UNITED STATES MILITARY AIRCRAFT by Jos Heyman

Last updated: 1 January 2016 UNITED STATES MILITARY AIRCRAFT by Jos Heyman Tri-service F=Fighter

F-1 North American Fury span: 37'1", 11.30 m length: 37'7", 11.46 m engines: 1 Wright J65-W-4 max. speed: 681 mph, 1096 km/h (Source: Aviation images.net) The Fury was a US Navy version of the F-86 Sabre. On 18 September 1962 those Furys remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-Service FJ-3 F-1C FJ-3D DF-1C FJ-3M MF-1C FJ-3D2 DF-1D YFJ-4 YF-1E FJ-4 F-1E YFJ-4B YAF-1E FJ-4B AF-1E The F-1A and F-1B designations were not assigned. The YF-1E and related models had a span of 39'1", 11.91 m and a length of 36'4", 11.07 m. Whilst the YF-1E was still fitted with the J65-W-4 engine, the production models had a J65-W-16A engine. Refer also to F-86, FJ

F-2 McDonnell Banshee F-2C F-2D span: 44', 13.41 m 44'11", 13.69 m length: 40'2", 12.24 m 47'6", 14.48 m engines: 2 Westingh. J34-WE-34 2 Westingh. J34-WE-38 max. speed: 532 mph, 856 km/h 610 mph, 981 km/h (Source: McDonnell) The Banshee was a single seat carrier fighter aircraft for the US Navy. On 18 September 1962 those F2H-3s and F2H-4s remaining in service were redesignated as F-2C and F-2D respectively. The designations F-2A and F-2B were not assigned. Refer also to F2D, F2H

F-3 McDonnell Demon span: 35'4", 10.77 m length: 58'11", 17.96 m engines: 1 Allison J71-A-2 max. speed: 647 mph, 1041 km/h (Source: McDonnell) The Demon was a transonic all weather fighter for the US Navy. On 18 September 1962 those remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-service F3H-1N F-3A YF3H-2 YF-3B F3H-2 F-3B F3H-2M MF-3B F3H-2P RF-3B F3H-2N F-3C The F-3A had a length of 59', 17.98 m and was fitted with a Westinghouse J40-WE-22. The RF-3Bs had already been cancelled with serials 137132/137155. Refer also to F3H

F-4 McDonnell 98 Phantom span: 38'5", 11.71 m length: 58'3", 17.75 m engines: 2 General Electric J79-GE-2 max. speed: 1320 mph, 2124 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) The Phantom was originally a US Navy fighter design but was also adopted by the USAF. It was also extensively used by other air forces and a total of 5057 (incl. direct orders) were built. On 18 September 1962 those F4H-1Fs remaining in service were redesignated as F-4A. A number of these aircraft, including 138262 and 148265, were later converted as TF-4A. The F4H-1s remaining in service on 18 September 1962 were redesignated as F-4B under which designation production continued. This version was fitted with 2 General Electric J79-GE-8 engines. The serials applied to the 235 F-4Bs were: 152207/152331, 152965/153070 and 153912/153915. A batch with serials 153916/153950 was cancelled. A single F-4B (153070) was converted as EF-4B for ECM training. An unknown number were converted as DF-4B and two aircraft (151496 and 152298) was used for permanent testing as NF-4B. At the end of their operational life at least 44 F-4Bs were converted as QF-4B target drones. Serials included 148365, 148378, 148383, 148386, 148393, 148409, 148414, 148415, 148423, 148424, 148428, 148431, 149409, 149414, 149415, 149423, 149428, 149431/149434, 149441, 149446, 149451, 149452, 149461, 149466 and 149471. The RF-4B designation was assigned to the F4H-1P development prior to the redesignation of 18 September 1962 and prior to any orders having been placed. Eventually 46 were built with serials 151975/151983, 153089/153115 and 157342/157351. The aircraft had a length of 62'11", 19.18m. The F-4C was the first USAF version and was initially ordered as F-110A. The first flight took place on 27 May 1963 and the aircraft were fitted with 2 J79-GE-15 engines. They were built with serials 63-7407/7713 and 64-654/980. 63-7676 flew with serial 63-1776-1976 during the US Bicentennial Year. The F-4C designation was also used for a number of US Navy F4H-1 which had been transferred to the USAF on a temporary basis as F-110A and were redesignated as F-4C. Batch with serials 63-12654/12680 and 64-981/996 were cancelled. Later a number of F-4Cs were converted as EF-4C for Wild Weasel ECM duties. The serials were 63-7423, 63-7433, 63-7437, 63-7440, 63-7443, 63-7447, 63-7452, 63-7459, 63-7462, 63-7467, 63-7470, 63-7474, 63-7478, 63-7481, 63-7508, 63-7512, 63-7513, 63-7564, 63-7565, 63-7567, 63-7574, 63-7594, 63-7596, 63-7607, 63-7615, 63-7623, 64-675, 64-741, 64-757, 64-781, 64-787, 64-790, 64-791, 64-815, 64-840, 64-844 and 64-847. The designation NF-4C was assigned to a number of aircraft with serials 63-7407, 63-7408, 63-7409, 63-7654, 64-0727 and 64-0869 that were used for various tests. The YRF-4C was identical to the RF-4B but with the engines of the F-4C. Originally two aircraft were ordered by the USAF as YRF-110A but these were redesignated on 18 September 1962 before completion as RF-4C. The first flight was on 20 August 1963 and the serials were 62-12200/12201. The production version was initially ordered as RF-110A but became RF-4C. The first flight was on 18 May 1964 and 503 were built with serials 63-7740/7763, 64-997/1085, 65-818/945, 66-383/478, 67-428/469, 68-548/611, 69-349/384, 71-248/259 and 72-145/156. Batches with serials 64-1086/1125, 65-946/961, 68-612/633, 69-385/399 and 70-653/688 were cancelled. At the end of their useful life a few RF-4Cs were converted as QRF-4C. They included 64-1053, 65-0944, 67-0433, 68-0555, 68-0564, 69-0383 and 69-0388. Four RF-4Cs with serials 63-7744, 65-850, 65-941 and 66-384 were used for tests as NRF-4C. The F-4D was an improved version of the F-4C and after a first flight on 8 December 1965, 773 were built with serials 65-580/801, 66-226/283, 66-7456/7774, 66-8685/8825, 67-14869/14884 and 68-6904/6969. Many were supplied to Korea and Iran. Batches with serials 65-802/817 and 67-175/207 were cancelled. A number of F-4Ds with serials 65-657, 65-660, 66-7635 and 66-7647 were converted as EF-4D for ECM duties. Several F- 4Ds were used as NF-4D test aircraft. They included 65-670, 66-7483 and 66-7716. The F-4E had the length of the RF-4C but was fitted with J79-GE-17 engines. An F-4C with serial 63-7445 and an F-4D with serial 65-713 were converted as YF-4E. The first flight was on 30 June 1967 and 1387 were built of which large numbers were

supplied to Iran, Israel, Greece, Turkey and South Korea The serials were 66-284/382, 67-208/398, 68-303/547, 69-236/307, 69-7201/7273, 69-7286/7303, 69-7546/7589, 69-7711/7742, 71-224/247, 71-1070/1166, 71-1391/1402, 71-1779/1796, 72-121/144, 72-157/168, 72-1407, 72-1476/1535, 73-1016/1055, 73-1157/1204, 73-1519/1554, 74-643/666, 74-1014/1061, 74-1618/1653, 75-222/257, 75-628/637, 76-493/511, 77-277/308, 77-1743/1760 and 78-727/744. Batches with serials 67-399/427, 69-308/348, 70-469/652 and 75-638/655 were cancelled. In addition Japan ordered 138 examples outside the US procurement system. At the end of their useful life a number were converted as QF-4E, including 66-0377, 66-0338, 66-0342, 67-0320, 67-0337, 67-0343, 67-0349, 67-0356, 67-0390, 68-0303, 68-0317, 68-0320, 68-0340, 68-0343, 68-0345, 68-0375, 68-0379, 68-0385, 68-0389, 68-0391, 68-0449, 68-0450, 68-0463, 68-0509, 69-0290/0293, 71-0237, 71-0238, 71-0239, 71-0243, 71-1075, 71-1076, 71-1081, 71-1083, 71-1084, 71-1086, 71-1087, 71-1088, 71-1090, 71-1092, 71-1397, 72-0135, 72-0136, 72-0121, 72-0123, 72-0127, 72-0137, 72-0141, 72-0143, 72-0144, 72-0159, 72-0162, 72-1477, 72-1478, 72-1479, 72-1485, 72-1489, 72-1490, 72-1491, 72-1493, 72-1494, 73-1004, 73-1160, 73-1165, 73-1168, 73-1171, 73-1172, 73-1173, 73-1176, 73-1181, 73-1183, 73-1184, 73-1185, 73-1193, 73-1195, 73-1196, 73-1197, 73-1198, 73-1203, 73-1204, 74-643, 74-644, 74-645, 74-646, 74-647, 74-648, 74-652, 74-654, 74-655, 74-659, 74-662, 74-663, 74-664, 74-665, 74-666, 74-1038/1044, 74-1047, 74-1048, 74-1050, 74-1052, 74-1055, 74-1060, 74-1061, 74-1620/1631, 74-1634, 74-1635, 74-1636, 74-1637, 74-1643, 74-1644, 74-1645, 64-1648, 74-1649, 74-1651, 74-1652 and 74-1653. The EF-4E designation was initially applied to 116 F-4Es fitted with ECM gear and which were later designated as F-4G. Several aircraft with serials 66-284, 66-286, 66-289, 66-291, 66-294, 66-315, 66-319, 66-329 and 66-377 were used for tests as NF-4E. The RF-4E was a tactical reconnaissance version which was supplied, amongst others, to Germany, Israel, Iran, Turkey and Greece. The serials were 69-7448/7535, 69-7590/7595, 72-266/269, 74-1725/1736, 75-418/423, 77-309/316, 77-357/358 and 77-1761/1766. Batches with serials 75-528/533, 75-656/661, 78-751/754, 78-769, 78-788 and 78-854/864 were cancelled. In addition Japan ordered 14 outside the US procurement system. Several F-4Es with serials 69-7567, 69-7570 and 69-7576 were also converted as RF-4E. The F-4F was a version fitted with J79-GE-17A engines and 175 were built for Germany by McDonnell with German sub-assemblies. The serials were 72-1111/1285. A number of F-4Fs were converted as TF-4F operational trainers whilst one TF-4F was used for permanent testing as NTF-4F. The F-4G designation was initially assigned to 12 F-4Bs converted with new avionics and used by the US Navy. The first flight took place on 20 March 1963 and the aircraft concerned were 150481, 150484, 150487, 150489, 150492, 150625, 150629, 150633, 150636, 150639, 150642 and 150645. The same designation was later allotted to an ECM version of the F-4E, initially designated EF-4E and used by the USAF. 135 aircraft were converted, including serials 69-236/255, 69-257/261, 69-263, 69-264, 69-265, 69-267, 69-269/275, 69-277/281, 69-283/286, 69-290, 69-292/293, 69-297, 69-298, 69-303/306, 69-7201/7202, 69-7204/7220, 69-7223, 69-7228, 69-7231/7236, 69-7251/7254, 69-7256/7263, 69-7267, 69-7268, 69-7270, 69-7272, 69-7286/7291, 69-7293/7295, 69-7297, 69-7298, 69-7300/7303, 69-7546, 69-7550, 69-7551, 69-7556, 69-7557, 69-7558, 69-7560, 69-7561, 69-7566, 69-7571, 69-7572, 69-7574, 69-7579/7584 and 69-7586/7588. A US Navy aircraft with serials 150484 was also designated as F-4G. In addition a number of RF-4Cs were converted to this standard. At the end of their useful life a number of F-4Gs were converted as QF-4G target drones. The programme commenced in 1991 and serials included 69-0236/0255, 69-0258/0261, 69-0263, 69-0264, 06-0265, 69-0269, 69-0272/0275, 69-0277, 69-0278, 69-0281, 69-0284, 69-0285, 69-0286, 69-0290, 69-0292, 69-0298, 69-0303/0307, 69-7201, 69-7202, 69-7204, 69-7209, 69-7210, 69-7211, 69-7214, 69-7217, 69-7218, 69-7220, 69-7228, 69-7231, 69-7232, 69-7233, 69-7234, 69-7235, 69-7252. 69-7254, 69-7256, 69-7257, 69-7258, 69-7260/7262, 69-7267, 69-7268, 60-7270. 69-7272, 69-7286, 69-7287, 69-7288, 69-7289, 69-7290, 69-7291, 69-7294, 69-7295, 69-7297, 69-7298, 69-7300, 69-7301, 69-7303, 69-7546, 69-7556, 69-7557, 69-7561, 69-7566, 69-7572, 69-7574, 69-7579, 69-7580, 69-7581, 69-7582 and 69-7583. The F-4H designation was not assigned to avoid potential confusion with the old F4H designation. Three F-4Bs were fitted with J79-GE-10 engines and served as prototypes for the F-4J. They were designated as YF-4J and serials were 151473, 151496 and 151497. The F-4J was the production version although some aircraft were fitted with J79-GE-8B engines. The first flight took place on 27 May 1966 and 522 were built with serials 153071/153088, 153768/153911, 154781/154788, 155504/155580, 155731/155903, 157242/157309 and 158346/158379. A batch with serials 155904/155916 was cancelled. An electronic warfare conversion was designated as EF-4J and the serials were 153076 and 153084. One of these, 153084, was further converted as DF-4J. The designation NF-4J was used for aircraft 141473 and 151496. A number of F-4Js, including 151496, were converted as QF-4J target drones. The F-4L was a projected version for the US Navy that was not built. The designations YF-4K, F-4K, YF-4M and F-4M were assigned to versions for the Royal Navy and RAF procured outside the US procurement system. They were fitted with Rolls Royce Spey 202 engines and had a length of 57'7", 17.55 m. The order comprised 2 YF-4Ks, 50 F-4Ks, 2 YF-4Ms and 116 F-4Ms. The F-4N designation has been applied to a large number of F-4Bs which were fitted with improved electronics. Serials included 150407, 150411, 150412, 150415, 150419, 150422, 150423, 150425, 150426, 150429, 150430, 150432, 150435, 150436, 150438, 150440/150442, 150444, 150445, 150448, 150450, 150452, 150456, 150460, 150464/150466, 150468, 150472, 150475, 150476, 150478/150482, 150484, 150489/492, 150625, 150627, 150628, 150630, 150632, 150634, 150635, 150638/153640, 150642, 150643, 150648, 150651, 150652, 150993, 150996, 151000, 151002/151004, 151006/151008, 151011, 151015, 151016, 151398, 151400, 151401, 151406, 151413, 151415, 151417, 151422, 151424, 151430, 151431, 151433/151436, 151439, 151440, 151442, 151444, 151446, 151448, 151449, 151451, 151452, 151455, 151456, 151459, 151461, 151463/151465, 151468, 151469, 151471, 151475/151477, 151480, 151482, 151484, 151487, 151489, 151491, 151498, 151502/151504, 151510, 151511, 151513, 151514, 151519, 152298, 152208, 152210, 152212, 152214, 152217, 152221/152223, 152225/152227, 152229, 152230, 152235, 152237, 152241, 152243, 152244, 152246, 152250, 152252/152254, 152258, 152259, 152263, 152267, 152269, 152270, 152272, 152275, 152277/152282, 152284, 152288, 152290, 152291, 152293/152295, 152300, 152302, 152303, 152306, 152307, 152310, 152313, 152317, 152318, 152321/152323, 152326, 152327, 152965, 152967/152971, 152975, 152977, 152981/152983, 152990/152992, 152996,

153006, 153008, 153010/153012, 153016, 153017, 153019, 153023, 153024, 153026, 153027, 153030, 153034, 153036, 153039, 153047, 153050, 153053, 153056/153059, 153062, 153064, 153065, 153067, 153914 and 153915. One F-4N was transferred to USAF and received serial 84-0494. A number of F-4Ns were later converted to QF-4N target drones with serials 150412, 150415, 150419, 150432, 150456, 150464, 150465, 150468, 150475, 150482, 150489, 150492, 150630, 150643, 151406, 151415, 151435, 151440, 151449, 151455, 151461, 151463, 151465, 151469, 151471, 151475, 151476, 151482, 151484, 151503, 151504, 152214, 152217, 152221/152223, 152226, 152229, 152230, 152235, 152243, 152246, 152250, 152253, 152258, 152269, 152277, 152279, 152281, 152282, 152300, 152307, 152310, 152323, 152326, 152968, 152970/152972, 152982, 152983, 153011, 153024, 153030, 153034, 153039, 153053, 153056, 153058, 153059, 153064, 153065, 153067 and 153914. The F-4S designation was used for the conversion of a large number fo F-4Js with updated systems incl. J79-GE-10B engines. Serials included 153779, 153780, 153784, 153785, 153787, 153791, 153792, 153798, 153800, 153805, 153808, 153809, 153810, 153814, 153818, 153819, 153820, 153821, 153823, 153824, 153825, 153826, 153827, 153828, 153832, 153835, 153840, 153842, 153843, 153845, 153847, 153851, 153853, 153855, 153856, 153857, 153858, 153859, 153860, 153862, 153864, 153866, 153868, 153869, 153872, 153873, 153874, 153877, 153879, 153880, 153881, 153882, 153884, 153887, 153889, 153890, 153891, 153893, 153896, 153898, 153899, 153900, 153902, 153903, 153904, 153907, 153908, 153909, 153910, 153911, 154781, 154782, 154786, 154788, 155504, 155515, 155517, 155518, 155519, 155521, 155522, 155524, 155525, 155527, 155528, 155530, 155531, 155532, 155539, 155541, 155542, 155543, 155544, 155545, 155547, 155550, 155552, 155555, 155558, 155559, 155560, 155561, 155562, 155565, 155566, 155567, 155568, 155570, 155572, 155573, 155575, 155579, 155580, 155731, 155732, 155733, 155735, 155736, 155739, 155740, 155741, 155743, 155746, 155747, 155749, 155753, 155754, 155757, 155759, 155761, 155764, 155765, 155766, 155767, 155769, 155772, 155773, 155779, 155781, 155783, 155784, 155786, 155787, 155792, 155794, 155801, 155805/155808, 155810, 155812, 155813, 155818, 155820, 155821, 155822, 155823, 155825, 155827, 155828, 155829, 155830, 155833, 155834, 155836, 155838, 155839, 155844, 155845, 155847, 155848, 155849, 155851, 155852, 155854, 155855, 155858, 155859, 155861, 155862, 155863, 155864, 155865, 155869, 155871, 155872, 155874, 155876, 155878, 155879, 155880, 155881, 155883, 155887, 155888, 155890, 155891, 155892, 155893, 155896/155901, 157242, 157243, 157245, 157246, 157248/157251, 157254, 157255, 157257/157261, 157264, 157267, 157268, 157269, 157272, 157276, 157278, 157279, 157281, 157282, 157283, 157286, 157287, 157290/157293, 157296/157298, 157300, 157301, 157304, 157305, 157307, 157308, 157309, 158346, 158348, 158350, 158351, 158352, 158353, 158354, 158358/158360, 158369, 158370, 158372, 158373, 158374, 158376 and 158377. Several F-4S aircraft were later converted as QF-4S target drones. Serials included 153785, 153787, 153809, 153814, 153819, 153821, 153823, 153832, 153856, 153864, 153884, 153887, 153899, 155521, 155524, 155544, 155561, 155565, 155572, 155573, 155575, 155580, 155741, 155749, 155810, 155829, 155834, 155845, 155847, 155864, 155878, 157261, 158351, 158359, 158360 and 158370. McDonnell Douglas used the F-4VG designation for a variable wing development which never took place, whilst the F-4T, F-4X and RF-4X were projected versions of the F-4E. Refer also to F-110, AH, F4H.

F-5 Northrop N156F Freedom Fighter span: 25'3", 7.70 m length: 47'2", 14.38 m engines: 2 General Electric J85-GE-13 max. speed: 945 mph, 1521 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) The Freedom Fighter was a cheap and light tactical jet fighter developed for supply to friendly nations. A total of 2665 were built of all versions (excl. T-38). In May 1958 three aircraft with serials 59-4987/4989 were ordered by the Department of Defense as prototypes and the first flight took place on 30 July 1959. Two of the aircraft were used for testing whilst the third aircraft was stored. Although the aircraft carried USAF serials they did not carry any other military markings at the time and were not given a designation. The YF-5A designation was applied on 22 October 1962 when the USAF ordered the third aircraft (59-4989) to be completed. It flew for the first time on 31 July 1963. The YF-5A designation has also been retrospectively applied to the other two aircraft. The three YF-5As also carried the designation XF-5A, which was also applied to a static airframe with serial 59-4993. Ordered from 22 October 1962, the first production version was the F-5A of which 635 were built for supply to Greece, Iran, South Korea, Libya, Morocco, Norway, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. In addition 85 CF-5As and 75 NF-5As were built by Canadair for Canada and the Netherlands whilst CASA built 19 SF-5A aircraft for Spain, all of which were outside the US procurement and did not receive USAF serials. Orders were placed from 22 October 1962 and serials were 63-8367/8437, 64-13306/13376, 65-10476/10581, 66-9119/9229, 66-14457/14466, 67-14894/14905, 67-21153/21218, 67-21236/21258, 67-22548/22555, 68-9043/9085, 69-7091/7134, 69-7174/7177, 70-1373/1407 and 71-260/276. Batches with serials 64-13389/13408, 66-8405/8515, 67-14775, 67-21259/21271, 69-6462/6483, 71-1276/1317 and 71-1377/1390 were cancelled. Not to be confused with the Dutch NF-5A, F-5As with serial 63-8367/8370 were used as NF-5A for development testing. Of these 63-8368 was temporarily registered as N6004. All four aircraft were later remanufactured as F-5B and given new serials. The RF-5A was a reconnaissance version of which 89 were built with serials 67-21219/21231, 68-9097/9113, 68-10489/10490, 69-7137/7173, 70-1614/1622, 71-277/279, 71-1029/1032 and 71-1035/1038. Batches with serials 67-21232/21235, 69-6487/6502 and 69-7178/7180 were cancelled. Several aircraft were converted as RF-5A after they had been supplied to other nations, including 67-21192, 67-231194 and 67-21200/21209. In addition CASA built 17 aircraft for Spain without USAF serials. The F-5B was a two-seat dual control version which had an increased length of 46'4", 14.12 m. First ordered on 22 October 1962, Northrop built these aircraft with serials 63-8438/8451, 63-13692, 64-13377/13388, 65-10582/10595, 65-13071/13074 (remanufactured from NF-5A), 66-9230/9244, 67-14906/14909, 67-21272/21284, 67-22556/22557, 68-9086/9096, 69-7089/7090, 69-7135/7136, 70-1048, 70-1608/1613, 70-1948, 71-1033/1034, 72-436/449, 72-1337/1356, 73-1602/1613, 74-775/786, 74-1576/1581 and 74-2114/2129. Batches with serials 66-8516/8530, 67-21285/21294, 69-6484/6486 and 74-2097/2112 were cancelled. In addition a batch of F-5A and F-5Bs with serials 64-13389/13408 was cancelled. The aircraft were supplied to the same range of countries as for the F-5A and RF-5A. In addition Canadair built 26 CF-5Bs and 30 NF-5Bs for Canada and the Netherlands whilst CASA built 34 SF-5Bs for Spain. The Canadair and CASA aircraft were outside US procurement. The designation YF-5B was used for aircraft 63-8445. The F-5C designation was applied to a projected operational version of the F-5A for the USAF whilst the F-5D was a similarly projected F-5B version. The F-5E was a significantly improved version with a span of 26'8", 8.13 m, length of 48'2", 14.68 m, 2 General Electric J85-GE-21 engines and a max. speed of 1056 mph, 1699 km/h. Known as Tiger II this second generation aircraft flew for the first time on 11 August 1972 and was delivered to Brazil, Chile, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Yemen, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, South Vietnam and other countries. This was also the first version used by the USAF and the US Navy. The USAF used 112 aircraft and the US Navy 10 as aggressor aircraft in pilot training. The serials were

71-1417/1421, 72-1386/1406, 73-846/888, 73-890, 73-892/990, 73-1626/1646, 74-958/997, 74-1362/1575, 74-1582/1617, 75-314/373, 75-442/527, 75-562/627, 76-471/490, 76-1526/1591, 76-1616/1639, 76-1643/1686, 77-328/335, 77-366/379, 77-1767/1777, 78-028/037, 78-770/773, 78-789/798, 78-814/821, 78-826/829, 78-865/875, 78-2447, 79-1681/1691, 79-1694/1707, 79-1717/1720, 79-1920/1941, 80-299/319, 81-006/019, 81-558/593, 81-614/625, 81-632/638, 81-823/857, 82-634/639, 82-644/645, 83-083/112, 84-183/184, 84-490/491, 85-043/044, 85-057/058, 85-1586/1595 and 86-405/409. US Navy serials were 159878/159882, 160792/160796 and 162307 and these aircraft had been ordered through the USAF. Batches with serials 78-799/801, 78-804/805 and 80-3501/3531 were cancelled. A single F-5E was converted as the RF-5E photo-reconnaissance aircraft with a length of 48'10", 14.88 m and flew for the first time on 29 January 1979. Known as the Tigereye it carried serial 78-1420 which was not a USAF serial. Two were ordered by Malaysia and received serials 80-333/334 whilst 84-194/203 went to Saudi Arabia. In addition Taiwan owned F-5Es with aerials 83-085, 83-086, 83-087, 83-088, 83-091, 83-093, 83-094 and Singapore owned F-5Es with serials 85-1586, 85-1590 and 85-1591 were converted as RF-5E. The designation KF-5E was used for aircraft built by KAI in Korea. This was not a US military designation. The F-5F was a two seat version with a length of 51'10", 15.80 m and flew for the first time on 1 August 1972. It was supplied to similar countries as the F-5E and was built with serials 73-889, 73-891, 75-681/731, 75-735/742, 75-753/755, 76-1592/1597, 76-1611/1615, 76-1640/1642, 77-336/350, 77-359/365, 77-1778/1779, 78-774/787, 78-802/803, 78-822/825, 78-876/884, 78-2435/2436, 78-2444/6447, 79-1692/1693, 79-1708/1709, 79-1721/1726, 79-1916/1919, 79-1942/1945, 80-296/298, 81-594/613, 81-639/642, 81-858/863, 82-004/005, 82-089/091, 82-187/189, 82-640/643, 83-072/074, 83-113/142, 84-456/457, 85-053/056, 86-090/091 and 86-388. The US Navy had three aircraft, ordered through the USAF, with serials 160964/160966 in its aggressor fleet whilst several USAF aircraft were also transferred to the US Navy, including 84-456. Aircraft with serials 75-743/744, 75-756, 78-804/805 and 80-3532/3527 were cancelled, whilst other aircraft were produced in blocks mixed with F-5E production. In 2008 three Swiss F-5Es were fitted with front parts of expired US Navy F-5Fs and were delivered to the US Navy as two seaters with the nickname Franken Tiger. The first flight of these conversions was on 25 November 2008. The RF-5F was a photo reconnaissance version of the F-5F which flew for the first time on 15 December 1982. The designation KF-5F was used for aircraft built by KAI in Korea. This was not a US military designation. The F-5G was a completely redesigned third generation version with a span of 26'8", 8.13 m, length of 46'6", 14.17 m, 1 General Electric F404-GE-F1G and max. speed of 1320 mph, 2124 km/h. Ordered with serials 82-062/065, the aircraft were redesignated as F-20A before completion. The F-5H designation was reserved for a two-seat version of the F-5G which was not proceeded with. The designation F-5N was used for a number of F-5Es obtained by the USMC from Switzerland. They were used in adversary training and carried serials based on the USAF serial by which the aircraft were ordered before their supply to Switzerland. At least two, 761586 and 810834, appear to have been converted to F-5F configuration. Towards the end of their useful life a number of aircraft were converted as QF-5 target drones. Refer also to F-19, F-20, T-38.

F-6 Douglas Skyray span: 33'6", 10.21 m length: 45'8", 13.92 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney J57-P-8 max. speed: 695 mph, 1118 km/h (Source: US Navy?) On 18 September 1962 those YF4D-1s and F4D-1s remaining in service were redesignated as respectively YF-6A and F-6A. Refer also to F4D.

F-7 Convair 2 Seadart span: 33'8", 10.26 m length: 52'7", 16.03 m engines: 2 Westinghouse J46-WE-4 max. speed: 994 mph, 1600 km/h At Paxutent River in 1977 (Source: Naval Aviation News) The Seadart was a twin engined flying boat fighter. In spite of the fact that the programme was abandoned in 1957, the designation YF-7A was applied to the YF2Y-1 and F-7A to the F2Y-1 design on 18 September 1962. Apparently two of the YF2Y-1s had not been struck of the inventory during a survey dated 30 Jun 1962 and were administratively redesignated even though they were struck of the records by the time of the introduction of the new designations. These were probably aircraft 135763 and 135765. Refer also to F2Y

F-8 Vought V383 Crusader span: 35'8", 10.87 m length: 54'3", 16.54 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney J57-P-12 max. speed: 1100 mph, 1770 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Crusader was a single seat carrier jet fighter. On 18 September 1962 those aircraft remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-service YF8U-1 YF-8A F8U-1 F-8A F8U-1D DF-8A F8U-1KD QF-8A YF8U-1P YRF-8A F8U-1P RF-8A F8U-1T TF-8A F8U-1E F-8B YF8U-2 YF-8C F8U-2 F-8C YF8U-2N YF-8D F8U-2N F-8D YF8U-2NE YF-8E After the redesignation aircraft 145411 was converted as a DF-8A drone director. Conversions to the TF-8A training conversion after the redesignation included 141359, 142408, 143677, 143694, 143695, 143697, 143698, 143714, 143723, 143726, 143739, 143750, 143751, 143754, 143755, 143759, 143760, 143766, 143777, 143786, 143800, 143804, 143807, 143809, 143812, 144428, 144434, 144437, 144444, 144445, 144461, 145325, 145327, 145329, 145330, 145336, 145339, 145343, 145345, 145348, 145354, 145358, 145361, 145370/145372, 145384, 145392, 145394, 145395, 145398, 145399, 145402, 145404, 145408 and 145410. The single TF-8A, which had serial 143710 was transferred to NASA as NTF-8A and registered as N810NA. An RF-8A with serial 145628 was used for tests with the designation NRF-8A. One F-8A was converted as DF-8D drone director. It had serial 145382. Two F-8Ds (147041 and 147045) were used for testing as NF-8D. The F-8E designation was applied to those F8U-2NEs which remained in service on 18 September 1962 as well as the final batch of production aircraft with serials 151732/151773. Further production of two aircraft with serials 151774/1515775 was cancelled. Aircraft 147036 was also converted as F-8E. An F-8F with serial 149218 was redesignated as NF-8E for tests. The designation TF-8E was a French Navy order for training aircraft that was cancelled. The designation DF-8F was applied to a number of F-8As converted as drone directors. They had serials 143703, 143713, 143724, 141351, 143693, 143724, 143730, 143732, 143738, 143756, 143758, 143766, 143771, 143772, 143793, 143799, 143813, 143814, 144427, 144429, 144435, 144439, 144443, 144449, 144456, 145319 and 145353. 73 RF-8As were updated to the RF-8G configuration with J57-P-22 engines. The serials were 144607, 144608, 144613/144620, 144623/144625, 145607/145609, 145611, 145613/145616, 145622/145625, 145627, 145629, 145631/145633, 145635/145637, 145639, 145641/145643, 145645/145647, 146827, 146835, 146838, 146844/146846, 146848, 146855, 146856, 146858, 146860, 146861, 146863/146866, 146870, 146871, 146876, 146882, 146883, 146886, 146889, 146890, 146892, 146895, 146897/146899 and 146901.

The F-8H designation was applied to 86 F-8Ds which were converted. The serials were 147042/147044, 147046/147051, 147054/147058, 147060, 147062, 147063, 147065, 147067/147072, 147897, 147901, 147902, 147904/147906, 147908, 147909, 147914, 147916, 147918, 147919, 147922/147925, 148630/148632, 148634, 148636, 148638/148640, 148643, 148647/148652, 148656/148662, 148664/148666, 148677, 148678, 148680/148682, 148684, 148686/148689, 148691/148695, 148697/148700, 148703, 148705, 148707 and 148710. The F-8J designation was used for 136 F-8Es which had been rebuilt. The serials were 149136/149137, 149139, 149143, 149145, 149149/149151, 149154, 149155, 149159, 149163, 149164, 149170, 149172, 149174, 149175, 149177, 149180, 149182, 149185/149187, 149190, 149195/149197, 149199, 149201/149205, 149207, 149210/149212, 149214/149216, 149220/149222, 149226, 149227, 150284, 150289, 150294, 150295, 150297, 150299, 150302, 150305, 150307, 150311, 150315, 150317, 150318, 150320, 150323/150326, 150328/150330, 150333, 150336, 150339/150341, 150343, 150346, 150347, 150349, 150351, 150353, 150354, 150654, 150656, 150658, 150660/150664, 150669, 150670, 150672, 150674, 150677, 150678, 150680, 150682, 150683, 150844, 150845, 150849/150852, 150855, 150859, 150861/150864, 150868, 150871, 150872, 150877/150879, 150882, 150883, 150885, 150887/150890, 150898, 150900, 150903/150906, 150911, 150913, 150915, 150918, 150920, 150921, 150923, 150926, 150927 and 150932. 87 F-8Cs were converted as F-8K. The aircraft involved had serials 145548/145550, 145553, 145554, 145557/145560, 145564/145566, 145568, 145672, 145574, 145575, 145579, 145580, 145583, 145584, 145587, 145590, 145592/145596, 145598, 145603, 146908/146911, 146916/146918, 146931, 146933, 146936, 146937, 146939, 146941, 146944, 146947, 146948, 146951/146953, 146955, 146956, 146960, 146961, 146963, 146965, 146966, 146968, 146970, 146973, 146974, 146979, 146981, 146983, 146985/146989, 146990/146992, 146994/146997, 146999, 147000, 147004, 147005, 147007, 147009, 147010, 147015, 147016, 147022, 147023, 147025, 147028, 147029, 147030 and 147034. The F-8L designation was applied to 61 F-8Bs which had been converted. The serials were 145416, 145419, 145420, 145421, 145423, 145425, 145431, 145441, 145442, 145444/145446, 145449/145451, 145453/145455, 145457/145460, 145462, 145463, 145466, 145470/145474, 145476, 145477, 145479, 145481, 145483, 145486/145492, 145497/145499, 145502, 145503, 145509, 145512, 145514, 145520, 145521, 145525, 145527, 145528, 145531/145534, 145542 and 145543. A number of F-8Ls were further converted as DF-8L target drones. Serials included 145450, 145481, 145498, 145527 and 145528. The F-8M designation was reserved for a projected conversion of the F-8A which was not proceeded with although the serial 145413 has been connected to a F-8M. Refer also to F8U.

F-9 Grumman Panther/Cougar Panther Cougar span: 38' 11.58 m 34'6", 10.52 m length: 38'10", 11.84 m 40'11", 12.47 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney 1 Pratt & Whitney J48-P-4 J48-P-8 max. speed: 526 mph, 846 km/h 654 mph, 1052 km/h RF-9J (Source: Jos Heyman) Single seat shipborne aircraft which was built in a straightwing version (Panther) and a swept wing version (Cougar). On 18 September 1962 those aircraft remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-service F9F-5KD DF-9E F9F-6 F-9F F9F-6D DF-9F F9F-6K QF-9F F9F-6K2 QF-9G F9F-7 F-9H F9F-8 F-9J YF9F-8B YAF-9J F9F-8B AF-9J, TAF-9J F9F-8P RF-9J YF9F-8T YTF-9J F9F-8T TF-9J The designations F-9A to F-9D were not assigned. The DF-9E was a straight winged Panther whilst the others were swept winged Cougars. The F-9H was fitted with an Allison J33-A-16A whilst the F-9J versions had a span of 34'6", 10.52 m, length of 41'9", 12.75 m and were fitted with a J48-P-8A engines. The training version TF-9J had a length of 44'5", 13.54 m. After 1962 two F-9Fs were converted as QF-9G target drones. Serials included 127259, 128149, 128151, 128152, 128162, 128164, 130959, 130966, 130981, 130992, 130999 and 131042 although some of these may have been previously designated as F9F-6K2. Also after 1962 a number of F-9Js were converted as target drones with designation QF-9J, including 141187, 141188, 141193, 141194, 141195, 141200, 141201, 141203, 141218, 141223, 141224, 144272, 144280, 144290, 144300, 144366, 144272, 144288, 144289, 144295, 144297, 144312, 144318, 144343, 144345, 144352, 144363 and 144373. Two TF-9Js (142448, 147358) were used for permanent testing with designation NTF-9J. Several RF-9Js were converted as TRF-9J, including serials 144385, 144390 and 144402. Refer also to F9F.

F-10 Douglas Skyknight span: 50', 15.24 m length: 45'6", 13.87 m engines: 2 Westinghouse J34-WE-24 max. speed: 600 mph, 965 km/h (Source: Jos Heyman) The Skyknight was a two seat night fighter. On 18 September 1962 those aircraft remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-service F3D-1 F-10A F3D-1M MF-10A F3D-2 F-10B F3D-2Q EF-10B F3D-2M MF-10B F3D-2T2 TF-10B The F-10B versions were fitted with J34-WE-36 engines. Refer also to F3D.

F-11 Grumman G98 Tiger span: 31'8", 9.65 m length: 44'11", 13.69 m engines: 1 Wright J65-W-18 max. speed: 753 mph, 1212 km/h (Source: Johan Visschedijk, via 1000aircraftphotos.com #7349) The Tiger was a shipborne single seat fighter. On 18 September 1962 those aircraft remaining in service were redesignated as follows: US Navy Tri-Service YF11F-1 YF-11A F11F-1 F-11A F11F-1F F-11B At the time of the redesignation the F11F-1Fs had been grounded since 1959. This type was fitted with a General Electric J79-GE-3A engine. Refer also to F11F.

F-12 Lockheed A12 span: 55'7", 16.94 m length: 101', 30.78 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney J58 max. speed: Mach 3.35 (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) The A-12 was a high altitude interceptor fighter based on the SR-71 design. Originally it was intended to carry D-21 drones on its back. The accurate number of aircraft built is not known as are the correct serials. The initial batch was ordered in 1960 under the A-12 designation. This was a company designation and earlier the incorrect designation A-11 was used. It is believed 15 aircraft were built for the CIA with serials 60-6924/6926, 60-6928/6933 and 60-6937/6939, whilst 60-6927 was built as a trainer with designation A-12(T) and 60-6940/6941 as A-12(M) missile launchers. Aircraft with serials 60-6942/6948 are believed to have been cancelled. The first flight took place on 26 April 1962 and early flights were made with Pratt & Whitney J75 engines fitted. The YF-12A designation was assigned to three aircraft with serials 60-6934/6936. The first flight was on 7 August 1963 and the designation was not applied until 27 April 1964. The aircraft were also alternatively designated as F-12A. The F-12B designation was applied to a production interceptor version which was terminated on 5 January 1968. The serials were 62-12373/12387 (sometimes attributed to a U-2 version). The YF-12C was a SR-71 with serial 64-17951 which was transferred to NASA with fictitious serial 60-6937. The RB-12 designation has been used for a bomber version that was not built. The M-12 designation was applied to two A-12(M)s converted as launchers for the D-21 drone. A first launch attempt was made on 30 July 1966 but the drone and launch aircraft collided. The programme was then cancelled although a further 5 D-21s were launched by a B-52. Refer also to B-71

F-13 The F-13 designation has not been assigned.

F-14 Grumman 303 Tomcat span: 37'3"-64'2", 11.45-19.55 m length: 62', 18.90 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A max. speed: 1584 mph, 2549 km/h (Source: US Navy) The Tomcat was a shipboard fighter with a variable geometry wing. Twelve YF-14As were ordered in January 1969 and the first flight took place on 22 December 1970. The aircraft were sometimes designated as the first twelve F-14As and carried serials 157980/157991. The span of the YF-14A was 33'3"-64'2", 10.15-19.55 m. The serials of the F-14A version were 158612/158637, 158978/159025, 159421/159468, 159588/159637, 159825/159874, 160299/160414, 160652/160696, 160887/160930, 161133/161168, 161270/161299, 161416/161445, 161597/161626, 161850/161873, 162588/162611 and 162688/162711. Aircraft with serials 161300/161305, 161874/161879, 162712/162717 were cancelled. From 1986 the engines were replaced with TF-30-P414A engines. A single F-14A was used for development testing as JF-14A. It had serial 158613. Other aircraft with serials 158621, 158625, 159455, 160378, 160658, 160666 and 161609 were used for tests with the designation NF-14A. The RF-14A designation was assigned to 49 reconnaissance aircraft based on the F-14A. Two F-14As were converted as YF-14B prototypes with Pratt & Whitney F401-PW-400 engines. The first flight was on 12 September 1973 but the development was not proceeded with. The serials were 157986 and 158630. The F-14A+ or F-14B was an improved version with F110-GE-400 engines. The first flew on 14 November 1987 and further aircraft were produced with serials 162910/162927, 163215/163229 and 163407/163411. Aircraft with serials 162928/162933 and 163230/163232 were cancelled. Intially the designation was F-14A+ and it was not until 1 May 1991 that the designation F-14B was assigned and some of the aforementioned aircraft were produced with the latter designation. In addition a large number of F-14As were converted to this standard. These had serials 157986, 159613, 160690, 161140, 161280, 161287, 161416, 161417, 161418, 161419, 161421, 161422, 161424, 161425, 161426, 161427, 161428, 161429, 161430, 161431, 161432, 161433, 161434, 161435, 161436, 161437, 161438, 161439, 161440, 161441, 161442, 161444, 161445, 161599, 161601, 161608, 161610, 161851, 161855, 161858, 161859, 161860, 161862, 161870, 161871, 161873, 162691, 162692, 162693, 162694, 162695, 162699, 162700, 162701, 162703 and 162705. An aircraft with serial 163223 was used as NF-14B. The development of the F-14C version, which was to be fitted with Pratt & Whitney F401-P-400 engines, was abandoned. The F-14D version was similar to the F-14A but had 2 General Electric F110-GE-400 engines. Four F-14As, with serials 161623, 161865, 161867 and 162595 were converted as prototypes. The first flight was in March 1990. The serials of the production version were 163412/163418, 163898/163904, 164340/164351 and 164599/164604. In addition a number of F-14As were rebuilt to this standard, including 159869, 161133 and 161288. The designation F-14D(R) was used to designate converted F-14As. These had serials 159592, 159595, 159600, 159603, 159610, 159613, 159618, 159619, 159628, 159629, 159630, 159633, 159635, 161154, 161158, 161159, 161163 and 161166. Aircraft with serials 161623, 161865, 161867, 162595, 163412, 163415 and 163416 were used for permanent tests as NF-14D.

F-15 McDonnell Douglas Eagle span: 42'10", 13.06 m length: 63'9", 19.43 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney F100-P-100 max. speed: 1676 mph, 2698 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) The development of this air superiority fighter for the USAF began in December 1969 as McDonnell 199. Two aircraft were ordered as YF-15A and the first flight was made on 27 June 1972. The two aircraft, with serials 71-280/281 were sometimes included as F-15A. The F-15A was the first production version and was built with serials 71-282/289, 72-113/120, 73-085/107, 74-081/136, 75-018/079, 76-008/120, 76-1505/1523 and 77-061/153. Batches with serials 74-143/149, 75-090/124 and 76-121/123 were cancelled. The TF-15A was a two seat version which flew for the first time on 7 July 1973. It was built under this designation before the designation of F-15B was applied. Serials were 71-290/291, 73-108/114, 74-137/142, 75-080/089, 76-124/142, 76-1524/1525 and 77-154/168. The first two aircraft (71-290/291) were sometimes referred to as YTF-15A or YF-15B. A batch with serials 74-150/157 was cancelled. A single F-15B was used as NF-15B for the STOL and Manoeuvring Technology Demonstrator (S/MTD). It carried NASA registration 837, previously 71-0290. The F-15C version was similar to the F-15A and flew for the first time on 26 February 1979. It was supplied to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Japan. They were built with serials 78-468/550, 79-015/081, 80-002/053, 80-062/106, 80-122/130, 81-002, 81-020/056, 82-008/038, 83-010/043, 83-054/062, 84-001/031, 85-093/128, 86-143/180 and 90-263/271. Batches with serials 78-551/560, 81-057/060, 83-044/045, 84-032/041 were cancelled. The F-15D was a two-seat version of the F-15C and flew for the first time on 16 June 1979. Production consisted of 78-561/574, 79-004/014, 80-054/061, 80-107/121, 80-131/136, 81-003, 81-061/066, 82-044/048, 83-046/050, 83-063/064, 84-042/046, 85-129/134, 86-181/182 and 90-272/279. They were supplied to the same nations as the F-15C. Production of 78-575, 81-067, 83-051 and 84-047/048 was cancelled. The F-15E was similar to the F-15B but was fitted with 2 Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engines. Known as Strike Eagle the first flight was made on 11 December 1986. Production consisted of 86-183/190, 87-169/211, 88-1667/1708, 89-471/506, 90-227/262, 91-300/335, 91-600/605, 92-364/366, 92-607/608, 96-200/205, 97-217/222, 98-131/135, 00-3000/3004 and 01-2000/2004. Aircraft with serials 87-212/216, 89-046/081 and 91-292/297 were cancelled. An F-15A with serials 71-0291 was converted as the YF-15E prototype. The F-15F designation has been used for a projected export version based on the F-15E. It was supplied to Singapore. The unusual F-15I designation has been associated with 25 aircraft with serials 94-286/306 and 94-500/503 delivered to Israel. The F-15J was assigned to two aircraft built for Japan with serials 79-280/281 whilst the F-15DJ designation was applied to a number of aircraft for Japan with serials 79-282/287, 81-068/071 and 83-052/053. In addition Mitsubishi built 88 F-15Js and 12 F-15DJs outside the US procurement. They were similar to the F-15C and the F-15D. F-15K was a version of the F-15E for South Korea and included serial 02-2001/2040. However, these serials may not be USAF serials but Korean serials. The F-15S designation was used for aircraft supplied to Saudi Arabia with serials 93-852/923 whilst the F-15SG designation referred to 24 Singapore aircraft, which included serials 05-001/013 and others. Ten of these were flown at Mountain Home AFB in USAF markings as part of a training programme for Singapore pilots. The F-15SG was initially designated as F-15T. The F-15SA was a version for Saudi Arabia and included aircraft with serials 12-1001/1002. The F-15XX designation was used by McDonnell Douglas for a proposed derivative with a larger wing.

F-16 General Dynamics 401 Fighting Falcon span: 31', 9.45 m length: 47'8", 14.52 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 max. speed: 1255 mph, 2020 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) This lightweight fighter was developed in competition with the YF-17, a competition which it won on 13 January 1975. It was extensively used by other nations and substantial production against US orders took place at Fokker (The Netherlands) and SABCA (Belgium). On the sale of General Dynamics aviation business, the aircraft became known as a Lockheed Martin type. The two prototypes 72-1567/1568 were designated YF-16A. Ordered in April 1972, they had a span of 30', 9.14 m and a length of 46'4", 14.17 m. The first flight was on 20 January 1974. The first aircraft was later fitted with canard wings as F-16/CCV and flew as such for the first time on 26 March 1976. The F-16A flew for the first time on 8 December 1976 and was delivered to the USAF, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Norway, Israel, South Korea, Venezuela, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Serials were 75-745/750 (which were also known as YF-16A), 78-001/027, 78-038/076, 78-116/161, 78-174/203, 78-212/258, 78-272/300, 78-308/354, 79-288/409, 80-474/622, 80-639/643, 80-649/668, 80-3538/3587, 80-3596/3611, 80-3616/3648, 80-3658/3688, 81-643/661, 81-633/811, 81-864/881, 81-899/926, 82-900/1025, 82-1050/1052, 82-1056/1065, 83-1066/1117, 83-1186/1188, 83-1192/1207, 84-1346/1367, 85-135/146, 86-054/063, 86-073/077, 86-378, 87-004/008, 87-046/056, 87-397/400, 87-508/516, 87-702/708, 87-710, 87-713/720, 88-001/012, 88-016/018, 88-038/047, 89-001/011, 89-013/021, 90-025/027, 90-942/947, 90-7020/7031, 91-062/067, 91-901/902, 92-404/410, 93-465/481 and 93-702/821. Batches with serials 78-363/467, 80-3694/3713, 81-927/930, 87-057/065 and 92-411/451 were cancelled. Cancelled aircraft include some to be delivered to Iran whilst a number of aircraft destined for Pakistan were retained due to an embargo. Note that some references have confused intended Pakistan serials with USAF serials. The NF-16A designation was allocated to the advanced technology AFTI F-16 which flew for the first time on 10 July 1982. The serial was 75-750. The designation QF-16A referred to drone conversions and includes 82-0986 and 83-1110.. The F-16B was a two-seater version of the F-16A which was built alongside the F-16A. The first flight was on 8 August 1977 and serials were 75-751/752 (sometimes referred to as YF-16B), 78-077/115, 78-162/173, 78-204/211, 78-259/271, 78-301/307, 78-335/362, 79-410/432, 80-623/638, 80-644/648, 80-3588/3595, 80-3612/3615, 80-3649/3657, 80-3689/3693, 81-662, 81-812/822, 81-882/885, 81-931/938, 81-1504/1507, 82-1026/1049, 82-1053/1055, 83-1166/1173, 83-1189/1191, 83-1208/1211, 84-1368/1369, 86-064/065, 86-197/199, 86-379/381, 87-001, 87-022, 87-066/068, 87-401/404, 87-709, 87-711/712, 87-721/724, 88-048/049, 89-012, 90-948/952, 90-7032/7037, 92-452/461, 93-482/484 and 93-822/851. Batches with serials 92-462/463 were cancelled. The cancelled aircraft were to be delivered to Pakistan but were never completed due to an embargo. Also, some references have confused intended Pakistan serials with USAF serials. An updated version, fitted with 1 Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 engine and designated as F-16C, was supplied to Turkey, Greece, Bahrain, Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt, Oman, Iraq and the USAF. The first flight was on 19 June 1984. Serials were 83-1118/1165, 84-1212/1318, 84-1332/1339, 84-1374/1395, 85-1398/1505, 85-1518/1570, 85-1574/1583, 86-066/072, 86-207/371, 86-1586/1612, 87-009/021, 87-217/362, 87-1653/1693, 88-019/037, 88-110/143, 88-397/550, 88-1709/1711, 89-022/041, 89-277/279, 89-2000/2154, 90-001/021, 90-028/035, 90-700/776, 90-801/833, 90-850/874, 90-899/930, 90-953, 91-001/021, 91-025/032, 91-336/423, 91-486/489, 92-001/021, 92-3880/3923, 92-4001/4032, 93-001/014, 93-485/512, 93-525/554, 93-657/690, 93-1045/1076, 93-4049/4100, 94-038/049, 94-071/104, 94-187/238, 94-266/273, 96-086/106, 96-5025/5028, 96-5081, 97-106/121, 98-003/005, 98-2012/2021, 99-082, 99-105/116, 99-1500/1533, 00-218/227, 00-609, 00-6001/6055, 01-510/523, 01-7050/7053, 01-7952, 01-8530/8535, 02-2115/2122, 02-6030/6035, 03-040/075, 06-001/020, 07-001/012, 08-8001/8016, 10-1001/1016, 11-0001/0010 and 12-0004/0015. Batches with serials 91-424/461, 92-100/218 and 93-315/453 were cancelled. The designation KF-16C was used for aircraft built by KAI in Korea. This was not a US military designation. The designation QF-16C referred to drone conversions. The prototype was 84-1260. Others included 84-1286, 85-1454, 85-1455, 85-1562, 85-1569, 85-1570 and a total of 210 was planned by 2022.

The designation F-16CJ has been associated with aircraft 01-7951/7952. The F-16D was a two-seat version of the F-16C and was supplied to similar nations. Serials were 83-1174/1185, 84-1319/1331, 84-1340/1345, 84-1370/1373, 84-1396/1397, 85-1384/1385, 85-1506/1517, 85-1571/1573, 85-1584/1585, 86-039/053, 86-191/196, 87-002/003, 87-363/396, 87-1694/1708, 88-013/015, 88-144/175, 88-1712/1720, 89-042/045, 89-2155/2179, 90-022/024, 90-036/039, 90-777/800, 90-834/849, 90-875/898, 90-931/941, 90-954/958, 90-976, 91-022/024, 91-033/036, 91-462/481, 91-490/495, 92-022/024, 92-3923/3927, 92-4033/4048, 93-513/524, 93-691/696, 93-1077/1084, 93-4101/4120, 94-105/113, 94-239/258, 94-274/283, 94-1557/1564, 96-5029/5036, 97-122/123, 99-117/128, 99-1534/1549, 99-9400/9451, 00-6056/6080, 01-524/529, 01-6010/6029, 01-7026/7027, 01-8536/8539, 02-2123/2126, 02-6036/6039, 03-076/087, 06-2110/2119, 07-013/018, 08-8017/8024, 10-1017/1020, 11-0011/0012 and 12-0016/0021. Batches with serials 91-482/485, 92-219/249 and 93-454/464 were cancelled. The cancelled serials 96-080/085 were for a combination of F-16C and F-16D aircraft. One aircraft, 86-048, was used to test the VISTA vectoring engine nozzle concept. It was redesignated as NF-16D. The designation KF-16D was used for aircraft built by KAI in Korea. This was not a US military designation. The F-16E was originally known as F-16XL and had a cranked arrow wing. The span was 34'4", 10.44 m, length 54'2", 16.51 m and was fitted with a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 engine. The first flight was on 3 July 1982 and the two aircraft concerned were 75-747 and 75-749. The F-16F designation referred to an unbuilt two seat version of the F-16E. The F-16E designation was also used for an export version of the F-16C Block 60 and with the F-16F designation referring to the F-16D Block 60. The designations F-16G and F-16H were initially proposed for what eventually became sub-versions of the F-16C and F-16D. In a similar way the F-16J and F-16K were designations for versions of the F-16C and F-16D, that were eventually built as subversions of the latter designations. The F-16I version was built for Israel. Serials included 00-1001/1050. The US Navy used 23 F-16Cs with the designation F-16N and fitted with a General Electric F110-GE-100 engines for combat training. They had originally USAF serials 85-1369/1378 and 86-1684/1695 and carried US Navy serials 163268/163277 and 163566/163577. The US Navy also had four TF-16Ns which were ordered as 85-1379/1382 and carried serials 163278/163281. The designation F-16/79 was used by General Dynamics for a projected export version with 1 General Electric J79-GE-119. F-16B 75-752 was converted to this standard and flew as such on 29 October 1980. F-16/101 was a company designation for a version with 1 General Electric F110 engine which flew on 19 December 1980. The aircraft was 75-745. The F-16G designation was originally a photo reconnaissance version which became F-16R and was later linked with a Greek version. The F-16R or RF-16R was a development ordered in September 1984. A F-16D (84-1330) was converted and further aircraft may have been converted. The designation F-16SG was used for aircraft supplied to Singapore. They had serials 05-001/027. The F-16U designation was used for aircraft supplied to the United Arab Emirates. The A-16 designation was used to identify a close air support version whilst the F-16AT or Falcon-21 was a proposal of a version using the F-16XL wing with a F120 or F119 engine and was to be developed in competition with the F-22 and F-23 designs. The F-16 design also formed the basis for the Japanese built Mitsubishi F-2 which had a 25% greater wing area and other differences which made it a separate design.

F-17 Northrop 600 span: 35', 10.67 m length: 56', 17.07 m engines: 2 General Electric YJ101-GE-100 max. speed: 835 mph, 1345 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) A lightweight fighter developed in competition with the F-16 design and based on the earlier P-530 Cobra. Two aircraft were ordered in April 1972 as YF-17A and with serials 72-1569/1570. The first flight took place on 9 June 1974. The design lost the competition but formed the basis for the F-18 Hornet and the second aircraft was transferred to the US Navy for F-18 development testing. It retained its USAF serials.

F-18 McDonnell Douglas 267 Hornet span: 37'6", 11.43 m length: 56', 17.07 m engines: 2 General Electric F404-GE-400 max. speed: 1190 mph, 1915 km/h (Source: USMC) Although it was intended that the winner of the F-16/F-17 competition would meet the requirements of both the USAF and the US Navy, the latter service preferred the F-17 design and on 2 May 1975 ordered the further development of that design by McDonnell Douglas as the F-18 Hornet with Northrop acting as a sub-contractor. Eventually McDonnell Douglas was taken over by Boeing. The designation F/A-18A was applied to the first nine aircraft with serials 160775/160780, 160782, 160783 and 160785 whilst the designation F/A-18B was used for two two-seaters with the serials 160781, 160784 and 160785. The aircraft were ordered in 22 January 1976 and the first flight was on 18 November 1978. The first F/A-18B flew on 25 October 1979. Production was undertaken with the F/A-18A designation and serials were 161213/161216, 161248, 161250, 161251, 161353, 161358/161359, 161361/161367, 161519/161528, 161702/161703, 161705/161706, 161708/161710, 161712/161713, 161715/161718, 161720/161722, 161724/161726, 161728/161732, 161734/161739, 161741/161745, 161747/161761, 161925/161931, 161933/161937, 161939/161942, 161944/161946, 161948/161987, 162394/162401, 162403/162407, 162409/162412, 162414/162418, 162420/162426, 162428/162477, 162826/162835, 162837/162841, 162843/162849, 162851/162856, 162858/162863, 162865/162869, 162871/162875, 162877/162884, 162886/162909, 163092/163103, 163105/163109, 163111/163114, 163116/163122 and 163124/163175. Aircraft with serials 161446/161493 and 161629/161640 were cancelled. Several aircraft (161925, 162445 were used for tests as NF/A-18A. The designations RF/A-18A (serial 161214) and TF/A-18A have been applied to reconnaissance and training aircraft. Production included 84 aircraft for Spain, which have sometimes been referred to as EF-18A, and aircraft for the RAAF, which are sometimes referred to as AF-18A. A Canadian version, designated as CF-18A, was not procured through US channels and does not carry US Navy serials. The EF-18A, AF-18A and CF-18A, as well as similar designations, are considered as company designations. The RF-18A designation was to have been applied to a reconnaissance version but although one aircraft flew with a camera package on 15 August 1984, the designation was not applied. Simultaneously production of the F/A-18B two-seater took place with serials 161217, 161249, 161354/161357, 161360, 161704, 161707, 161711, 161714, 161719, 161723, 161727, 161733, 161740, 161746, 161924, 161932, 161938, 161943, 161947, 162402, 162408, 162413, 162419, 162427, 162836, 162842, 162850, 162857, 162864, 162870, 162876, 162885, 163104, 163110, 163115 and 163123, Initially this version was also referred to as TF-18A. A number were supplied to the RAAF as ATF-18A whilst Canada procured 24 CF-18Bs without US Navy serials. Several F/A-18Bs were used for tests as NF/A-18B. The F/A-18C version incorporated several refinements and flew for the first time on 15 September 1986. The serials were F/A-18C 163427/163433, 163435, 163437/163440, 163442/163444, 163446, 163448/163451, 163453, 163455/163456, 163458/163459, 163461/163463, 163465/163467, 163469/163471, 163473, 163475/163478, 163480/163481, 163483/163485 163487, 163489/163491, 163493/163496, 163498/163499, 163502/163506, 163508/163509 163699, 163701/163706, 163708/163719, 163721/163733, 163735/163748, 163750/163754, 163755/163762, 163764/163770, 163772/163777, 163779/163782, 163985 163987/163988, 163990, 163992/163993, 163995/163996, 163998/164000, 164002/164004, 164006/164008, 164010, 164012/164013, 164015/164016, 164018, 164020/164021, 164023, 164025, 164027, 164029/164031, 164033/164034, 164036/164037, 164039, 164041/164042, 164044/164045, 164047/164048, 164050, 164052, 164054/164055, 164057, 164059/164060, 164062/164063, 164065/164067, 164197, 164199/164202,

164204/164206 164208/164210 164212/164215, 164217/164218, 164220/164223, 164225/164227, 164229/164232, 164234/164236, 164238/164240, 164242/164244, 164246/164248, 164250/164253, 164255/164258, 164260/164262, 164264/164266, 164268/164271, 164273/164278, 164627/164648, 164654/164655, 164657/164658, 164660/164661, 164663/164664, 164666, 164668/164669, 164671, 164673, 164675/164676, 164678, 164680/164682, 164684, 164686/164687, 164689, 164691, 164693, 164695/164698, 164700/164701, 164703/164704, 164706/164710, 164712/164713, 164715/164716. 164718/164721, 164724/164725, 164727/164728, 164730/164734, 164736/164737, 164739/164740, 164865, 164867, 164869, 164871, 164873, 164875, 164877, 164879, 164881, 164883, 164885, 164887, 164889/164897, 164899/164900, 164902/164912, 164946, 164948, 164950, 164952, 164954, 164956, 164958, 164960, 164962, 164964, 164966, 164968/164980, 165171/165230, 165399/165408 and 165526. Aircraft with serials 164411/164414, 164416/164421, 164981/164992 and 165231/165238 were cancelled. Several aircraft, including 163476 and 163985, were used for tests as NF/A-18C. The F/A-18D was a two seater version which flew for the first time on 6 May 1988. The serials were 163434, 163436, 163441, 163445, 163447, 163452, 163454, 163457, 163460, 163464, 163468, 163472, 163474, 163479, 163482, 163486, 163488, 163492, 163497, 163500, 163501, 163507, 163510, 163700, 163707, 163720, 163734, 163749, 163763, 163771, 163778, 163986, 163989, 163991, 163994, 163997, 164001, 164005, 164009, 164011, 164014, 164017, 164019, 164022, 164024, 164026, 164028, 164032, 164035, 164038, 164040, 164043, 164046, 164049, 164051, 164053, 164056, 164058, 164061, 164064, 164068, 164196, 164198, 164203, 164207, 164211, 164216, 164219, 164224, 164228, 164233, 164237, 164241, 164245, 164249, 164254, 164259, 164263, 164267, 164272, 164279, 164649, 164650, 164651, 164652, 164653, 164656, 164659, 164662, 164665, 164667, 164670, 164672, 164674, 164677, 164679, 164683, 164685, 164688, 164690, 164692, 164694, 164699, 164702, 164705, 164711, 164714, 164717, 164722, 164723, 164726, 164729, 164735, 164738, 164866, 164868, 164870, 164872, 164874, 164876, 164878, 164880, 164882, 164884, 164886, 164888, 164898, 164901, 164945, 164947, 164949, 164951, 164953, 164955, 164957, 164959, 164961, 164963, 164965, 164967, 165409, 165410, 165411, 165412, 165413, 165414, 165415, 165416, 165527, 165528, 165529, 165530, 165531, 165532 and 165680/165687. Aircraft for the combined production of the F/A-18C and D with serials 164280/164339 and 164741/164758 as well as F/A-18Ds with serials 164415, 164422 and 165239/165242 were cancelled. Several aircraft, including 163434, 163986 and 164649, were used for tests as NF/A-18D. The F/A-18E and F/A-18F versions had a span of 41 9, 12.73 m and a length of 58 10, 17.93 m and was powered by 2 General Electric F414-GE-400 engines. The first flight of a F/A-18E was on 29 November 1995. Serials of the F/A-18E were 165164, 165165, 165167/165169, 165533/165540, 165660/165667, 165779/165792, 165860/165874, 165896/165909, 166420/166448, 166598/166609, 166643/166657, 166663/166669, 166775/166789, 166817/166841, 166859/166872, 166901/166908, 166911, 168353/168370, 168463/168466, 168469, 168471/168478, 168859/168872, 168901/168908, 166947/166960, 168353/168370, 168463/168466, 168471/168478, 168865/168891, 168905/168919. The first F/A-18F flew on 1 April 1996 and serials were 165166, 165170, 165541/165544, 165668/165679, 165793/165808, 165874/165895, 165910/165937, 166449/166467, 166611/166626, 166634/166642, 166658/166684, 166790/166816, 166842/166854, 166873/166892, 166915/166924, 166961, 166973/166977, 167958/167966, 168485/168493 It is obvious that not all serials are known as yet and some serials (166610 and 166627/166633) have been identified as F/A- 18E/F. The F/A-18G Growler was a proposed version of the F/A-18F for the jamming or radar and communications which was later designated as EA-18G. F/A-18F with serial 165167 and F/A-14E with serial 165779 were converted as EA-18G. The first two production aircraft (originally ordered as an F/A-18E and F and sometimes referred to as YEA-18G) were 166641 and 166642 with other known serials 166855/166858, 166893/166900, 166928/166946, 1666893/166900, 168371/168393, 168765/168776, 168892/168904, 168931/168942, 168250/168275. A special test version was designated as NEA-18G and was 166641. The designation F-18L was used for a proposed landbased version of the F-18A to be built by Northrop. The EF-18M was a Spanish version. Note that the F/A representation of the designation later gave way to FA.

F-19 Northrop Tigershark span: 26'8", 8.13 m length: 46'7", 14.20 m engines: 1 General Electric F404-GE-F1G1 max. speed: 1320 mph, 2124 km/h The F-19 designation has been the subject of much speculation, including not having been assigned to avoid confusion with the Mig-19 and its use for the F-117 stealth fighter before it was made public. In 2002 a Freedom for Information request initiated by A. Parsch of the US Military Designations web site, revealed that the F- 19A designation was assigned to the Northrop Tigershark but was changed at the request of Northrop. Northrop's reason for specifically requesting the model 20 designation is that being an even number series [sic], it would be unique in the foreign market which typically sees odd numbered threat designators (MIG 19; MIG 21; MIG 23). (Reference, Memo from USAF, HQ Aeronautical Systems Div, dated 28 October 1982). The F-20A designation was approved shortly afterwards. Refer also to F-20

F-20 Northrop Tigershark span: 26'8", 8.13 m length: 46'7", 14.20 m engines: 1 General Electric F404-GE-F1G1 max. speed: 1320 mph, 2124 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) Based on the F-5 and originally designated as F-5G and F-19A, the F-20A Tigershark was intended for export only although it was also offered to the USAF. Four aircraft were ordered as F-5G with serials 82-0062/0065. The first flight took place as F-5G on 30 August 1982 and only the first three aircraft were built before the programme was cancelled. The F-20A designation was assigned in November 1982. From photographic evidence it appears that only 82-062 carried the military serial although it also had the civilian registration N4416T. The second aircraft carried registration N3986B and the third aircraft N44671. None of the aircraft carried military markings. Refer also to F-5, F-19

F-21 Israeli Aircraft Ind. Kfir C-1 span: 26'11", 8.22 m length: 51', 15.55 m engines: 1 General Electric J79-GE-17 max. speed: 850 mph, 1368 km/h (Source: US Navy) In April 1985 the US Navy leased 12 former Israel Air Force aircraft which were 8-10 years old, for use as aggressor aircraft from 1985 to 1988 with the designation F-21A. They had serials 163298/163309 but were flown with their original Israel Air Force serial preceded by 999, resulting in serials 999703 (163298), 999709 (163299), 999710 (163300), 999726 (163301), 999728 (163302), 999732 (163303), 999735 (163304), 999739 (163305), 999742 (163306), 999747 (163307), 999786 (163308) and 999791 (163309). The US Navy used these aircraft until March 1988 when they were returned to the Israel Air Force. In July 1987 the USMC leased another 13 for the same purposes. These aircraft did not receive normal serials but instead flew with their original Israel Air Force serial preceded by 999, resulting in serials 999705, 999708, 999716, 999724, 999725, 999727, 999731, 999734, 999749, 999750, 999764, 999787 and 999794. They were returned in September 1989. From 2005 Airborne Tactical Advantage, provided aggressor services using six civilian registered Kfir C-2 aircraft which were registred as N401AX, N402AX, N403AX, N404AX, N405AX and N406AX.

F-22 Lockheed Raptor span: 43', 13.11 m length: 64'2", 19.55 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney YF-119-PW-100 max. speed: 915 mph, 1470 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) Advance tactical fighter aircraft designed in competition with the F-23. Project costs was shared with the government whilst General Dynamics and Boeing were major partners in the project. Two aircraft were ordered on 1 November 1986 as YF-22, each with a different engine, the other aircraft having a General Electric YF-120-GE-100. The first flight took place on 29 September 1990. The two aircraft have received serials 87-700/701 whilst 3997 and 3998 have also been quoted. In flight they carried civilian egistrations N22YF and N22YX. In April 1991 the YF-22 design was selected the winner. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the USAF, in 1997, one of these aircraft was painted with serial 86-0022. There was an original requirement for 442 aircraft of which 58 two seaters and initially 13 development YF-22A aircraft were to be built of which two were to be used in static tests and two were to be two-seaters, the latter as YF-22B. Serials included 91-4001/4009 (although sometimes shown with different fiscal years). These had a span of 44'6", 13.57 m, a length of 62'6", 19.06 m and were fitted with F-119-110 engines. The first F-22A (sometimes referred to as F/A-22) flew for the first time on 7 September 1997 and serials included 99-4010/4011, 00-4012/4017, 01-4018/4027, 02-4028/4040, 03-4041/4061, 04-4062/4083, 05-4084/4107, 06-4108/4130, 07-4131/4150, 08-4151/4171, 09-4172/4196. Serials 99-006/007 were cancelled. In October 2009 further production was cancelled after 187 production aircraft were built. This cancellation involved serials 10-4197/4217. The F-22B, a two seater of which 85 were to be ordered, was cancelled in 1996. The designation F-22E has been used for a proposed ground strike versions. The designations F/A-22 and FB-22A, the latter a bomber version of the F-22B, were used from September 2002 to December 2005.

F-23 Northrop span: 67'5", 20.55 m length: 43'5", 13.26 m engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney YF-119-PW-100 or General Electric YF-120-GE-100 max. speed: 915 mph, 1479 km/h (Source: USAF, via 10af.afrc.af.mil/photos) Advanced tactical fighter aircraft designed in competition with the F-22. Project costs was shared with the Government and McDonnell Douglas was a major partner in the project. Two aircraft were ordered as YF-23A, each with a different engine. The first flight took place on 27 August 1990. The two aircraft received serials 87-800/801 whereas civil registrations N231YF and N232YF have also been quoted.

F-24 Lockheed Martin span: length: engines: max. speed: 36, 10.97 m 50 8, 15.44 m 1 Pratt & Whitney F135 The F-24A, F-24B and F-24C designations were recommended on 16 April 2002 but were not approved. Instead on 5 June 2002 the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C designations were approved. The official USAF biography of Colonel Joseph A. Lanni makes reference to a YF-24, with a possible further reference to two classified prototype aircraft. Refer also to F-35 and X-35

F-25 to F-34 Designations were not assigned.

F-35 Lockheed Martin Lightning span: 36, 10.97 m length: 50 8, 15.44 m engines: 1 Pratt & Whitney F135 max. speed: 1200 mph, 1930 km/h (Source: US Navy) Developed as X-35 and selected as the winner of the JAST contest in November 2001, the aircraft was built in three versions. The F-35A was a conventional take-off aircraft for the USAF which has a requirement of 1763. It made its first flight on 15 December 2006. Serials included 07-744/745, 08-746/751, 09-5001/5008, 10-5009/5019, 11-5020/5041, 12-5042/5059, 12-5062/5064 and 13-5065/5088. The F-35B was an STOVL version for the USMC which has ordered 340 aircraft against an initial requirement for 609 of this version. The first flight of the F-35B was on 11 June 2008. Serials were 168057/168062, 168308/168314, 168717/168732, 168838/168840 and 169023/169028. The carrier based version was the F-35C and 260 have been ordered by the US Navy and 80 by the USMC, against an initial requirement for 480. This version had a span of 43 (17.11 m). The first flight of this version was on 7 June 2010 and serials were 168733/168736, 168841/168848 and 169029/169035. The initial aircraft were flown with, what seems to be, their construction number. These include AA-01, AF-01, AF-02, AF-03 and AF-04 (AF-05 was not built) for F-35As, BF-01/-05 for F-35Bs, and CF-01/05 for F-35Cs. Export version went to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and the Royal Navy and RAF of the UK. In addition Israel and Japan received F-35 versions through the Foreign Military Sales program. Some of these export aircraft received USAF serials. Refer also to F-24 and X-35