Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!apple!veritas!amdcad!amdcad!military From: fcrary@lightning.Berkeley.EDU (Frank Crary) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Re: YF22 vs. YF23 Why? Message-ID: <1991May7.062656.13181@amd.com> Date: 4 May 91 06:36:59 GMT References: <1991Apr24.054326.18229@amd.com> <1991Apr29.052647.6205@amd.com> <1991May4.020956.20288@amd.com> Sender: military@amd.com Organization: ucb Lines: 44 Approved: military@amd.com From: fcrary@lightning.Berkeley.EDU (Frank Crary) In article <1991May4.020956.20288@amd.com> madmax@gargoyle.uchicago.edu (Max Abramowitz) writes: >I think that the short answer is that the AF-23 is designed to serve >as an air superiority fighter, while the F-117 is designed to function >as a small tactical attack plane. My question about a "AF-23" was in reply to a sugestion that the YF-23 be modified for a attack role. Since it IS an air superiority fighter with a limited payload, I do not see the point. When I used the name "AF-23" I followed the USAF convention, that is: AF-23 A -- Modified into a type "A" e.g. attack aircraft F -- Was origionally a type "F" e.g. fighter aircraft - 23 - Series number >As to the question of why the F-117 is not the A-117, I might add why >is the F-117 and not the F-6. My problem was with the "F" in F-117, not the number. The number is, no doubt as you suggest for security reasons. However the "F" in front SHOULD mean a fighter. As far as I know, the F-117 has no anti-air capability. It is used as a light bomber or attack aircraft. As such, it should be a "A", e.g. A-117. By the way, does anyone out there have a list of all the letters and their meanings? I know the army (for helocopters), air force and navy use diferent systems, and there are some unusual letters out there (ex. LC-130, a artic, ski-equiped C-130). [Would everyone who kept the list the last time it was posted mail a copy to Mr. Crary, and he can forward a summary to the list for posting the next time someone asks. Any brave reader care to volunteer to compile a Frequently Asked Questions posting? --CDR ] -- Frank Crary UC Berkeley