This list of United States Tri-Service aircraft designations includes prototype, pre-production and operational type designations under the United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system, which replaced the 1924 Air Force, 1922 Navy, and 1956 Army designation systems in 1962.
For pre-1962 Air Force aircraft designations, see List of United States Air Force aircraft designations (1919–1962). For pre-1962 Navy aircraft designations, see List of United States Navy aircraft designations (pre-1962). For aircraft that did not receive formal designations—including those procured before 1919 when no designation system was in force, and later aircraft that did not receive designations for other reasons—see List of undesignated military aircraft of the United States.
Only aircraft designated after the adoption of the Tri-Service system are listed below. For aircraft in the sequence designated before 1962, see List of United States Air Force aircraft designations (1919–1962) § Cargo.
The "D" sequence is assigned to ground control stations for UAVs.[7]
Designations YF-110 and YF-112 through YF-116 were acquired (captured or purchased) foreign aircraft used for evaluation and aggressor training. Designations YF-117 and YF-118 were black projects, with the F-117 designation later becoming the official Tri-Service designation of the production variant of the former. These designations chronologically continued the pre-1962 "F" series.[9][10]
Unlike most other categories of aircraft, the introduction of the tri-service designation system in 1962 did not result in a wholesale redesignation of helicopters. While six types received new designations in the unified, "re-started" sequence, the original "H-" series of designations that started in 1948 was also continued, and no further types of rotorcraft have been designated in the "post-1962" system.
Only aircraft designated after the adoption of the Tri-Service system are listed below. For aircraft in the sequence designated before 1962, see List of United States Air Force aircraft designations (1919–1962) § H: Helicopter (1948–1962).
No specialised types have been acquired to receive a stand-alone 'K for Tanker' designation; for aircraft modified for use as tankers, see the parent aircraft in the proper sequence.
S is also used as a vehicle type designator spaceplanes.
The "SR" sequence is a continuation of the original USAF bomber sequence, which ended at B-70.
Despite the adoption of the unified Mission Designation System in 1962, only two aircraft were designated in the new sequence, both former Navy types. New trainer aircraft after 1962 continued to use the original sequence. In 1990, an alternate sequence was started, with the first designation being T-1, though the old sequence continues to be used. The next designation available in the 'T' series is T-55 or T-8, depending on which series is continued.
Only aircraft designated after the adoption of the Tri-Service system are listed below. For aircraft in the sequence designated before 1962, see List of United States Air Force aircraft designations (1919–1962) § T: Trainer (1948–1962).
In addition to aircraft intended to support military operations, the unified system includes experimental craft designed to push the boundaries of aeronautical and aerospace knowledge. These aircraft are designated in the "X-series", which led them to become known as "X-planes". Only those designated after 1962 are listed here. Some aircraft did not have military sponsors, but since they were designated under the same sequence they are listed here. For aircraft in the sequence designated before 1962, see List of United States Air Force aircraft designations (1919–1962) § X: Special Research/Experimental (1948–1962).