Aicraft Serial Numbers – the future.
We all know about the serial number or registration on aircraft, it’s generally the primary reference point for all plane spotters. There are exceptions to this where the manufacturers serial number is the primary reference point, but in the main it’s the tail number or serial number. This is particularly true of military aircraft, but it’s probably the first thing we look for when we see any aircraft.
The Air Mobility Command component of the USAF has already announced it’s intention to remove all visible identification marks from it’s fleet of aircraft, there have been a number of sightings of aircraft with no visible identification markings – other than those required by international law. It is impossible to ascertain which partcular aircraft you are seeing, although in general there will be a known aircraft associated with the Hex code that the aircraft is likely broadcasting – the USAF have been increasing their use of tactical Hex codes of late.
The USN have used these codes for some time – they are easy to sort out as the aircraft still carry a serial number, this will not be the case with the Air Mobility Command aircraft.