bomb M125 4.54 kg Gas bomb M126 1.81 kg Incendiary bomb M129 340 kg Leaflet bomb M129 MDD 40mm grenade launcher M134 General Electric 7.62mm 'Minigun' M138 Gas-filled bomblet M156 Flexible gun mount. M157 Rocket pod M158 Pod with seven 70mm rockets. M188 G.E. Development of the M61 Vulcan; a three-barrel 30mm gun. M195 Derivation of the M61 for use in helicopters. M197 General Electric 20mm, three-barrel gun. M200 19 rocket pod, probably 70mm. M214 General Electric 5.56mm gun. M230 McDonnell Douglas 'Chain Gun', a 30mm single-barrel gun. M247 Shaped-charge warhead for 70mm rockets M255 Flechette warhead for 70mm rockets M261 Subminution warhead for 70mm rockets M262 Illumination warhed for 70mm rockets M264 Smoke screen warhead for 70mm rockets M439 Fuze. MAAG [USA] Military Advisory and Assistance Group MAC [USA] Military Airlift Command MAD Magnetic Anomaly Detector MAD Mutual Assured Destruction Madrid [Germany] WWII IR-guidance system for missiles. MAFFS [USA] Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, installed in ANG C-130s to assist in firefighting. MAG [USA] Military Airlift Group MAG [USA] Marine Air Group MAG [Canada] Maritime Air Group Mandrel [UK] Monitoring And Neutralizing Defensive Radar Electronics, British WWII jamming equipment. Manpads [USA] Man-Portable Air-Defense System. Became FIM-92 Stinger. Maple Flag Exercise held in Canada. Marita [Germany] Intervention of the German army in the Balkan, 1941. Market [Allied] Paratroop component of 'Market Garden' Market Garden [Allied] Combined airborne and ground forces attack in September 1944 to break through the German lines, cross the Rhine and invade the Ruhr. The airborne units captured the bridges in Son, Veghel, Grave, and Nijmegen but had to surrender in Arnhem. MASCDC [USA] Military Aircraft Storage and Dispotion Center. Davis-Monthan, Arizona. MATS [USA] Military Air Transport Service. MATV [USA] Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring, an F-16 with a vectoring nozzle. MAW [USA] Military Airlift Wing MAW [USA] Marine Aircraft Wing MDAP Mutual Defence Assistance Pact METS [UK] Multi-Engined Training Squadron MFG [Germany] Marinefliegergeschwader MFG 3 'Graf Zeppelin' MG [Germany] Maschinengewehr -- Machine Gun MG 15 7.92 mm, drum-fed, hand-aimed 1000rds/min 760m/s MG 17 7.92 mm, belt-fed, fixed 1100rds/min 760m/s MG 81 7.92 mm, belt-fed 1500rds/min MG 131 13 mm, belt-fed 900rds/min 750m/s MG c30/L 20 mm, drum-fed 350rds/min 950m/s MG FF 20 mm, drum-fed 530rds/min 585m/s MG 151 15 mm, belt-fed 700rds/min 850m/s MG 151/20 20 mm, belt-fed 780rds/min 790m/s MG 213 20 mm, 1400rds/min 1050m/s MG 213 30 mm, 1200rds/min 570m/s MG 301 20 mm 1000rds/min 1000m/s MGGB [USA] Modular Guided Glide Bomb, GBU-15(V)HOBOS. MGM [USA] Mobile, guided ground-to-ground Missile. See "us_mil.txt" for an explanation of the USA designation system. MGM-5 Corporal -- Steve Bridges, sci.military moderator|AT&T Global Information Solutions military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com | WorldWide Information Systems Phone: 513-445-4486 VP 622-4486 | Campus Lan Administration Fax: 513-445-1933 622-1933 (VP)__| PP-ASEL,AMEL "I want a P-38 type rating" From military@ranger.daytonoh.ncr.com Thu Sep 1 22:28:35 EST 1994 >From Steve Bridges >From Steve Bridges MGM-13 Mace MGM-18 Lacrosse MGM-29 Sergeant MGM-31 Pershing I MGM-51 Shillelagh MGM-52 Lance MGR [USA] Mobile, ground-targeted rocket. See "us_mil.txt" for an explanation of the USA designation system. MGR-1 Honest John MGR-3 Little John MIA Missing In Action MICo [USA] Military Intelligence Company MiGCAP MiG Combat Air Patrol Mighty Mouse A FFAR used by the USAF in the '60s. Millenium [UK] 1000-aircraft attack on Cologne, 30 May 1942. MIM [USA] Mobile SAM. MIM-3 Nike Ajax MIM-14 Nike Hercules MIM-23 Hawk MIM-43 Redeye MIM-46 Mauler MIM-72 Chapparal MIM-104 Patriot MirSIP [Belgium] Mirage Safety Improvement Programme. MIS [USA] Missile Squadron Mistel [Germany] A 'mistel' was created by combining a unmanned bomber, loaded with explosives, with a fighter on top. The pilot of the fighter steered the combination to the target, aimed the bomber, and then uncoupled. The bombers had large 'shaped charge' warheads, and the fighter drained fuel from the bomber to extend its range. Mistel 1 Ju 88A-4 with Bf 109F. Maybe sometimes Ju 88C-6s were used. Mistel 2 Ju88G-1 with Fw 190A-6 or Fw 190A-8. Mistel S 2 Trainer version of Mistel 2; the Ju 88 reatined a cabin for a two-man crew. Sometimes a transparent nose cap was fitted (the Ju 88G was a nightfighter version). Mistel 3C Ju 88G-10 with Fw 190A or Fw 190F. The Ju 88G-10 had additional fuel tanks installed because its normal fuel wasn't suitable for the fighter. Mistel S3C Trainer version of the Mistel 3C. Misty FAC [USA] Fast-jet FAC. F-100Fs were used. MIW Mine Warfare MK [Germany] Maschinenkanone MK 101 30 mm, drum-fed 250rds/min MK 103 30 mm, 420rds/min 960m/s MK 108 30 mm, belt-fed 600rds/min 505m/s MK 112 55 mm, 300rds/min 595m/s MK 114 55 mm, 150rds/min 1050m/s MK 115 55 mm, belt-fed 600m/s MK 214 50 mm, belt-fed MK 303 30 mm 900rds/min 1000m/s MK 412 55 mm 300rds/min 1000m/s ML [USA] Minelayer (ship) MLD [Netherlands] Marine Luchtvaart dienst -- Naval Air Service MLMS [USA] Multipurpose Lightweigth Missile System, an air-launched development of Stinger, intended as a self-defense weapon for helicopters and small aircraft. MLU Mid-Life Update MMSA [USA] Multi-Mission Surveillance Aircraft Mobile Zebra [USA] Deployment of a large number of aicraft to the Philippines. 1957. Moby Dick [USA] This program used unmanned balloons with camera's and recording equipment to overfly the USSR, from 1952 onwards. The project was stopped in 1956 after the USSR publicisized it and complained. Moon Glow [USA] Alert in Vietnam, 1961. Moritz [Germany] WWII IR-guidance system for missiles. Morskaya Aviatsiya [USSR] Naval Air Force MOS Military Occupational Skill, i.e. the task one is trained for. MOU Memorandum of Understanding MPA Maritime Patrol Aircraft MRASM [USA] Medium Range ASM, the tactical, non-nuclear development of the AGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile. MRB [USA] Multi-Role Bomber MRBF Main Rounds Before Failure, number indicating the reliability of a gun. MRCA Multi-Role Combat Aircraft -- the Panavia Tornado. MRU Military Radar Unit MS [USA] Minsweeper (ship) MSA Minimum Safe Altitude MSIP [USA] Multi-Stage Improvement Program, an upgrade program for the F-15. MSL Mean Sea Level MTBF Mean Time Between Failures MTI Moving Target Indicator MTR Missile Tracking Radar Mule Train [USA] Deployment of 346th TCS to Vietnam. 1961. MuSIC [USA] Multi-System Integrated Control, a study into thrust-vectoring. MW [USA] Missile Wing MX [USA] New generation ICBM. --N-------------------------------------------------------------------------- NACA [USA] National Advisory Commitee for Aeronautics NACES [USA] Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat NADGE [NATO] NATO Air Defence Ground Environment NAEW [NATO] NATAO Airborne Early Warning NAF [USA] Naval Air Facility NAFEC [USA] National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center. Pomona, NJ. NAMFI NATO Missile Firing Installation: a firing ground for missiles. NARF [USA] Naval Air Reserve Force NAS [USA] Naval Air Station, Naval Air Squadron NASA [USA] National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration NASARR [USA] North American Search And Range Radar. Radar of the F-104. NASC [USA] Naval Air Systems Command NASP [USA] National Aero-Space Plane NATC [USA] Naval Air Training Command NATC [USA] Naval Air Test Center NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization Navaho [USA] Large jet-powered cruise missile, an intercontintal Mach 3+ weapon the size of a big bomber. Abandoned in favour the ICBM. Flew first in 1958. NBC Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (weapons) NCA [USA] National Command Authority Neptune [Allied] Crossing of the Channel for Overlord, 6 June 1944. NFO [USA] Naval Flight Officer NGB [USA] National Guard Bureau Nihon Koku Jietai Japanese Defence Force Nit Picker [USA] Modification program for the F-100C and F-100D. NMANG [USA] New Mexico ANG. NOGS Night Observation Gunship NOS Night Observation Surveillance NOTAR No Tail Rotor. Helicopter without tail rotor; contra-torque stabilisation is achieved by the air flow through a slit in the tail boom. NPIC [USA] National Photographic Interpretation Center. NRL [USA] Naval Research Laboratory NRO [USA] National Reconaissance Office NSA [USA] National Security Agency NSG [USA] Naval Security Group NSRDC [USA] Naval Ship Research and Development Center. NSSMS [USA] NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System. NTP [USA] Near-Term Penetrator NWC [USA] Naval Weapons Center --O-------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCA [USA] Offensive Counter Air OCU [UK] Operational Conversion Unit OEU [UK] Operational Evaluation Unit OG [USA] Operations Group OGE Out of Ground Effect. See IGE. Olympic [USA] Plan for the invasion of the Japanese island of Kyushu. 1945. Omaha Beach [Allied] One of the landing beaches used for 'Overlord'. ONR [USA] Office of Naval Research. Operation Bolo Operation in Vietnam, 2 January 1967, that ended with the shooting down of seven MiG-21s by F-4s. Orchidee [France] Observatoire Radar Coherent Heliporte d'Investigation des Elements Ennemis -- Basically this means that Orchidee is a pulse-doppler radar that is carried by a helicopter and is used to track moving ground targets. ORI [USA] Operational Readiness Inspection. OSA [USA] Operational Support Airlift / Aircraft OSS [USA] Operational Support Squadron OTH Over The Horizon. OTHB [USA] Over The Horizon Backscatter -- radar development. Overlord [Allied] Invasion on the coasts of Normandy, 6 June 1944. Oxcart [USA] Codename for the A-12 design, precursor of the SR-71. --P-------------------------------------------------------------------------- P [USSR] Perekhvatchuk, interceptor. PACAF [USA] Pacific Air Forces PACIR [USA] Propulsion, Aerodynamic, Controls Integrated Research Pakistan Fiza'ya [Pakistan] Pakistan Air Force PAL [USA] Permission Active Link. Device to trigger nuclear bombs from the cockpit. PAR [Germany] Panzerabwehrregiment Pave Aegis [USA] Lockheed AC-130 Pave Aegis carries a 105mm cannon. Pave Arm [USA] Programme to create missiles that homed on the emissions of aircarft. Cancelled in Pave Claw [USA] The GPU-5/A 30mm gun pod. The gun is the GAU-13/A, a four-barrelled version of the GAU-8 'Avenger' of the A-10. Pave Deuce [USA] Conversion of F-102 for use as manned or unmanned target. Pave Gat [USA] Martin B-57G night attack aircraft equipped with a triple-barrel 20mm gun. Pave Hawk [USA] The MH-60G rescue helicopter. Pave Knife [USA] Guidance pod for laser-guided bombs. Pave Low [USA] The MH-53J helicopter. Pave Mover [USA] A side-looking radar for targeting missiles to enemy forces. Pave Nail [USA] Modification of the OV-10 for night precision attacks. Pave Nickel [USA] Radar reconaissance flights of the RB-57F at the border of the Warsaw pact territory. Pave Pat II BLU-76 Fuel-Air Explosive subminution bomb. Pave Penny Laser designation system for missiles, also known as TISL. Pave Pronto [USA] AC-130A gunship. Pave Spectre [USA] AC-130 gunship. Pave Spike [USA] AVQ-23 laser designation system. Pave Spot [USA] Equipment for the coordination of air strikes, installed in OV-10 'Pave Nail' aircraft. Pave Storm [USA] KMU-421/B guidance unit, a member of the Paveway family. Fitted to cluster bombs. Pave Strike [USA] Defence suppression programme. Pave Tack [USA] Precision bombing system with laser designation, AVQ-26. Paveway [USA] Family of guided bombs. PC [USA] Patrol Corvette / Patrol Craft. PDMS [USA] Point-Defense Missile System. SAM system for ships, built around the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow. Peace Jack [USA] Development of the F-4 Phantom II, the RF-4ES, intended as electronic warfare aircraft for Israel. Peace Pearl [USA] Installation of electronics in the Chinese J-8B fighter. Cancelled after the Tien-an-men killings. Peace Sun [USA] Delivery of the first F-15 to Saudi Arabia. Peipenkopf [Germany] EO-homing anti-tank missile. WWII. PG [USA] Patrol Gunboat PGM [USA] Missile. See "us_mil.txt" for an explanation of the USA designation system. PGM-11 Redstone. PHM [USA] Missile-armed Patrol Hydrofoil. Picket [UK] Delivery of Spitfires to Malta, 21 and 29 March 1942. Pink Team [USA] Organisation of the US helicopter units of the Cavalry; divided