American Year Tail Codes

[Gondor]

I have an idea for a whiff that needs some information that I do not know.

Short story is an existing U.S. Marine aircraft that is repurposed for an alternate role.

So the question is, Does it keep the existing year code it has or will it get a new one with the change of role.

Gondor

[Pellson]

The airframe will, as a rule, keep it's entire build no (which will start with the year it was ordered/financed) regardless of how it is used. A good example would be the drones built from repurposed fighters, f.i F-4's becoming QF-4's.

Helpful?

[Gondor]

The airframe will, as a rule, keep it's entire build no (which will start with the year it was ordered/financed) regardless of how it is used. A good example would be the drones built from repurposed fighters, f.i F-4's becoming QF-4's.

Helpful?

Yes, very helpfull. Now I have to check what the U.S. Marines did for unit codes 

Gondor

[scooter]

The airframe will, as a rule, keep it's entire build no (which will start with the year it was ordered/financed) regardless of how it is used. A good example would be the drones built from repurposed fighters, f.i F-4's becoming QF-4's.

Helpful?

Yes, very helpfull. Now I have to check what the U.S. Marines did for unit codes 

Gondor

Navy & Marine aircraft use Bureau numbers (BUNO).  Only the Air Force uses the AF/2 digit FY date/serial number codes.

This might be a useful source for you: https://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/navyserials.html

[jcf]

What time period are you looking at, as that will have a lot to do with specific aircraft designation and tail codes. Before 1962 the USN and USMC used an aircraft designation system that was completely different from that used by the USAF.

USN/USMC Tail Codes

[Gondor]

During Vietnam War so post 65.

Gondor

[Gondor]

Thanks @jcf  I have now managed to find something suitable for what I need. The references you posted were a big help in pointing me in the right direction. 

Gondor

[jcf]

Glad to help,
Cheers