In plane types, Like F-14 or Su-37, what does the first letters mean? Like the F and Su?

Answer 1

The prefix "F" stands for fighter

The prefix "Su" stands for the Russian manufacturer Sukhoi

F-14 Grumman Tomcat Fighter Aircraft (US Navy)

Su-37 Type Multirole fighter Manufacturer Sukhoi
The Sukhoi Su-37 Terminator (NATO designation: Flanker-F''') is a Russian multi-role jet fighter aircraft.

Others can be found at the following sites:

acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/Military+Aviation+Authority

http://www.military.cz/accessories/abbrev/a.htm

http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/URG/glossary.html

Answer 2

The F-s are US planes; the F appears to stand for "fighter" as all the F-s appear to be fighters (F-15, F-22, etc.) Likewise, B is for Bomber (as in B-52, etc.)

On the other hand, the Su-37 is Russian, and the "Su" appears to be an abbreviation of the company that made it, Sukhoi.

http://www.friesian.com/history/navy.htm has a list of US and WWII Japan plane designations.

Answer 3

Actually no, the question doesn't say it all. Define "best". What you might think is best could well be different from what I think is best because we don't have the same priorities. For example: If I need the plane to operate from an aircraft carrier this list shrinks rather dramatically. If you only intend to operate from land then no problemo. Also, you are too vague. There's a huge difference between the F/A-18C/D and E/F models in terms of characteristics and performance. Ditto for say an F-16A Block 15 compared to say a Block 40/42, and between that and a Block 50/52. Which F-16 are we using for comparison?

Answer 4

the F stands for fighter
the SU i don't know

Answer 5

f= fighter
fa = fighter attack
b=bomber

Su is for the company that built it.
Sukhoi
the american ones are the job of the plane
the russain is the maker of the plane

Answer 6

i would say phantom 14 serpent 37