Warbird Information Exchange

When did the AAF change the designation of patrol (P) to F and why? Did it have anything to do with SAC?

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" excuse me stewardess I speak jive"

It was Pursuit to Fighter in in June 1948.

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"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!" R.R.

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The USAAF always used the "P" for "Pursuit" designation. After the USAF became a separate service in 1947, they revamped the designation system, and changed it to "F" for "Fighter." The USAAF had designated recon aircraft "F" for "Foto"..Under the new USAF system, this was changed to "R" for "Reconnaissance." The USAAF had used "R" for "Restricted," usually applied to combat types used in various utility/training roles. That designation was dropped entirely by the USAF. Hopefully that didn't leave you "C" for "Confused!"

I don't think the change had anything directly to do with SAC, which was one of several different commands set up by the new USAF.



SN

So all of their early helos were "R" for "Restricted" & not "Rotorcraft", before they were changed to "H" for "Helicopter"?

Hmmm...not sure about that one. I'd forgotten about the "R for Rotorcraft." Maybe the "R for Restricted" only applied when used as a prefix. I know USAAF B-34 Venturas were redesignated RB-34 because they were considered unfit for combat.

SN