I have created a script that allows you to identify the exact model of an American aircraft based on its USAAF serial number. I created this as a personal project, but realized it might be useful to other people so I’m making it available. The script can identify aircraft models by their serial numbers, and is valid for aircraft serials ranging from 1938 to 1945.
About USAAF Serial Numbers
During World War II, every aircraft operated by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) received a unique serial number assigned by the Air Materiel Command. This number was based on the fiscal year in which the order was placed rather than the actual year of manufacture, and it differed from the manufacturer’s construction number.
For example, a serial number such as 41-24485 designates an aircraft ordered during Fiscal Year 1941, and 24485 is its sequence number within that year’s procurement batch. These serials were usually painted on the fin or tail (for instance “124485”) and remain an essential identifier for researchers studying aircraft histories.
Structure of a Serial Number
A USAAF serial number follows the format YY-NNNN where YY represents the fiscal year and NNNN the sequence number, which may contain from one to six digits depending on the year’s production volume.
A range such as 41-13039/13296 indicates a batch of aircraft built under the same contract, numbered sequentially from 13039 to 13296.
Some batches were cancelled before production and appear in the database without an associated aircraft type.
Using the Script
The USAAF Serial Number Script lets users search for and interpret serial numbers instantly. It recognizes both complete and shortened formats.
Accepted Formats
- Full format:
42-15234 - Short format:
215234(the script automatically infers the fiscal year)
Results
When a valid serial number is entered, the script displays:
- The exact serial number (with automatic conversion if needed).
- The precise aircraft model (e.g. “P-51D-25-NT Mustang”).
- The aircraft family, if applicable (e.g. “North American P-51 Mustang”), with a link to view all other production blocks for that family.
- The complete production block range (showing the starting and ending serial numbers).
- The corresponding manufacturer’s serial number information, when available.
- Additional production block information, when available.
If the serial number is not recognized, the script suggests the correct format to use.
Data Source
The data displayed by the script comes from the work of the late Joe Baugher, who conducted outstanding research and documentation on USAAF aircraft serials and generously made his findings publicly available. A few minor corrections have been applied. If you notice any errors in the script’s results, feel free to leave a comment.
Example Searches
| Input | Result |
|---|---|
| 41-39600 | Displays the data for this aircraft. |
| 139600 | Interpreted as 41-39600, then displays the data for that aircraft. |
Purpose
This tool is designed for historians, researchers, and aviation enthusiasts who wish to decode USAAF serial numbers, verify production data, and cross-reference historical information quickly and accurately.