Abbreviations
Contents
- 1 German
- 2 Russian
- 3 French
- 4 Italian
- 5 Romanian
- 6 Japanese
- 7 Czech
- 8 Swedish
- 9 English
German
Vehicle
Ground
- Pz. – Panzer: Tank (literally: Armour)
- Pz.Kpfw. – Panzerkampfwagen: Tank (literally: Armour combat vehicle)
- Sd.Kfz. – Sonderkraftfahrzeug: Special purpose vehicle (index number assigned to all armed forces vehicles)
- Pz.Sp.Wg. – Panzerspähwagen: Armoured scout vehicle
- s.Pz.Sp.Wg. (5 cm 39/1 L60) (Sd.Kfz.234/2)
- KPz – Kampfpanzer: Battle tank (modern designation)
- FlaKPz – Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer: Anti-air cannon tank
- StuG – Sturmgeschütz: Assault gun
- StuH – Sturmhaubitze: Assault howitzer
- Bfw. – Befehlswagen: Command vehicle
- Pz.Bfw./Pz.Bef.Wg. – Panzerbefehlswagen: Command tank
- JPz/JgPz/JgdPz – Jagdpanzer: (Tank based) tank destroyer (literally: Hunting tank)
- RakJPz – Raketenjagdpanzer: (Missile-carrier based) tank destroyer (literally: Missile hunting tank)
- PzJg – Panzerjäger: (SPG based) tank destroyer (literally: Tank hunter)
- Pz.W./Pz.Wfr. – Panzerwerfer: Anti-tank rocket launcher (literally: Tank thrower)
- SpPz – Spähpanzer: Scout tank
- SPz – Schützenpanzer: Infantry fighting vehicle (literally: Protective tank)
- VK – Versuchskonstruktion: Trial design (literally: Experimental construction)
- VT - Versuchsträger: Test-bed (literally: Experiment carrier)
- WT – Waffenträger: Self-propelled gun (literally: Weapon carrier)
- Ausf. – Ausführung: Model
- E – Entwicklung: Development (refers to the proposed standardised tank development projects)
- Fgst. - Fahrgestell: Chassis
- Sfl. - Sonderfahrgestell: Special chassis
- Sf. - Selbstfahrend: Self-propelled
- GW – Geschützwagen: (Heavy) self-propelled gun (literally: Heavy gun vehicle)
- ZgKw – Zugkraftwagen: Truck
- Zug - Zugkraftwagen: Truck
Air
- StuKa – Sturzkampfflugzeug: Dive bomber (literally: Dive attack airplane)
- PAH – Panzerabwehrhubschrauber: Anti-tank helicopter
- Z – Zerstörer: Destroyer
- K – Kanonenboot: Gun boat
- T – Torpedoboot: Torpedo boat
- R – Räumboot: Mine sweeper
- S – Schnellboot: Fast attack craft
- LS – Leichte-Schnellboot: Light fast attack craft
- VS – Versuchs-Schnellboot: Experimental fast attack craft
- SF – Siebelfähre: Siebel ferry (named after Friedrich Siebel)
- AF/AFP – Artilleriefährprahm: Artillery ferry barge
- MZ - Mehrzweckboot: Multi-purpose boat
- U – Unterseeboot: Submarine
Weaponry (DE)
- FH – Feldhaubitze: Field howitzer
- IG – Infanteriegeschütz: Infantry gun
- Sfl – Selbsfahrlafette: Self-propelled gun (literally: Self-propelled mount/chassis/underlayer)
- KwK – Kampfwagenkanone: Tank gun (literally: Combat vehicle cannon)
- PaK – Panzerabwehrkanone: Anti-tank gun (literally: Armour-defense cannon)
- FlaK – Flugabwehrkanone: Anti-air gun (literally: Air-defense cannon)
- MG – Maschinengewehr: Machine gun (literally: Machine rifle)
- MG FF – Maschinengewehr Flügel-Fest: Machine gun wing-fixed
- MG FF/M – Maschinengewehr Flügel-Fest/Minengeschoß: Machine gun wing-fixed/mineshot
- MK – Maschinenkanone: Auto-cannon (literally: Machine cannon), occasionally Motorkanone, cannon firing through engine
- SK – Schiffskanone: Ship cannon (originally used as Schnellfeuerkanone: Quick-firing cannon during WWI)
- TbtK – Torpedobootskanone: Torpedo boat cannon (also used for some destroyer turrets/guns)
- BK – Bordkanone: Board cannon (large calibre guns equipped to aircraft)
- BR – Bordrakete: Board rocket (rockets equipped to aircraft)
- K – Kanone: Cannon
- T – Torpedo
- LT – Lufttorpedo: Aerial torpedo (torpedoes used by aircraft)
- L/ – Länge: Length (refers to calibre-length of gun barrels)
- 8.8 cm L/56 KwK 36 (barrel length of 56 x 88 mm = 4.928 m)
- C/ – Construktionsjahr: Year of construction (archaic spelling of Konstruktion)
- 2 cm/65 C/38 (20 mm) (<odel of 1938)
- L – Lafette: Gun mount
- DopL – Doppellafette: Twin gun mount (literally: Double mount)
- DrhL – Drehturmlafette: Turret gun mount (literally: Turntable turret mount)
- Pz.B. – Panzerbüchse: Anti-tank rifle
Weaponry (CH)
- KDA – Kanone, Kalibergruppe D, Ausführung A: Cannon, calibre group D (30 mm+), variant A (belt-fed)
- KAD – Kanone, Kalibergruppe A, Ausführung D: Cannon, calibre group A (20 mm), variant D
Munition
- Gr – Granate: Grenade (synonymous with shell)
- Br – Brand: Incendiary (literally: Burn)
- KGr – Kanonengranate: Cannon shell (literally: Cannon grenade)
- PzGr – Panzergranate: Armour-piercing shell (literally: Armour grenade)
- BrGr – Brandgranate: Incendiary shell (literally: Burn grenade)
- PzBrGr – Panzerbrandgranate: Armour-piercing incendiary shell (literally: Armour burn grenade)
- SpGr – Sprenggranate: High-explosive shell (literally: Burst grenade)
- PzSpGr – Panzersprenggranate: Armour-piercing high-explosive shell (literally: Armour burst grenade)
- HlGr – Hohlladungsgranate: High-explosive anti-tank shell (literally: Hollow-charge grenade)
- Patr – Patrone: Bullet
- GrPatr – Granatpatrone: Shell (for 15 and 20 mm munition)
- SC – Sprengbombe Cylindrisch: General-purpose bomb (archaic spelling of zylindrisch, literally: Burst bomb, cylindrical)
- SD – Sprengbombe Dickwandig: Semi-armour-piercing bomb (literally: Burst bomb, thick-walled)
- PC – Panzersprengbombe Cylindrisch: Armour-piercing high-explosive bomb (literally: Armour-bursting bomb, cylindrical)
- PD – Panzersprengbombe Dickwandig: Heavy armour-piercing bomb (literally: Armour-bursting bomb, thick-walled)
- LFK – Lenkflugkörper: (Anti-tank) guided missile (literally: Guided flight body)
- F5W – Torpedo designation: F – 17.7 inch (450 mm) calibre, 5 – roughly 5 meter length, W – whitehead (German designation of Italian F200/450 torpedo)
- G7a/T 1 – Torpedo designation: G – 21 inch (533 mm) calibre, 7 – roughly 7 meter length, a – steam propulsion, T 1 – Torpedo model number 1
- L'spur – Leuchtspur: Tracer
- Zerl. – Zerleger: Self-destroying (literally: Disassambler)
- Fp – Füllpulver: Explosive filling (literally: Filling powder)
- DM – Deutsches Modell: German Model (modern designation to differentiate between American M munition)
Prefix/Suffix
- le – leicht: Light
- s – schwer: Heavy
- gp – gepanzert: Armoured
- nA – neuer Art: Modernized (literally: New type)
- (r) – russisch: Russian captured vehicle
- (e) – englisch: British captured vehicle
- (t) – tschechisch: Czech captured vehicle
- (a) – amerikanisch: American captured vehicle
- (f) – französisch: French captured vehicle
- U – Umbau: Conversion (kit)
- R – Rüstsatz: Upgrade (kit)
- /Trop – Tropen: Tropic (variant with air filters)
- (Mob) – Mobilmachung: Mobilization (design modification aimed at simplified and thus faster construction)
Manufacturer/Designer
- Ar – Arado
- Bf – Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW): Bavarian Airplane Factory (renamed to Messerschmitt in 1938)
- BMW – Bayerische Motorenwerke: Bavarian Motor Factory
- Bo – Bölkow (from the alternative spelling Boelkow)
- BV – Blohm & Voss
- DB – Daimler-Benz
- DB 601
- Do – Dornier
- Fw – Focke-Wulf
- Ha – Hamburger Flugzeugbau
- He – Heinkel
- Ho – Horten
- Hs – Henschel
- Ju – Junkers
- Me – Messerschmitt
- Ta – Focke-Wulf (named after Kurt Tank)
- Rh – Rheinmetall
- Ru – Ruhrstahl
- (P) – Porsche
- (H) – Henschel
- (A) – Alkett (Altmärkische Kettenwerk GmbH)
- (V) – VOMAG (Vogtländische Maschinenfabrik Aktiengesellschaft)
Military
- KM – Kriegsmarine: German navy (literally: War navy)
- LW – Luftwaffe: German air force (literally: Air weapon)
- BW – Bundeswehr: (Modern) German army (literally: Federation defense)
- RLM – Reichsluftfahrtministerium: Ministry of national aviation
- OKW – Oberkommando der Wehrmacht: High command of the armed forces
- JG – Jagdgeschwader: Fighter division (literally: hunting division)
- NJG – Nachtjagdgeschwader: Night fighter division (literally: night hunting division)
- ZG – Zerstörergeschwader: Heavy fighter division (literally: destroyer division)
- KG – Kampfgeschwader: Bomber division (literally: attack division)
- SKG – Schnellkampfgeschwader: Fast bomber division (literally: fast attack division)
- StG – Sturzkampfgeschwader: Dive bomber division (literally: dive attack division)
Russian
Vehicle
Ground
- T – Tank
- SU – Samokhodnaya Ustanovka: Self-propelled mount
- ISU: Self-propelled mount based on IS heavy tank
- ZSU – Zenitnaya Samokhodnaya Ustanovka: Anti-aircraft self-propelled mount
- ZRPK – Zenitny Raketno-Pushechny Kompleks: Anti-aircraft missile-gun system
- ASU – Aviadesantnaya Samokhodnaya Ustanovka: Airborne self-propelled mount
- BT – Bystrokhodny Tank: Light tank (literally: Fast-moving tank)
- BTR – Bronev Transporter: Armoured personnel carrier (literally: Armoured transport)
- RBT – Raketny Bystrokhodny Tank: Rocket tank (literally: Fast-moving rocket tank)
- BA – Bronev Avtomobil: Armoured car
- BM – Boyevaya Mashina: Rocket launcher vehicle (literally: Combat machine)
- BMP – Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty: Infantry fighting vehicle (literally: Infantry combat machine)
- PT – Plavayushchy Tank: Amphibious tank (literally: Floating tank)
- IT – Istrebitel Tankov: (Missile) tank destroyer (literally: Tank fighter)
Air
- I – Istrebitel: Fighter (airplane)
- Polikarpov I-15 M-22
- DB – Dalny Bombardirovschik: Long-range bomber
- Ilyushin DB-3B
- BB – Blizhny Bombardirovschik: Short-range bomber
- Sukhoi BB-1
- SB – Skorostnoi Bombardirovschik: Fast bomber
- Tupolev SB 2M-100
- TB – Tyazholy Bombardirovschik: Heavy bomber
- Tupolev TB-3M-17-32
- MBR – Morskoi Blizhny Razvedchik: Naval short-range reconnaissance (airplane)
- Beriev MBR-2-M-34
- U – Uchebny: Trainer (airplane)
- Polikarpov U-2 (original designation of the Po-2)
- MO – Malyi Okhotnik: Small submarine chaser (literally: Small hunter)
- BMO – Bronirovanny Malyi Okhotnik: Armoured small submarine chaser (literally: Armed small hunter)
- MPK – Malyi Protivolodochnoi Korabl: Small anti-submarine ship
- MBK – Morskoi Bronekater: Armoured gunboat (literally: Naval combat cutter)
- SKR – Storozhevoi Korabl: Observation ship
Weaponry
- UB – Universalniy Berezina: Berezin universal (MG)
- DP – Degtyarov Pulemyot: Degtyarov MG
- DT – Degtyarov Tankovy: Degtyarov tank (MG)
- DA – Degtyarov Aviatsonny: Degtyarov airplane (MG)
- PV – Pulemet Vozdushny: Airborne MG
- ShKAS – Shpitalny-Komaritski Aviatsionny Skorostrelny: Shpitalny-Komaritsky airplane rapid-fire (MG)
- DShK – Degtyaryova-Shpagina Krupnokaliberny: Degtyarov-Shpagin large-calibre (MG)
- A – Afanasev (MG)
- B – Berezin (auto-cannon)
- Yak-B – Yakushev-Borzov (MG)
- ShVAK – Shpitalny-Vladimirov Aviatsionny Krupnokaliberny: Shpitalny-Vladimirov airplane large-calibre (auto-cannon)
- TNSh – Tankovy Nudelman-Shpitalny: Nudelman-Shpitalny tank (auto-cannon)
- PTB – Pushka Taubin-Baburin: Taubin-Baburin cannon
- VYa – Volkov-Yartsev (auto-cannon)
- NS – Nudelman-Suranov (auto-cannon)
- NR – Nudelman-Rikhter (auto-cannon)
- GSh – Gryazev-Shipunov (auto-cannon)
- N-37D – Nudelman 37 mm Dulny tormoz: Nudelman 37 mm (auto-cannon with) muzzle brake
- KPVT – Krupnokaliberniy Pulemyot Vladimirova Tankovy: Vladimirov large-calibre tank MG
- ZPU – Zenitnaya Pulemotnaya Ustanovka: Anti-aircraft MG mount
- NSVT – Nikitina-Sokolova-Volkova Tankovy: Nikitin-Sokolov-Volkov tank (MG)
- PKT – Pulemyot Kalashnikova Tankovy: Kalashnikov tank MG
- SGMT – Stankovy Goryunova Modernizirovany Tankovy: Goryunov modernized mounted tank (MG)
- 20-K – Gun No. 20 of the Korolyov factory
- L-11 – Gun No. 11 of the Leningrad factory
Munition
- BR – Broneboynye: Armour-piercing (shell)
- BZ – Broneboyny Zazhigatelny: Armour-piercing incendiary (shell)
- BZT – Broneboyny Zazhigatelny Trassiruyushchy: Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (shell)
- PB – Polu Broneboynye: Semi armour-piercing (shell)
- O – Oskolochno: Fragmentation (shell)
- OZ – Oskolochno Zazhigatelny: Fragmentation incendiary (shell)
- OZT – Oskolochno Zazhigatelny Trassiruyushchy: Fragmentation incendiary tracer (shell)
- OF – Oskolochno Fugasny: High-explosive fragmentation (shell)
- Sh – Shrapnel (shell)
- FAB – Fugasnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba: High-explosive aircraft bomb
- OFAB – Oskolochno Fugasnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba: High-explosive fragmentation aircraft bomb
- RS – Reaktivny Snaryad: Rocket (literally: Rocket-powered projectile)
- RBS – Reaktivny Broneboyny Snaryad: Armour-piercing rocket (literally: Rocket-powered armour-piercing projectile)
Prefix/Suffix
- Oby. – Obyekt: Object (tank prototype)
- Pr. – Proyekt: Project (ship design program)
- E – Ekranami: Up-armoured (literally: With screens)
- M – Modernizirovany: Modernized
- S – Skorokhodnuyu: Lightened (literally: Fast)
- SP – Soprovzhdeniya Pekhoty: Infantry support
- U – Uluchshenny: Improved
- V – Vzryvnoy: Explosive (Reactive Armour)
- T – Torpedonosets: Torpedo bomber
Historical Name
- IS – Iosef Stalin (tank)
- KV – Kliment Voroshilov (tank)
- SMK – Sergey Mironovich Kirov (tank)
Manufacturer/Designer
- ACh – Aleksei Charomsky
- Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (e): Yermolayev Yer-2 with 2 Charomsky ACh-30B diesel engines
- AM – Aleksandr Mikulin
- Su-6 (AM-42): Su-6 with Mikulin AM-42 V-12 engine
- ANT – Andrei Nikolaevich Tupolev
- Ar – Arkhangelsky
- Arkhangelsky Ar-2
- GAZ – Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod: Gorky Automobile Factory
- Il – Ilyushin
- Ilyushin IL-2M (1943)
- KS – Krasnoye Sormovo
- La – Lavochkin
- Lavochkin La-5
- LaGG – Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov
- Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3-66
- M – Myasishchev
- MAI – Moskovsky Avyatsyonny Instytut Moscow Aviation Institute
- Mi – Mil
- Mil Mi-24A
- MiG – Mikoyan-Gurevich
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15
- OKB – Opytno-Konstruktorskoye Buro: Experimental Design Bureau
- Pe – Petlyakov
- Petlyakov Pe-2-1
- Po – Polikarpov
- Polikarpov Po-2
- STZ – Stalingradsky Traktoriy Zavod: Stalingrad Tractor Factory
- Su – Sukhoi
- Sukhoi Su-2 MV-5
- Tu – Tupolev
- Tupolev Tu-2S-44
- VK – Vladimir Klimov
- Yak-3 (VK-107): Yakovlev Yak-3 with Klimov VK-107 V-12 engine
- Yak – Yakovlev
- Yakovlev Yak-1
- Yer – Yermolayev
- Yermolayev Yer-2 (M-105)
- ZiS – Zavod imeni Stalina: Factory named after Stalin
Military
- VVS – Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily: Soviet air force (literally: Military air force)
- VMF – Voyenno-Morskoy Flot: Soviet Navy (literally: Military maritime fleet)
- SA – Sovetskaya Armiya: Soviet army
- IAP – Istrebitelny Aviatsionny Polk: Fighter air regiment
- GvIAP – Gvardeysky Istrebitelny Aviatsionny Polk: Guards fighter air regiment
- ShAP – Shturmovoy Aviatsionny Polk: Ground attack air regiment
French
Vehicle
- Char – Char de bataille: Battle tank
- AMC – Automitrailleuse de Combat: Combat machine gun (vehicle)
- AMD – Automitrailleuse de Découverte: Scout machine gun (vehicle)
- AMR – Automitrailleuse de Reconnaissance: Scout machine gun (vehicle)
- AML – Automitrailleuse Légère: Light machine gun (vehicle)
- DCA – Défense contre avions: Anti-air defense
- EBR – Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance: Armoured reconnaissance vehicle
- VTT – Véhicule de transport de troupe: Armoured personnel carrier (literally: Troop transport vehicle)
- CA – Canon d'assaut: Tank destroyer (literally: Assault cannon)
- CAu – Canon automoteur: Self-propelled gun
- TRC – Tracteur de ravitaillement pour chars: Tank supply tractor
- RC – Roues-Canon: Wheeled gun (carrier)
- Mle – Modèle: Model
Weaponry
- AAT – Arme Automatique Transformable: general-purpose machine gun
- SA – Semi-automatique: Semi-automatic (cannon)
- CA – Canon antiaérien: Anti-aircraft cannon
- CN – Canon: cannon (tank)
- CAD – Canon antiaérien double: Twin (mount) anti-aircraft cannon
- CAQ – Canon antiaérien quadruple: Quad (mount) anti-aircraft cannon
Munition
- ACRA – Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé:Anti-Tank Quick Self-propelled (missile)
- Ch.F – Charge Forte: (literally: Strong charge) Designates a shell whose propellant charge is bigger than usual shells. Effects are a higher initial speed, increased penetration but more stress and heating for the cannon.
- HOT – Haut Subsonique Optiquement Téléguidé: High Subsonic, Optical Remote-Guided, Tube-Launched (missile)
- OE – Obus Explosif: High-explosive shell
- OEA – Obus Explosif Acier: High-explosive fuzed (AA) shell
- OEcl – Obus Eclairant: Illumination shell
- OPf – Obus Perforant: Armour-piercing shell
- OPfK – Obus Perforant (avec colorant) K: Armour-piercing naval shell (with type K spotting dye)
- OFl – Obus Flèche: APDS shell (literally: Dart shell)
- OCC – Obus Charge Creuse: HEAT shell (literally: Hollow charge shell)
- PCOT – Perforant Coiffé Ogive Traceur: Armour-piercing Capped Tracer shell
- POT – Perforant Ogive Traceur: Armour-piercing Tracer shell
- AA – Air-Air: Air-to-air (missile)
- AS – Air-Sol: Air-to-ground (missile)
- SS – Sol-Sol: Ground-to-ground (missile)
- TP – Traceuse Perforante: Armour-piercing Tracer shell
Prefix/Suffix
Manufacturer/Designer
- AMX – Atelier de Construction d'Issy-Les-Moulineaux: Issy-Les-Moulineaux construction workshop
- APX – Atelier de Puteaux
- ACL – Atelier et Chantiers de la Loire
- ARL – Atelier de Construction de Rueil: Rueil construction workshop
- GIAT – Groupement Industriel de l’Armement Terrestre Industrial group for land weapon systems
- S/SOMUA – Société d'outillage mécanique et d'usinage d'artillerie: Mechanical tooling and artillery machining company
- Char de cavalerie SOMUA 1935 S (S.35)
- NC/SNCAC – Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre
- SA/SNCASE – Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Sud-Est
- SO/SNCASO – Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Sud-Ouest
- FCM – Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée
- DEFA – Direction des Études et Fabrications d'Armes
- MAC – Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault: Châtellerault weapons manufacturer
- FN – Fabrique Nationale
- FL – Fives-Lille
- R – Renault
- H – Hotchkiss
- L – Lorraine
- D – Dewoitine
- Dewoitine D.520
- C/CR - Caudron(-Renault)
- Caudron C.R.714
- MS – Morane-Saulnier
- Morane-Saulnier M.S.405C1
- F – Farman
- Farman F.222.2
- MB – Marcel Bloch (renamed to Dassault in 1949)
- Bloch M.B.174A-3
- MD – Marcel Dassault
- Dassault M.D.452 IIA
- LeO – Lioré-et-Olivier
- Lioré-et-Olivier LeO 451 early
- VG – Arsenal (named after Michel Vernisse and Jean Galtier)
- Arsenal V.G.33C-1
- VB – Arsenal (named after Michel Vernisse and Michel Badie)
- Arsenal VB.10C-1
- HS – Hispano-Suiza
Military
- BCC – Battalion de Chars de Combat: Battle tank battalion
- RCC – Régiment de Chars de Combat: Battle tank regiment
- DCr – Division Cuirassée: Armoured division
- MN – Marine Nationale: French navy (literally: National navy)
- FNFL – Forces Navales Françaises Libres: Free French naval forces
- FAFL – Forces Aériennes Françaises Libres: Free French air forces
Italian
Vehicle
- P – Pesante: Heavy (tank)
- P26/40: Heavy tank, 26 tons, model 1940
- M – Medio: Medium (tank)
- M15/42: Medium tank, 15 tons, model 1942
- L – Leggero: Light (tank)
- L6/40: Light tank, 6 tons, model 1930
- AB – Autoblinda: Armoured car
- AB 41: Armoured car, model 1941
- R – Ricognizione: Reconnaisance (vehicle)
- SIDAM – Sistema Italiano di Difesa Aerea Mobile: Italian system for mobile air-defense
Manufacturer/Designer
- CR – Cacchia Rosatelli (: Celestino Rosatelli fighter)
- FIAT CR.42
- BR – Bombardieri Rosatelli (: Celestino Rosatelli bomber)
- FIAT BR.20 DR
- G – named after Giuseppe Gabrielli
- FIAT G.50 serie 2
- SM – Savoia-Marchetti
- Savoia-Marchetti S.M.79 serie 1
- P – Piaggio
- Breda 88 (P.XI): Ba.88 with Piaggio P.XI 14-cylinder radial engines
- Piaggio P.108B serie 1
- C – named after Mario Castoldi
- Macchi C.200 serie 3
- Ba – Breda
- Breda Ba.65 (K.14) L
- Re – Reggiane
- Reggiane Re.2000 serie 1
- Z – named after Filippo Zappata
- CANT Z.1007 bis serie 3
- FIAT – Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino: Italian automobile factory Turin
- CANT – Cantieri Aeronautici e Navali Triestini: Aeronautical and naval yard Trieste
- OTO – Odero-Terni-Orlando
- OF – OTO-FIAT
- SAFAT – Società Anonima Fabbrica Armi Torino
Weaponry
- SR – Senza Rinculo: Recoilless (gun)
Prefix/Suffix
- CC – Controcarro: Anti-tank (rifle)
- S – Silurante: Torpedo (airplane)
- FIAT G.55S
- CN – Caccia Notturno: Night fighter
- FIAT C.R.42 CN
- CB – Cacciabombardiere: Fighter-bomber
- Reggiane Re.2001 CB
- AS – Africa Settentrionale: North Africa (tropical filter)
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-14/AS
or
- AS – Aerosilurante: Air torpedo (airplane)
- EC – Esperimento Cannoni: Experimental cannons
- Macchi C.202EC
- A – Artigliere: Artillery
- Piaggio P.108A serie 2
- B – Bombardiere: Bomber
- Piaggio P.108B serie 2
- N – Normale: Normal
or
- N – Nuovo: New
- TM – Totalmente Modificato: Completely modified
Romanian
Manufacturer/Designer
- IAR – Industria Aeronautică Română: Romanian Aeronautic Industry
Japanese
Aircraft
Army
- Ki – Kitai: Airframe
First letters (type)
- A: Carrier-based fighter plane
- B: Carrier-based attack bomber
- C: Carrier-based reconnaissance plane
- D: Carrier-based dive bomber
- E: Ship-based reconnaissance hydroplane
- F: Ship-based observation hydroplane
- G: Land-based attack bomber
- H: Flying boat
- J: Land-based fighter plane (also used as suffix for conversions)
- N: Fighter hydroplane (also used as suffix for conversions)
- P: Land-based bomber
- Q: Patrol plane
- R: Land-based reconnaissance plane
- S: Night fighter
Second letters (manufacturers/designers)
- A – Aichi
- He – Heinkel
- K – Kawanishi
- M – Mitsubishi
- N – Nakajima
- W – Kyushu
- Y – Yokosuka
Ground
Vehicle type
- Ke: Light (tank)
- Type 98 Ke-Ni: Light tank, fourth version, model of Imperial Japanese year 2598 (1938)
- Chi: Medium (tank)
- Type 3 Chi-Nu: Medium tank, tenth version, model of Imperial Japanese year 2603 (1943)
- Ju: Heavy (tank)
- Type 97 Ju-Ro: Heavy tank, second version, model of Imperial Japanese year 2597 (1937)
- O: Super-heavy (tank)
- O-I: Super-heavy tank, first version
- Ho: Self-propelled (gun)
- Type 3 Ho-Ni III: Self-propelled gun, fourth version, third variant, model of Imperial Japanese year 2603 (1943)
- Ka: Amphibious (tank)
- Type 2 Ka-Mi
Order system
- I: First
- Ro: Second
- Ha: Third
- Ni: Fourth
- Ho: Fifth
- He: Sixth
- To: Seventh
- Chi: Eighth
- Ri: Ninth
- Nu: Tenth
- Ru: Eleventh
- O: Twelfth
Suffix
- Ko: First variant
- Otsu: Second variant
- Hei: Third variant
- Tei: Fourth variant
- Kai – Kazizo: Improved (appended to the name, as opposed to the designation as with the variant indicators)
Manufacturer/Designer
- HI: Vickers (UK)
- 40 mm/62 "HI" Type 91 AA (40 mm), based on the QF 2pdr Mk VIII
- RU: Lewis (UK)
- 7.7 mm RU Type 92 MG, based on the .303 in Lewis MG
Czech
Vehicle
- LT – Lehký tank: Light tank
- LT vz. 38
- ST – Střední tank: Medium tank
- ST vz. 39
- OA – Obrněný automobil: Armoured car
- vz. – vzor: Version
Manufacturer/Designer
- ČKD – Českomoravská Kolben-Daněk
- ZB – Zbrojovka Brno
Swedish
Vehicle
Ground
- Strv – Stridsvagn: Tank (literally: Combat vehicle)
- Ikv – Infanterikanonvagn: Assault howitzer (literally: Infantry (support) gun vehicle)
- Sav – Stormartillerivagn: Assault gun (literally: Assault artillery vehicle)
- Pvkv – Pansarvärnskanonvagn: Tank destroyer
- Lvkv – Luftvärnskanonvagn: Anti-air vehicle
Air
- A - Attack
- B - Bomb
- Fpl - Flygplan: Aeroplane (used by the Army for fixed-wing aircraft)
- Hkp - Helikopter
- J - Jakt: Fighter
- T - Torped: Torpedo Bomber
Weaponry
- ksp – Kulspruta: Machine gun
- kan - Kanon: Cannon
- akan – Automatkanon: Autocannon
- pvkan - Pansarvärnskanon: Anti-tank gun
- lvkan - Luftvärnskanon: Anti-aircraft gun
- fsthaub - Fästningshaubits: Fortress howitzer
Munition
- gr - granat: Grenade (synonymous with shell)
- prj - projektil: Bullet
- hpgr - halvpansargranat: Semi-armour-piercing shell
- slpprj - spårljuspansarprojektil: Armour-piercing tracer bullet
- slsgr - spårljusspränggranat: High-explosive tracer shell
- sgr - spränggranat: High-explosive shell
- rökgr - rökgranat: Smoke shell (literally: Smoke grenade)
- Rb - Robot: Missile
- srak - Sprängraket: Explosive rocket
- psrak - Pansarsprängraket: Armour-piercing explosive rocket
- hprak - Halvpansarraket Semi-armour-piercing rocket (literally: half-armour rocket)
- mb - Minbomb Medium capacity / General purpose bomb
- sb - Sprängbomb High-explosive bomb
English
Vehicle (US)
Ground
- M – Model
- Medium Tank, M4 Sherman: Model 4 medium tank
- T – Trial (model)
- Heavy Tank T26E1-1 "Super Pershing": Trial model 26 medium tank
- A – Advancement
- Medium Tank, M4A1 Sherman: Model 4, Advancement 1 medium tank
- E – Experimental
- Assault Tank M4A3E2 Jumbo: Model 4, Advancement 3, Experimental 2 assault tank
- LVT – Landing Vehicle, Tracked
- LST – Landing Ship, Tank
- (A) – Amphibious
- HMC – Howitzer Motor Carriage
- GMC – Gun Motor Carriage
- CGMC – Combination Gun Motor Carriage
- MGMC – Multiple Gun Motor Carriage
- SPG – Self-Propelled Gun
- SPH – Self-Propelled Howitzer
- SPRG – Self-Propelled Recoilless Gun
- SPAA – Self-Propelled Anti-Air
- MRLS – Multiple Rocket Launcher System
- ATM – Anti-Tank Missile
- MBT – Main Battle Tank
- (RISE) – Reliability Improved Selected Equipment
- (AOS) – Add-On Stabilization
- W – Wet munition storage
- HVSS – Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension
- CCKW – General Motors designation: C – designed in 1941, C – conventional cab, K – all-wheel drive, W – dual rear axles
Air
Army (pre-1962)
- A – Attack
- P – Pursuit
- B – Bomber
- F – Fighter
- H - Helicopter
- X – Experimental
- XA-38: Experimental Attacker 38
- A - Attacker
- F - Fighter
- BTD - Bomber (torpedo)
- P - Patrol
- PB – Patrol Bomber
- SB – Scout Bomber (Dive bomber):
- TB – Torpedo Bomber
- OS – Observation Scout
- OS2U-1: Navy Observation Scout 2, Vought No.1
Post 1962
- USS – United States Ship: Honorific styling
- DD – Destroyer
- DE – Destroyer, Escort
- CL – Cruiser, Light: Light cruiser
- CA – Cruiser, Armoured: Heavy cruiser
- CV – Cruiser, Voler: Aircraft carrier (historically based on aviation cruisers)
- USS Lexington (CV-2)
- CB – Cruiser, Battle: Battlecruiser
- BB – Battleship
- USS Iowa (BB-61)
- PG – Patrol Gunboat
- PGH - Patrol Gunboat Hydrofoil
- PT – Patrol Torpedo boat
- PTF – Patrol Torpedo boat, Fast
- PC – Patrol Chaser
- SC - Submarine Chaser
- LCS - Landing Craft Support
- SS – Submarine
- SSN – Submarine, Nuclear-powered
- SSBN – Ballistic Missile Submarine, Nuclear-powered
Vehicle (UK)
- A – Armour Index of the General Staff (historical index number)
- FV – Fighting Vehicle (modern index number)
- F – Fighter
- FR – Fighter-Reconnaissance
- FAW – Fighter All-Weather
- LF – Long-range Fighter
or
- LF – Low-altitute Fighter
- FB – Fighter-Bomber
- B – Bomber
- B(I) – Bomber (Interdictor)
- TB – Torpedo Bomber
- TF – Torpedo-Fighter
- HMS – His/Her Majesty's Ship: Honorific styling
Vehicle (other)
- HMAS – His/Her Majesty's Australian Ship: Honorific styling
- HMCS – His/Her Majesty's Canadian Ship: Honorific styling
- HMNZS – His/Her Majesty's New Zealand Ship: Honorific styling
Manufacturer/Designer (US)
- GMC – General Motors Company (not to be confused with Gun Motor Carriage)
(Army) Air Force
- BN – Boeing (Renton plant, Washington)
- CO – Consolidated (San Diego plant, California)
- DT – Douglas (Tulsa plant, Oklahoma)
- DB – Douglas Bomber (company designation)
- LO – Lockheed (Burbank plant, California)
- NA – North American (Inglewood plant, California)
- RE – Republic (Farmingdale plant, New York)
- VE – Vega (Burbank plant, California)
- A – Brewster
- F2A-1 Buffalo: Navy Fighter 2, Brewster No. 1
- C – Curtiss
- SB2C-4 Helldiver: Navy Scout Bomber 2, Curtiss No. 4
- D – Douglas
- AD-2 Skyraider: Navy Attacker, Douglas No. 2
- F – Grumman
- F4F-3 Wildcat: Navy Fighter 4, Grumman No. 3
- H – McDonnel
- F2H-2 Banshee: Navy (Jet) Fighter 2, McDonnell No. 2
- J – North American
- PBJ-1H Mitchell: Navy Patrol Bomber, North American No. 1
- M – Martin
- PBM-3 Mariner: Navy Patrol Bomber, Martin No. 3
- U – Vought (military designation)
- OS2U-1 Kingfisher: Navy Observation Scout 2, Vought No.1
- V – Vought (company designation)
- Y – Consolidated
- PBY-5 Catalina: Navy Patrol Bomber, Consolidated No. 5
Manufacturer/Designer (UK)
- AEC – Associated Equipment Company
- BAe – British Aerospace
- G – Gloster
- MB – Martin-Baker
Manufacturer/Designer (other)
- CAC – Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
- DAP – Department of Aircraft Production
Weaponry (US)
- MCLOS – Manual Command to Line of Sight
- SACLOS – Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight
- TOW – Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided
- AGM – Air-launched, Ground-attack, Missile
- AIM – Air-launched, Interception, Missile
- BGM – Multi-launched, Ground-attack, Missile
- VADS – Vulcan Air Defense System
- AN – Army/Navy
- HB – Heavy Barrel
Weaponry (UK)
- BL – Breech-loading (cannon): Usually for (naval) guns of 5 inch calibre and upwards.
- QF – Quick-firing (cannon): Usually for (naval) guns of up to 5 inch calibre.
- RP – Remote-powered (control): System of direct unified control of turrets (RP.10: Hydraulic, RP.50: Electric)
- HA – High-angle (mount): Mounting for large-calibre AA guns.
- CP – Central-pivot (mount): Mounting for naval guns.
- BD – Between decks (mount): Low profile mountings, noticeably for being flush with the flight decks on carriers
- STAAG – Stabilized tachymetric anti-aircraft gun (mount)
- ADEN – Armament Development Establishment, Enfield
- RARDEN – Royal Armament, Research and Development Establishment, Enfield
- pdr – Pounder: Gun designations based on the pound (lb) weight of their projectiles.
- cwt – Hundredweight (centum weight): Gun designations based on weight (barrel and breech) in cwt (1 cwt = 112 lb)
- OQF 3in 20cwt (76 mm) (20 cwt = 2,250 lb)
- GO – Gas Operated
Munition
- B – Ball-Point
- I – Incendiary
- I-T – Incendiary Tracer
- IAI – Immediate Action Incendiary
- FI – Fragmentation Incendiary
- FI-T – Fragmentation Incendiary Tracer
- T – Tracer
- P – Practice
- PT – Practice Tracer
- SAP – Semi-Armour-Piercing
- SAPI – Semi-Armour-Piercing Incendiary
- AP – Armour-Piercing
- API – Armour-Piercing Incendiary
- AP-T – Armour-Piercing Tracer
- API-T – Armour-Piercing Incendiary Tracer
- APC – Armour-Piercing Capped
- APCBC – Armour-Piercing Capped Ballistic Capped
- APCR – Armour-Piercing Composite Rigid
- APHE – Armour-Piercing High-Explosive
- APDS – Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot
- APFSDS – Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot
- HVAP – High-Velocity Armour-Piercing
- HVAP-T – High-Velocity Armour-Piercing Tracer
- HE – High-Explosive
- HEF – High-Explosive Fragmentation
- HE-I – High-Explosive Incendiary
- HEFI – High-Explosive Fragmentation Incendiary
- HEF-T – High-Explosive Fragmentation Tracer
- HEFI-T – High-Explosive Fragmentation Incendiary Tracer
- HESH – High-Explosive Squash-Head
- HEAT – High-Explosive Anti-Tank
- HEAT-FS – High-Explosive Anti-Tank Fin-Stabilized
- ATGM – Anti-Tank Guided Missile
- GP – General Purpose (bomb)
- MC – Medium Capacity (bomb)
- HC – High Capacity (bomb)
Munition (UK)
- RP – Rocket Projectile
Military (US)
- USAAF – United States Army Air Force
- USAF – United States Air Force
- USMC – United States Marine Corps
- USN – United States Navy
- VMF – Marine Fighter Squadron: V – Fixed-wing aircraft, M – Marine Corps, F – Fighter
- F4U-4B VMF-214: Marine Fighter Squadron No. 214
- VMA – Marine Attacker Squadron: V – Fixed-wing aircraft, M – Marine Corps, A – Attacker
Military (UK)
- RAF – Royal Air Force
- RN – Royal Navy
- FAA – Fleet Air Arm: Royal Navy Air Force
Military (other)
- RAAF – Royal Australian Air Force
- RCAF – Royal Canadian Air Force
- RNZAF – Royal New Zealand Air Force