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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Aircraft Serial Numbers


mike j dunn

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Can anyone tell me when the British Army and Royal Navy first allocated serial numbers to their aircraft, and what numbering system(s) were adopted. Were aircraft of the Air Battalion RE numbered, and were they re-numbered on transfer to the RFC. Were RNAS aircraft re-numbered on transfer to the RAF.

With thanks,

Mike Dunn

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Information from Page & Sturtivant Royal Navy Aircraft Serials and Units 1911-1919

Admiralty Serials First system was in November 1911 (1-4)

Admiralty Serials Second System February 1912 (alpha numeric B1-B4 = biplanes; M1-M4 = monoplanes; H1-H9 = hydro-aeroplanes; T1-T6 ? twin planes)

RNAS Serials First Series August 1912 (1-200)

The surviving planes renumbered on each change in system

RNAS Serials Second Series (801-1600)

RNAS Serials Third Series (3001-4000)

RNAS Serials Fourth Series (8001-10000)

RNAS/RAF Serials experimental planes (N1-N999)

RNAS/RAF Serials Fifth Series (N1000-N9999) numbering retained by RAF.

Aircraft transfered from RFC (Military Wing) or issued to the RNAS from RFC production were often not renumbered.

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