Pre-1963 Designations Of U.S. Missiles And Drones
Copyright © 2000-2024 Andreas Parsch
2 Missiles
2.1 Army Air Force, 1941 - 1947
2.4 Joint Navy/Army/Air Force System of 1947
-
2.4.1 Navy, 1947 - 1963
2.4.2 Army, 1948 - 1955
2.4.3 Air Force, 1947 - 1951
3 Drones
4.1 Rockets
5 Interim USAF System for Missiles, Rockets, and Spacecraft, 1961
6 Sources
1 Introduction
Until 1963, when the current Joint Designation System for all US military unmanned aerospace vehicles was introduced, the US armed services used several kinds of designation systems for their missiles and rockets. While there exist - in addition to the article on this site - several good references to the current designation system, the older systems are much less known.
The purpose of this article is to provide a reference to all alpha-numerical designation systems used for unmanned aerospace vehicles prior to 1963. From time to time, aircraft-like designations were assigned to missiles and/or drones. The aircraft designation systems are not detailed in this text, but a good reference to the US military aircraft designation systems can be found at the Wikipedia landing page United States military aircraft designation systems.
Notes for the designation lists:
- For each designation system used, a list of assigned designations is provided. In these lists, only "basic" type designators are listed. Variants and modifications (designated by suffix letters and/or numbers, depending on the system) are not detailed.
- For most missiles, only the manufacturer and the missile name is given. This should provide a useful reference in most cases. Only for vehicles without a name, or for some "less known" vehicles (i.e. not normally found in standard sources) are a few details given - only if I know any details, of course ;-)!
- A link in the designation column leads to a page in the Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles about either the missile itself or a closely related one. The linked page includes more information about the missile, like one or more photos and reference to the major differences between the variants.
2 Missiles
2.1 Army Air Force, 1941 - 1947
Between 1941 and 1943, the USAAF introduced some categories for missiles and guided bombs into its aircraft designation scheme:
- BG - Bomb Glider (1942 - 1944; glider loaded with explosive warhead)
- BQ - Guided Bomb (1942 - 1945; ground-launched, radio-controlled attack drone)
- GB - Glide Bomb (1941 - 1947; an unpowered guided bomb)
- GT - Glide Torpedo (1943 - 1947; GB with torpedo)
- JB - Jet Bomb (1943 - 1947; a missile powered by turbojet, ramjet or rocket)
- VB - Vertical Bomb (1943 - 1947; a free fall bomb with guidance system and fins)
These categories were discontinued in 1947, when the Army Air Force started to use the 1947 system. The few surviving projects were redesignated in the new system.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
BG-1 | Fletcher | (converted PQ-11) | |
BG-2 | Fletcher | (converted CG-1; cancelled) | |
BG-3 | Cornelius | (cancelled) | |
BQ-1 | Fleetwings | ||
BQ-2 | Fleetwings | (BQ-1 version) | |
BQ-3 | Fairchild | (converted AT-21) | |
BQ-4 | Interstate | (as Navy TDR) | |
BQ-5 | Interstate | (BQ-4 version; as Navy TD2R; cancelled) | |
BQ-6 | Interstate | (as Navy TD3R; cancelled) | |
BQ-7 | Boeing | Aphrodite (converted B-17) | MB-17 |
BQ-8 | Consolidated | (converted B-24) | |
GB-1 | Aeronca | (preset glide path, no inflight guidance) | |
GB-2 | Bellanca | (preset glide path, no inflight guidance) | |
GB-3 | Timm | (preset glide path, no inflight guidance) | |
GB-4 | ATSC | (TV controlled guidance) | |
GB-5 | Aeronca | (GB-1 with light contrast seeker) | |
GB-6 | Aeronca | (GB-1 with IR seeker) | |
GB-7 | Aeronca | (GB-1 with passive or semi-active radar homing) | |
GB-8 | Aeronca | (GB-1 with radio control) | |
GB-9 | ATSC | (GB-4 modified for ground-skimming mode) | |
GB-10 | Aeronca | (GB-1 with TV control) | |
GB-11 | Aeronca | (GB-1 modified for chemical agent dispersal) | |
GB-12 | Aeronca | (was GB-5C; GB-1 with light contrast seeker) | |
GB-13 | Aeronca | (was GB-5D; GB-1 with flare seeker) | |
GB-14 | Aeronca | (was GB-7B; GB-1 with active radar homing) | |
GB-15 | ATSC | ||
GT-1 | Aeronca | (GB-1 modified to deliver a torpedo) | |
JB-1 | Northrop | Bat (flying wing SSM) | |
JB-2 | Willys-Overland | Buzz Bomb (V-1 copy, ASM and SSM) | LTV-A-1 |
JB-3 | Hughes | Tiamat (rocket powered AAM) | |
JB-4 | AAF | (modified GB-4 with pulsejet, ASM) | |
JB-5 | - | (cancelled rocket) | |
JB-6 | - | (cancelled rocket) | |
JB-7 | - | (reserved for jet-powered cruise missile; cancelled) | |
JB-8 | Boeing | GAPA | SAM-A-1 |
JB-9 | - | (reserved for short-range SSM; cancelled) | |
JB-10 | Northrop | (JB-1 modified with pulsejet) | |
VB-1 | ATSC | Azon ("Azimuth only", 1000 lb.) | |
VB-2 | ATSC | Azon (2000 lb.) | |
VB-3 | ATSC | Razon ("Range and Azimuth", 1000 lb..) | |
VB-4 | ATSC | Razon (2000 lb.) | |
VB-5 | ATSC | (light contrast seeker, 1000 lb.) | |
VB-6 | ATSC | Felix (IR guided, 1000 lb.) | |
VB-7 | ATSC | (TV guided) | |
VB-8 | ATSC | (VB-7 version) | |
VB-9 | Douglas | Roc (radar guided) | |
VB-10 | Douglas | Roc (TV guided) | |
VB-11 | Douglas | Roc (IR guided) | |
VB-12 | Douglas | Roc (visually guided) | |
VB-13 | Bell | Tarzon (12000 lb.) | ASM-A-1 |
2.2 Navy, 1941 - 1945
From 1941 to 1945, the Navy used the LB category ("Bomb-Carrying Glider") for a few unpowered air-to-ground glide bombs. Powered assault drones were initially designated in the TD ("Target Drone") category (see section 3.1), but around 1944 a single assault drone was allocated a BD designation.
Designation | Manufacturer | Name | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
BDR | Interstate | (jet-powered assault drone project) | |
LBD | McDonnell | Gargoyle | KSD, KUD, RTV-N-2 |
LBE | Pratt-Read | Glomb (Glider-Bomb) | |
LBP | Piper | Glomb (similar to LBE; cancelled) | |
LBT | Taylorcraft | Glomb (LBE built by Taylorcraft) |
2.3 Navy, 1946 - 1947
In March 1946, the Navy included missiles and drones in its aircraft designation scheme and introduced the K class with the following type designations:
- KA - Anti-aircraft Missile
- KD - Drone (see section 3.2)
- KG - Ground-attack Missile
- KS - Anti-ship Missile
- KU - Research and Test Missile
The KA, KG and KS classes had been already defined preliminarily in October 1945. When the 1947 joint designation system was introduced, all categories except KD were dropped. Existing missiles were redesignated.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
KAM | Martin | Little Joe | |
KAN | NAMU | Little Joe | |
KA2N | NAMU | Gorgon IIA | KU2N, CTV-N-4 |
KA3N | NAMU | Gorgon III | KU3N, RTV-N-4/CTV-N-6 |
KAQ | Fairchild | Lark | SAM-N-2, CTV-N-9 |
KAS | Sperry | Sparrow | AAM-N-2, AIM-7A |
KAY | Convair | Lark | SAM-N-4, CTV-N-10 |
KGN | NAMU | Gorgon IIC | KUN, CTV-N-2 |
KGW | Willys-Overland | Loon (as USAAF JB-2) | KUW, LTV-N-2 |
KSD | McDonnell | Gargoyle | KUD, RTV-N-2 |
KUD | McDonnell | Gargoyle | RTV-N-2 |
KUM | Martin | Gorgon IV | PTV-N-2 |
KUN | NAMU | Gorgon IIC | CTV-N-2 |
KU2N | NAMU | Gorgon IIA | CTV-N-4 |
KU3N | NAMU | Gorgon III | RTV-N-4/CTV-N-6 |
KUW | Willys-Overland | Loon | LTV-N-2 |
2.4 Joint Navy/Army/Air Force System of 1947
In 1947, the services agreed on a joint designation system for guided missiles, including research and test vehicles. The system was originally established by the Army Air Forces and the Navy in May 1947 (the Navy officially redesignated existing vehicles on 30 September 1947). The system was formally approved with small changes (the introduction of the "service letter" in the designation, see below) for use by all three services on 25 February 1948. Joint use of the system was officially discontinued on 12 July 1951.
Each missile would be designated by a letter/number combination as follows:
Example: | X | S | A | M | - | N | - | 2 | a |
(5) | (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (6) |
The letters (1) and (2) show the launch and target environment:
- A - Air
- S - Surface
- U - Underwater
Letter (3) is the developing service:
- A - Air Force
- G - Army
- N - Navy
If a missile was developed by more than one service, multiple service letters would be used (e.g. XSSM-AGN-1), but I don't know any actual designation using more than one service letter.
(4) is a number, assigned consecutively, starting from 1. Originally, it was planned that the Navy would use even numbers, and the Army (and presumably, after separation, the Air Force too) would use odd numbers (as in aircraft engine designations), but see note below. The Navy followed this scheme initially (see section 2.4.1), while the Air Force used consecutive numbers for each missile category (see section 2.4.3) and the Army used a single numerical sequence for all types of missiles, including test vehicles (see section 2.4.2). Because the numbers assigned in 1947 by the Army Air Forces were considered Air Force projects, the Army numbering restarted from 1 in 1948.
Note to (3) and (4): In the original May 1947 version of the system there was no service letter used in the designations. Instead, the Army Air Forces would use only odd numbers, while the Navy would assign even numbers to its missiles. Therefore, some early designations - those originally assigned in 1947 - are sometimes quoted without the service letter (e.g. SAM-2, LTV-1 instead of SAM-N-2, LTV-A-1). In the listings below, all designations are given with the service letter, even if this was not originally part of the designation.
(5) is an optional prefix:
- X - Experimental
- Y - Service Test
(6) is an optional lower case suffix, denoting a modification of the missile. The first version would use no suffix, the second version would be "a", etc.
The research and test vehicles were designated like:
Example: | R | TV | - | N | - | 10 | b |
(1) | (3) | (4) | (6) |
Letter (1) is the purpose of the test vehicle:
- C - Control
- L - Launching
- P - Propulsion
- R - Research and General Testing (including high altitude research)
For (3), (4) and (6), see missile designations above.
2.4.1 Navy, 1947 - 1963
The Navy continued to use the 1947 system until the introduction of today's joint system in 1963. After the joint use had been discontinued, a few minor changes were made:
- The odd numbers were also used.
- Two additional status prefix letters were introduced:
R - Research, Scientific Evaluation, Component Testing (e.g. the landing gear-equipped Regulus II test vehicle was XRSSM-N-9a)
T - Training (e.g. TAAM-N-6 for an inert training version of the Sparrow III) - In 1953, the xTV-N-n designations for test vehicles were replaced by RV-N-n for all types of research vehicles.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
(AAM-N-1) | Not assigned | ||
AAM-N-2 | Sperry | Sparrow I | AIM-7A |
AAM-N-3 | Douglas | Sparrow II (originally AAM-N-2a) | AIM-7B |
AAM-N-4 | Martin | Oriole | RV-N-16 |
AAM-N-5 | MIT/Bell | Meteor | |
AAM-N-6 | Raytheon | Sparrow III | AIM-7C/D/E |
AAM-N-7 | NWC/Philco | Sidewinder | AIM-9A/B/C/D |
(AAM-N-8) | (No information) | ||
AAM-N-9 | Raytheon | Sparrow X (nuclear-armed Sparrow) | |
AAM-N-10 | Bendix | Eagle | |
AAM-N-11 | Hughes | Phoenix | AIM-54A |
(ASM-N-1/3) | Not assigned | ||
ASM-N-2 | Bureau of Standards | Bat | |
ASM-N-4 | Eastman Kodak | Dove | |
ASM-N-5 | Martin | Gorgon V | |
ASM-N-6 | Eastman Kodak | Omar | |
ASM-N-7 | Martin | Bullpup | AGM-12A/B/C |
ASM-N-8 | Temco | Corvus | |
(ASM-N-9) | (see note 1) | ||
ASM-N-10 | Texas Instruments | Shrike | AGM-45A |
ASM-N-11 | Rockwell | Condor | AGM-53A |
(AUM-N-1/3/5) | Not assigned | ||
AUM-N-2 | Fairchild | Petrel (ex Kingfisher C) | AQM-41A |
AUM-N-4 | Bureau of Standards | Diver (ex Kingfisher D) | |
AUM-N-6 | Bureau of Standards/McDonnell | Puffin (ex Kingfisher F) | |
(SAM-N-1/3/5) | Not assigned | ||
SAM-N-2 | Fairchild | Lark | CTV-N-9 |
SAM-N-4 | Convair | Lark | CTV-N-10 |
SAM-N-6 | Bendix | Talos | RIM-8A/.../F |
SAM-N-7 | Convair | Terrier | RIM-2A/.../E |
SAM-N-8 (see note 2) | Naval Ordnance Lab | Zeus (gun-launched guided projectile) | |
SAM-N-8 | Bendix | Typhon LR | RIM-50A |
SAM-N-9 | Bendix | Typhon MR | RIM-55A |
(SSM-N-1/3/5/7) | Not assigned | ||
SSM-N-2 | Applied Physics Lab | Triton | |
SSM-N-4 | North American | Taurus (unmanned XAJ-1) | |
SSM-N-6 | Grumman | Rigel | |
SSM-N-8 | Vought | Regulus | RGM-6A/B |
SSM-N-9 (see note 2) | Applied Physics Lab | Lacrosse | SSM-A-12, MGM-18A |
SSM-N-9 | Vought | Regulus II | RGM-15A |
(SUM-N-1) | Not assigned | ||
SUM-N-2 | Bureau of Standards/Goodyear | Grebe (ex Kingfisher E) | |
(CTV-N-1/3/5/7) | Not assigned | ||
CTV-N-2 | NAMU | Gorgon IIC | |
CTV-N-4 | NAMU | Gorgon IIA | |
CTV-N-6 | NAMU | Gorgon IIIA | |
CTV-N-8 | Applied Physics Lab | Bumblebee STV (Supersonic Test Vehicle) | |
CTV-N-9 | Fairchild | Lark | |
CTV-N-10 | Convair | Lark | |
(LTV-N-1/3) | Not assigned | ||
LTV-N-2 | Willys-Overland | Loon | |
LTV-N-4 | NOTS | (solid-propellant booster rocket) | |
(PTV-N-1/3) | Not assigned | ||
PTV-N-2 | Martin | Gorgon IV | |
PTV-N-4 | Applied Physics Lab | Bumblebee BTV (Burner Test Vehicle) | |
(RTV-N-1/3/5/7/9/11) | Not assigned | ||
RTV-N-2 | McDonnell | Gargoyle | |
RTV-N-4 | NAMU | Gorgon IIIC | |
RTV-N-6 | Applied Physics Lab | Bumblebee XPM (Experimental Prototype Missile) | |
RTV-N-8 | Aerojet | Aerobee (XASR-1) | |
RTV-N-10 | Aerojet | Aerobee (XASR-2) | |
RTV-N-12 | Martin | Viking | |
RTV-N-13 | Aerojet | Aerobee 150 | RV-N-13 |
(RTV-N-14) | (No information) | ||
RTV-N-15 | NADC | Pollux (Gorgon version) | |
RV-N-16 | Martin | Oriole |
Notes:
1. The Raven project has been reported to have received the ASM-N-9 designation. However, source [14] says explicitly, that Raven was assigned ASM-N-8 and the number transferred to Corvus when Raven was abandoned early in the design phase. Another possible candidate for the ASM-N-9 designation is the NOTS Hopi nuclear air-to-ground missile project, which was studied in the same time frame as Raven and Corvus.
2. The SAM-N-8 and SSM-N-9 designations were only briefly assigned to the Zeus and Lacrosse. Probably because of this, the numbers were reused.
The following Navy missiles did not receive xxM-N-n designations:
- Lockheed Polaris (formal designation: FBM (Fleet Ballistic Missile) or A1/A2/A3); would have been USM-N-n; became UGM-27 in 1963
- Convair Tartar (formal designation: Mk 15); would have been SAM-N-n; became RIM-24 in 1963
- Goodyear Subroc (formal designation: Mk 28); would have been UUM-N-n; became UUM-44 in 1963
2.4.2 Army, 1948 - 1955
The Army continued to use the 1947 system until 1955, with the following changes after joint use had been discontinued:
- The service letter "A" was used instead of "G" (a logical decision as the Air Force dropped the system completely).
- All research and test vehicles were designated as RV-A-n, regardless of testing purpose.
- Training vehicles were to be designated TV-A-n
Existing missiles in 1951 were redesignated in the modified system. This also included already completed projects, which were nevertheless formally redesignated.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
RTV-G-1 | JPL | WAC Corporal | RV-A-1 |
RTV-G-2 | JPL | Corporal E | RV-A-2 |
RTV-G-3 | General Electric | Hermes II | RV-A-3 |
RTV-G-4 | General Electric | Bumper (A4 + WAC Corporal) | RV-A-4 |
CTV-G-5 | General Electric | Hermes A-1 | RV-A-5 |
RTV-G-6 | General Electric | Hermes B-1 | RV-A-6 |
SAM-G-7 | Western Electric | Nike Ajax | SAM-A-7, M1, MIM-3A |
SSM-G-8 | General Electric | Hermes A-3A | RTV-G-8, RV-A-8 |
SSM-G-9 | General Electric | Hermes B-2 | SSM-A-9 |
RTV-G-10 (see note 1) | General Electric | (test vehicle for Hermes A-2) | RV-A-10 |
(?-G-11) | (No information) | ||
SSM-G-12 (see note 1) | Martin | Lacrosse | SSM-A-12, M4, MGM-18A |
SSM-G-13 (see note 1) | General Electric | Hermes A-2 | SSM-A-13 |
SSM-G-14 | Chrysler | Redstone | SSM-A-14, M8, PGM-11A |
SSM-G-15 (see note 1) | General Electric | Hermes A-1 | SSM-A-15 |
SSM-G-16 (see note 1) | General Electric | Hermes A-3B | SSM-A-16 |
SSM-G-17 | JPL/Firestone | Corporal | SSM-A-17, M2, MGM-5A/B |
SAM-A-18 | Raytheon | Hawk | M3, MIM-23A |
SAM-A-19 | Sylvania Electric | Plato (missile defense project) | |
(?-A-20) | (No information) | ||
(?-A-21) | (No information) | ||
RV-A-22 | Martin/Convair | Lark (test vehicle for SSM-A-12) | |
SSM-A-23 | Aerophysics Development Corp | Dart | |
(?-A-24) | (No information, see note 2) | ||
SAM-A-25 | Western Electric | Nike Hercules | M6, MIM-14A/B |
(?-A-26) | (No information, see note 2) | ||
SSM-A-27 (see note 3) | Sperry/JPL | Sergeant | M15, MGM-29A |
Notes:
1. I have no direct evidence that missile numbers 10/12/13/15/16 ever used the service letter "G". Numbers 14 and 17, however, definitely used "G" initially. Assuming the numbers were assigned in proper sequence, all missile designations up to number 17 (at least) had the "G" service letter initially.
2. It is almost certain, that either the number 24 or 26 was allocated to the Western Electric Nike II, resulting in a SAM-A-24 or SAM-A-26 designation. Nike II was later renamed as Nike Zeus.
3. Source [1] quotes SSM-A-26 for the Sergeant. However, it is referred to as XSSM-A-27 in some Army documents listed in the Sergeant monograph found in [7].
2.4.3 Air Force, 1947 - 1951
The Air Force used the 1947 system until 1951.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
AAM-A-1 | Ryan | Firebird (MX-799) | |
AAM-A-2 | Hughes | Falcon | F-98, GAR-1, AIM-4/4A |
ASM-A-1 | Bell | Tarzon | |
ASM-A-2 | Bell | Rascal | B-63, GAM-63 |
SAM-A-1 | Boeing | GAPA (MX-606) | |
SSM-A-1 | Martin | Matador | B-61, TM-61, MGM-1C |
SSM-A-2 | North American | Navaho (Model NA-704) | |
SSM-A-3 | Northrop | Snark | B-62, SM-62 |
SSM-A-4 | North American | Navaho II (Model G-26) | B-64, SM-64 |
SSM-A-5 | Northrop | Boojum | |
SSM-A-6 | North American | Navaho III (Model G-38) | B-64A, SM-64A |
LTV-A-1 | Willys-Overland | Buzz Bomb | |
PTV-A-1 | Lockheed | (MX-883 ramjet test vehicle) | X-7 |
RTV-A-1 | Aerojet | Aerobee | X-8 |
RTV-A-2 | Convair | HIROC (MX-774) | |
RTV-A-3 | North American | NATIV | |
RTV-A-4 | Bell | Shrike (test vehicle for GAM-63) | X-9 |
RTV-A-5 | North American | (test vehicle for SM-64) | X-10 |
2.5 Air Force, 1951 - 1955
In its early years, the Air Force regarded missiles as "pilotless aircraft". Therefore, in May 1951, the Air Force assigned aircraft designations to all its missiles:
- B - Ground-attack missile ("pilotless bomber", i.e. SSM, ASM)
- F - Anti-aircraft missile ("pilotless fighter", i.e. SAM, AAM)
- X - research vehicle (RTV)
Existing missiles were redesignated in the new system.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
B-61 | Martin | Matador | TM-61, MGM-1C |
B-62 | Northrop | Snark | SM-62 |
B-63 | Bell | Rascal | GAM-63 |
B-64 | North American | Navaho | SM-64 |
B-65 | Convair | Atlas | SM-65, CGM/HGM-16D/E/F |
B-67 | Radioplane | Crossbow | GAM-67 |
F-98 | Hughes | Falcon | GAR-1, AIM-4/4A |
F-99 | Boeing | Bomarc | IM-69, IM-99, CIM-10A/B |
F-104 (see note 1) | Hughes | Falcon | F-98A |
X-7 | Lockheed | (MX-883 ramjet test vehicle) | |
X-8 | Aerojet | Aerobee | |
X-9 | Bell | Shrike (test vehicle for GAM-63) | |
X-10 | North American | (test vehicle for SM-64) | |
X-11 (see note 2) | Convair | Atlas (test vehicle for SM-65; not built) | |
X-12 (see note 2) | Convair | Atlas (test vehicle for SM-65; not built) | |
X-17 | Lockheed | (test vehicle for re-entry shapes) |
Notes:
1. A variant of the Falcon missile was briefly designated XF-104 before it became the XF-98A. The F-104 designation was later reused for the well-known Lockheed Starfighter aircraft.
2. There used to be some uncertainty regarding which configuration or model of the Atlas actually received the X-11/X-12 designations. Some older sources say that X-11 and X-12 were assigned to the Atlas A and Atlas B, respectively (later redesignated XB-65A, XSM-65A and XB-65B, XSM-65B). Actually, however, the X-11/X-12 designations were assigned earlier in the Atlas program, when the Atlas ICBM was planned as a five-engine missile (the Atlas was later downsized, when smaller nuclear warheads became available). The X-11 would have been a single-engine test vehicle, the X-12 a three-engine test vehicle and the XB-65 the five-engine ICBM prototype.
2.6 Army, 1955 - 1963
In June 1955, the Army stopped using the 1947/1951 system. Until the introduction of the joint system in 1963, Army missiles were designated (like any other Army equipment) with "Ordnance Numbers" only. These numbers are usually assigned as soon as a new equipment enters the Army inventory. I will only give a brief synopsis of this designation system here. For details, look at the description of the current Army Nomenclature System.
Example: | X | M | 3 | E1 |
(2) | (1) | (3) |
Number (1) is an arbitrary number. Usually, numbers are unique within a certain category of equipment
(like missiles, tanks, guns, etc.).
(2) In the test and development phase, the designation is prefixed with an "X".
(3) is an optional letter/number suffix used to denote modifications.
Note: Ordnance numbers are sometimes written with a dash between the M and the number, but this is incorrect.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
M1 | Western Electric | Nike Ajax | MIM-3A |
M2 | JPL/Firestone | Corporal | MGM-5A/B |
M3 | Raytheon | Hawk | MIM-23A |
M4 | Martin | Lacrosse | MGM-18A |
(M5) | (No information) | ||
M6 | Western Electric | Nike Hercules | MIM-14A/B |
(M7) | (No information) | ||
M8 | Chrysler | Redstone | PGM-11A |
M9 | Chrysler | Redstone (training missile) | PTM-11B |
(M10 ... M12) | (No information) | ||
M13 | Ford | Shillelagh | MGM-51A |
M14 | Martin | Pershing | MGM-31A |
M15 | Sperry/JPL | Sergeant | MGM-29A |
M16 | Raytheon | Hawk (training missile) | MTM-23B |
(M17) | (No information) | ||
M18 | Raytheon | Hawk (training missile) | MTM-23C |
M19 | Martin | Pershing (training missile) | MTM-31B |
The following missiles were also developed and/or deployed by the Army in the 1955 - 1963 time period. They may also have received ordnance numbers.
- Nord SS.10 (French anti-tank missile); became MGM-21 in 1963
- Nord SS.11/AS.11; became AGM-22 in 1963
- Nord Entac; became MGM-32 in 1963
- General Dynamics Redeye; became MIM-43 in 1963
- Convair Mauler; became MIM-46 in 1963
Drones and unguided rockets also received M numbers, but in different numerical sequences. A list of known rocket M numbers can be found here. The list is also referenced below the description of the Army Nomenclature System.
2.7 Air Force, 1955 - 1963
On 15 August 1955, the Air Force dropped the aircraft designations for missiles and introduced a new system. The designations remained similar to aircraft designations, but new type letters were introduced.
Example: | X | SM | - | 65 | B |
(4) | (1) | (2) | (3) |
The letters (1) denote the type of the missile:
- GAM - Guided Air-launched Missile (ASM)
- GAR - Guided Air-launched Rocket (AAM)
- IM - Intercept Missile (SAM)
- RM - Research Missile
- SM - Strategic Missile (long range SSM)
- TM - Tactical Missile (short range SSM)
Former B-type missiles were redesignated as SM, TM or GAM. F-type missiles became IM or GAR. Existing research missiles, however, were not redesignated.
(2) is a sequence number. The SM-, TM-, IM-, GAM- and RM-types used a single numerical sequence (continued from 67, the last B-number originally assigned to a missile). For the GARs, a new sequence was started at 1.
(3) is an optional suffix letter, denoting a modification of the missile. The first version would use no suffix, the second version would be "A", etc.
(4) is an optional status prefix:
- H - Hardened (used for silo-launched ICBMs, e.g. HSM-80A)
- R - Reconnaissance version (used only briefly for proposed XRSM-62)
- S - Space (e.g. SRM-81A)
- T - Training (used with GAM, e.g. TGAM-83A)
- U - Training (used with SM, e.g. USM-68A)
- X - Experimental
- Y - Service test
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
TM-61 | Martin | Matador | MGM-1C |
SM-62 | Northrop | Snark | |
GAM-63 | Bell | Rascal | |
SM-64 | North American | Navaho | |
SM-65 | Convair | Atlas | CGM/HGM-16D/E/F, CTM-16D/E |
GAM-67 | Radioplane | Crossbow | |
SM-68 | Martin | Titan | HGM-25A, HTM-25B, LGM-25C |
IM-69 (see note 1) | Boeing | Bomarc | IM-99, CIM-10A/B |
IM-70 | Bendix | Talos | |
GAM-71 | Convair | Buck Duck (air-launched decoy for B-36) | |
GAM-72 | McDonnell | Quail | ADM-20A/B/C |
SM-73 | Fairchild | Bull Goose | |
SM-74 | Convair | (see note 2) | |
SM-75 | Douglas | Thor | PGM-17A, PTM-17A |
TM-76 | Martin | Mace | MGM-13A/B, CGM-13C |
GAM-77 | North American | Hound Dog | AGM-28A/B |
SM-78 | Chrysler | Jupiter | PGM-19A |
GAM-79 | Martin | White Lance (see note 3) | |
SM-80 | Boeing | Minuteman | LGM-30A/B/F |
RM-81 | Lockheed | Agena | |
RM-82 | JPL | Loki-Dart (see note 4) | PWN-1A |
GAM-83 | Martin | Bullpup | AGM-12A/B/D, ATM-12 |
RM-84 | Aerojet General | Aerobee-Hi (see note 5) | PWN-2A |
RM-85 | University of Michigan/NACA | Nike-Cajun | PWN-3A |
RM-86 | University of Michigan | Exos | PWN-4A |
GAM-87 | Douglas | Skybolt | AGM-48A |
RM-88 | Cooper Development | Rocksonde 200 | PWN-5A |
RM-89 | Ford Aeronutronics | Blue Scout I | |
RM-90 | Ford Aeronutronics | Blue Scout II | |
RM-91 | Ford Aeronutronics | Blue Scout Junior | SLV-1 |
RM-92 | Ford Aeronutronics | Air Force Scout | |
(M-93 ... M-98) | (Not assigned) | ||
IM-99 | Boeing | Bomarc | CIM-10A/B |
AIM-101 (see note 6) | Raytheon | Sparrow | AIM-7D |
GAR-1 | Hughes | Falcon | AIM-4/4A |
GAR-2 | Hughes | Falcon | AIM-4B/C/D |
GAR-3 | Hughes | Falcon | AIM-4E/F |
GAR-4 | Hughes | Falcon | AIM-4G |
GAR-5 | Hughes | Falcon (cancelled nuclear version; see note 7) | |
GAR-6 | Hughes | Falcon (cancelled nuclear version; see note 7) | |
(GAR-7) | (No information) | ||
GAR-8 | Philco | Sidewinder | AIM-9B |
GAR-9 | Hughes | Falcon | AIM-47A |
(GAR-10) | (No information) | ||
GAR-11 | Hughes | Nuclear Falcon | AIM-26A/B |
Notes:
1. The designation IM-69 was originally assigned to the former F-99 Bomarc in 1955, presumably to bring its number in line with those of the other missiles. However, the designation was very soon replaced by IM-99, possibly at Boeing's request to keep the number "99" for the Bomarc.
2. The designation XSM-74 was set aside for Convair's cancelled MX-2223 project, but never actually assigned.
3. The White Lance was a project which ultimately led to the development of the Air Force version of the GAM-83 Bullpup.
4. The XRM-82 was a Loki-Dart type sounding rocket, using one of the original Loki motors by JPL.
5. The designation XRM-84 applied only to a specific variant of the Aerobee-Hi (powered by an AJ11-21 sustainer).
6. The AIM-101 designation looks out-of-place in the listing. The Sparrow should have received a GAR designation, just like the other AAMs. Even if we interpret "AIM" as an "IM" (Interceptor Missile) designator modified by an "A" (Air-launched) status prefix, the "101" is completely out of sequence - unless, of course, the numbers 93 through 100 were assigned to missiles unknown to me. However, it is quite possible that the designation falls within a short-lived system devised by the Air Force in 1961 (see note in final paragraph in this section, and section 5 for details about the system).
7. The designations XGAR-5 and XGAR-6 were assigned in 1956 to projected nuclear armed derivatives of the Falcon missile. These missiles would have been significantly larger than the original Falcon, and were intended for use against high-speed/high-altitude threats. The two models were identical, except for the guidance method (GAR-5: Radar; GAR-6: IR).
Many popular reference sources indicate that the missiles shared the number sequence with the manned bombers, but this is not true. Instead, both bomber and missile numbers were continued with 68, the next available number after the introduction of the new missile designations. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that numbers 68, 69 and 70 were used for both bombers and missiles.
Missile projects, which were cancelled in the design or early testing phase, have never received a designation. Among those are:
- Convair Pye Wacket
- Minneapolis-Honeywell Wagtail
- University of Michigan Wizard
There were also a few test vehicles, which didn't receive a designation:
- Lockheed WS-199C High Virgo: ALBM test missile
- Martin WS-199B Bold Orion: ALBM test missile
- McDonnell WS-199D Alpha Draco: hypersonic aeroballistic (boost-glide) research missile
- Aerophysics Development HTV: hypersonic test vehicle
Additionally, the Air Force launched numerous research missiles and sounding rockets. These include, but are not limited to:
- Aerojet Aerobee-Hi (Aerobee-150): high-altitude research rocket (one version was designated XRM-84)
- Aerojet Astrobee series: high-altitude research rockets
- Jaguar: air-launched sounding rocket
- Aerolab Jason (Argo E-5): 5-stage sounding rocket
- Aerolab Javelin (Argo D-4): 4-stage upper atmospheric research missile
- Nike boosters with various upper stages (e.g. Nike-Apache)
In late 1961, a new designation system for missiles, rockets, and spacecraft was devised by the U.S. Air Force. However, none of the existing missiles were redesignated, and because the introduction of the Joint Designation System of 1963 was imminent, the 1955 system was - to all intents and purposes - used until 1963. For details and notes about the 1961 system, see section 5.
3 Drones
3.1 Navy, 1942 - 1946
In 1942, the Navy introduced the TD designation for target drones into its aircraft designation system.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
TDC | Culver | Cadet (as USAAF PQ-8) | |
TD2C | Culver | (as USAAF PQ-14) | |
TD3C | Culver | (as USAAF PQ-15) | |
TD4C | Culver | UC-1K | |
TDD | Radioplane | (as USAAF OQ-2/3/14) | |
TD2D | McDonnell | Katydid | KDD, KDH |
TD3D | Frankfort | (as USAAF OQ-16) | |
TD4D | Radioplane | Quail (as USAAF OQ-17) | KDR |
TDL | Bell | Airacobra | F2L-1K |
TDN | NAMU | ||
TD2N | NAMU | Gorgon | KDN |
TD3N | NAMU | Gorgon | KD2N |
TDR | Interstate | (assault drone; as USAAF BQ-4) | |
TD2R | Interstate | (assault drone; as USAAF BQ-5; cancelled) | |
TD3R | Interstate | (assault drone; as USAAF BQ-6) |
3.2 Navy, 1946 - 1963
In March 1946, the Navy included missiles and drones in its aircraft designation scheme and introduced the K class with the type designation KD for drones. Most existing TD drones were redesignated. Drone conversions of manned aircraft received normal aircraft designations with a K suffix. The latter designations are not listed below. A single TD drone was redesignated in the short-lived U (for "Unmanned") category.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
KDA | Ryan | Firebee (USAF Q-2) | AQM-34B/C |
KDB | Beech | Cardinal (Model 1001) | MQM-39A |
KD2B | Beech | (Model 1019; USAF Q-12) | AQM-37A |
KDC | Curtiss | ||
KD2C | Curtiss | Skeet | |
KD3C | Curtiss | Skeet | |
KDD | McDonnell | Katydid | KDH |
KDG | Globe | Snipe | |
KD2G | Globe | Firefly | |
KD3G | Globe | Snipe | |
KD4G | Globe | Quail | |
KD5G | Globe | ||
KD6G | Globe | Firefly | XQM-40A |
KDH | McDonnell | Katydid | |
KDM | Martin | Plover | |
KDN | NAMU | Gorgon | |
KD2N | NAMU | Gorgon | |
KDR | Radioplane | Quail | |
KD2R | Radioplane/Northrop | Quail/Shelduck | MQM-36A |
(KD3R) | (No information) | ||
KD4R | Radioplane | (Model RP-70) | |
KDT | Temco | Teal | |
KDU | Vought | Regulus | BQM-6C |
KD2U | Vought | Regulus II | MQM-15A |
UC | Culver |
3.3 Army Air Force, 1940 - 1947
In 1940, the Army Air Force introduced an "A for Aerial Targets" category in its aircraft designation scheme. This evidently duplicated the "A for Attack" category and was replaced in June 1941 by the following categories, with existing "A" models being redesignated:
- OQ - Model Airplane Target
- PQ - Full-Scale Target (with provision for pilot)
When the Air Force became a separate organization, the OQ and PQ categories were discontinued and replaced by the Q category.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
A-1 | Fleetwings | ||
A-2 | Radioplane | (Model RP-5) | OQ-2 |
A-3 | Curtiss | (conversion of Navy N2C-2) | |
A-4 | Douglas | (conversion of BT-2B and -2BI; a.k.a. BT-2BR and -2BG) | |
A-5 | Boeing | (reserved for conversion of P-12E; cancelled) | |
A-6 | Douglas | (reserved for conversion of O-38; cancelled) | |
A-7 | Bell | (reserved for conversion of P-39; cancelled) | |
A-8 | Culver | Cadet | PQ-8, Q-8 |
(OQ-1) | Not assigned (see note 1) | ||
OQ-2 | Radioplane | (small 12ft. target; as Navy TDD-1; Model RP-5) | |
OQ-3 | Radioplane | (improved OQ-3; as Navy TDD-2) | |
OQ-4 | Brunswick-Balke-Collender | (small 12ft. target) | |
OQ-5 | ? | (small 12ft. target) | |
OQ-6 | Radioplane | (high speed target) | |
OQ-7 | Radioplane | (modified OQ-3) | |
(OQ-8 ... OQ-10) | Not assigned | ||
OQ-11 | Simmonds Aerocessories | (small 12ft. target) | |
OQ-12 | Radioplane | (small 12ft. target) | |
OQ-13 | Radioplane | (OQ-3 modified for over-water use) | |
OQ-14 | Radioplane | (improved OQ-3; as Navy TDD-3; Model RP-8) | |
OQ-15 | ? | (small 12ft. target) | |
OQ-16 | Frankfort | (small 12ft. target; as Navy TD3D) | |
OQ-17 | Radioplane | (small 12ft. target; as Navy TD4D/KDR; Model RP-18) | |
OQ-18 | ? | (larger 15ft. target) | |
OQ-19 | Radioplane/Northrop | (as Navy KD2R; Model RP-19) | MQM-33A/B |
(PQ-1 ... PQ-7) | Not assigned | ||
PQ-8 | Culver | Cadet | |
PQ-9 | Culver | (Model NR-B; cancelled) | |
PQ-10 | Culver | (Model MR; cancelled) | |
PQ-11 | Fletcher | ||
PQ-12 | Fleetwings | ||
PQ-13 | Erco | (Model Ercoupe 415C) | |
PQ-14 | Culver | Q-14 | |
PQ-15 | Culver |
Notes:
1. Some sources attribute the OQ-1 designation to the Radioplane RP-4 drone. However, OQ-1 is not listed in the Army's 1946 designation listing (source [11]).
3.4 Air Force, 1947 - 1963
The Air Force introduced the Q category for drones in 1947. Existing PQ models were redesignated. While no new OQ-numbers were assigned, existing OQ drones retained their designations.
Designation List:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
Q-1 (see note 1) | Radioplane | (jet-powered target similar to GAM-67) | |
Q-2 | Ryan | Firebee | BQM-34A |
Q-3 (see note 2) | Radioplane | ||
Q-4 | Radioplane/Bendix | AQM-35A/B | |
Q-5 | Lockheed | Kingfisher (modified X-7) | AQM-60A |
Q-6 | - | (medium performance target drone project; cancelled) | |
(Q-7) | Not assigned (Q-7A/B/C designations requested, but not approved) | ||
(Q-8) (see note 3) | Not assigned (Q-8A/B/C designations requested, but not approved) | ||
Q-9 | - | (low-cost short duration target drone project; cancelled) | |
Q-10 | Radioplane | (OQ-19 derivative) | |
(Q-11) | Not assigned (XQ-11 designation requested, but not approved) | ||
Q-12 | Beech | (Model 1019; Navy KD2B) | AQM-37A |
(Q-13) | Not assigned | ||
Q-14 | Culver |
Notes:
1. Before the final designation Q-1 was assigned, this drone was tentatively designated as Q-20. It was apparently considered to continue the Q-series from OQ-19, the highest number assigned in the old PQ- and OQ-series. This would have been equivalent to the T-for-Trainer series, which started at -28, continuing after the highest number assigned in the old AT-, BT- and PT-series (PT-27). However, for unknown reasons it was decided to restart the Q-series from 1 and leaving the OQ-designations unchanged.
2. Source [1] says, the OQ models were redesignated Q on paper (but designations not actually used). However, OQ types were not actually redesignated in the Q-series (see also preceding note), and therefore the Q-3 is not the same as the OQ-3. In fact, sources [5] and [14] describe the Q-3 as a Q-1 version, which can be assumed to be true.
3. It is possible (but not confirmed) that a few PQ-8 Cadet drones were still in the inventory in 1948 and were redesignated as Q-8. Even if this Q-8 designation existed at all, Q-8 became open for use in the regular Q-series, when the last Cadet was discarded.
4 Other Vehicles
4.1 Rockets
Prior to 1963, there was no formal designation system for unguided rockets. The rockets were usually designated like other ordnance. Rockets of the 1947-1963 time frame include:
Designation | Manufacturer | Name (Remarks) | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
M6 | Bazooka (Army) | ||
M28 | Super Bazooka (Army) | ||
M31/M50 | Douglas | Honest John (Army) | MGR-1A/B/C |
M47/M51 | Emerson Electric | Little John (Army) | MGR-3A |
M55 | (chemical warfare rocket; Army) | ||
M72 | LAW (Army) | ||
MB-1 | Douglas | Genie (Air Force) | AIR-2A |
NOTS | Weapon Alpha (Navy) | RUR-4A | |
NOTS | RAT (Navy) | ||
R.A.T. MK 2 | Honeywell | ASROC (Navy) | RUR-5A |
Bendix | Loki (Army) | ||
30.5" Rocket MK 1 | NOTS | BOAR (Navy) | |
2.75" FFAR | NOTS | Mighty Mouse | |
5" HVAR | NOTS | Holy Moses | |
5" FFAR | NOTS | Zuni (Navy) |
A list of known Army rocket model numbers assigned under the Army Nomenclature System can be found here.
4.2 Space Launch Vehicles
From 1962 to the late 1970's / early 1980's (I don't know the exact time frame), the Air Force assigned SLV ("Standard Launch Vehicle") designations to its launch rockets.
Designation | Manufacturer | Name | Later Designations |
---|---|---|---|
SLV-1 | L.T.V./Ford Aeronutronics | Scout | |
SLV-2 | Douglas | Thor | |
SLV-3 | Convair | Atlas | (see note 1) |
SLV-4 | Martin Marietta | Titan II | (see note 1) |
SLV-5 | Martin Marietta | Titan III | (see note 1) |
Notes:
1. When the Joint Designation System was extended to include boosters,
the following designations were assigned to Atlas and Titan launch vehicles:
SB-1A Atlas E
SB-2A/B Atlas II
SB-4A Titan II
SB-5A/B Titan IV
SB-6A Titan 34D.
5 Interim USAF System for Missiles, Rockets, and Spacecraft, 1961
According to source [15], the U.S. Air Force revised and extended its missile designation system in late 1961. The new system was to include all kinds of unmanned aerospace vehicles, including satellites and spacecraft. The following designation letters are listed:
Vehicle Type:
- G - Booster
- J - Spacecraft
- M - Missile
- P - Probe
- R - Rocket
- S - Satellite
Missile Launching Method:
- A - Aircraft
- C - Coffin
- G - Ground Vehicle
- H - Silo
- M - Multiple
- P - Soft Pad
- R - Railroad Car
- S - Space
Mission:
- B - Communications
- C - Cargo and Logistic Supply
- E - Early Warning
- I - Intercept
- K - Tanker
- N - Test
- P - Propulsion
- Q - Target
- R - Reconnaissance
- S - Strategic
- W - Weather
- X - Research
The author does not mention, in which sequence the letters were supposed to be used (although Launch Method-Mission-Vehicle Type seems reasonable), or what numbering scheme was intended (e.g. one global sequence, or one per vehicle type). The system combines elements from the 1955 USAF System and the forthcoming Joint Designation System of 1963. It is interesting to note, that this system already included designators for space vehicles of all kind, something which wasn't included in today's system until 1990.
Because this designation system was effective only for a very short period of time, it has remained essentially unknown. I don't know any designations which were definitely issued under this system, but I have a few designators, which just might make some sense with the 1961 system in mind:
- AIM-101: This designation was allocated to the Sparrow missile by the Air Force, before the redesignation to AIM-7D in 1963. Apparently this was an application (possibly the only unclassified one!) of the 1961 system.
- XJN-1: This designation was originally proposed for the Dynasoar vehicle, but was rejected in favour of X-20. Up to now, the XJN designator was a complete mystery to me, but with the 1961 system, the three letters (Research, Spacecraft, Test) seem actually applicable to the Dynasoar (although the sequence looks strange with today's system in mind, where the vehicle type comes last).
6 Sources
In no particular order:
[1] John M. Andrade: "U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials 1909-1979", Midland, 1979
[2] Bill Gunston: "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rockets and Missiles", Salamander Books Ltd, 1979
[3] Jacob Neufeld: "Ballistic Missiles in the United States Air Force, 1945-1960", Office of Air Force History, 1990
[4] James C. Fahey: "The Ships and Aircraft of the US Fleet", 6th, 7th and 8th ed., U.S. Naval Institute, 1955, 1958, 1965
[5] James C. Fahey: "United States Air Force and United States Army Aircraft 1947-1956"
[6] Jay Miller: "The X-Planes X-1 to X-45", Midland Publishing, 2001
[7] Monographs about Army missile programs
[8] Mark Wade: "Encyclopedia Astronautica"
[9] Roy A. Grossnick: "United States Naval Aviation 1910-1995",
Naval Historical Center, 1997
[10] Kenneth P.Werrell: "The Evolution of the Cruise Missile", Air University Press, 1985
[11] US Army Air Forces: "Army Aircraft Model Designations", 1946
[12] US Navy: "Model Designations of Naval Aircraft", 1947 and 1950
[13] Norman Friedman: "US Naval Weapons", Conway Maritime Press, 1983
[14] Norman J. Bowman: "The Handbook of Rockets and Guided Missiles", Perastadion Press, 1963
[15] BuAer Instruction 05030.4A: "Model Designation of Naval Aircraft, KD Targets, and BuAer Guided Missiles", Dept. of the Navy, 1958
[16] Department of Defense Missile Nomenclature Records
Comments and corrections to: Andreas Parsch
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Last Updated: 29 April 2024