Aircraft Classification
Effective Date: 15 June 98
Aircraft Classification
Because of the many different types of aircraft it is necessary to put aircraft into general categories for the purpose of creating specifications. The following classes of aircraft are established in MIL-8785C.
Class I ~ Small, light aircraft such as
Light utility
Primary trainer
Light observation
Class II ~ Large, heavy, low to medium maneuverability airplanes such as
Heavy utility/search and rescue
Early warning/electronic countermeasure/airborne command, control, or communications relay
Antisubmarine
Assault transport
Reconnaissance
Tactical bomber
Heavy attack Trainer for class II
Class III ~ Large, heavy, low to medium maneuverability airplanes such as
Heavy transport/cargo/tanker
Heavy bomber
Patrol/early warning/electronic countermeasure/airborne command, control, or communications relay
Trainer for class III
Class IV ~ High maneuverability airplanes such as
Fighter/interceptor
Attack
Tactical reconnaissance
Observation
Trainer for class IV