Why do Navy and Marine Corps Radars Always Begin with AN?

There's a commonality in the designations used for various military equipment, and one of the most prevalent designations is "AN." This acronym holds a special significance in the military world, particularly for radars and electronics. Let's delve deeper into this system and understand its importance.

Introduction to the AN Nomenclature

The "AN" designation is a part of a formal system used to identify military electronics, especially radars. According to the formal military designation system, "AN" stands for Airborne Navigation. However, this system goes beyond just navigation and encompasses a wide range of equipment used by the Army, Navy, and even the Air Force.

The Historical Context and Significance of AN

Joint Army/Navy Designation:

Common Nomenclature: The "AN" designation was established to provide a common nomenclature system for equipment used by both the Army and the Navy. This is to ensure that the same ID number is used for similar equipment, reducing confusion and improving efficiency. Early Adoption: When the system was first introduced, it was the Army and Navy that handled procurement, hence the "Army Navy" designation in "AN." Evolution: As military technologies advanced, other branches, like the Air Force, began to adopt the same nomenclature to maintain consistency across the armed forces.

The "AN" Designation Explained

The "AN" designation can be further broken down to provide more specific information about the equipment. The designation is typically structured in a way that each letter or group of letters carries a different meaning, based on its position.

AN/FPN-47: This designation stands for Army Navy Fixed Radar Navigation. It represents an air traffic control radar used in fixed locations. AN/MPN-14: This stands for Army Navy Mobile Radar Navigation. This is a mobile radar system designed for easy transportation and fitment into a C-5 cargo plane. P: The "P" in radar designations stands for radar, distinguishing it from other types of equipment. S: The "S" in radar designations stands for search. It indicates that the radar is used for searching and detecting targets, such as ships or aircraft. SPS: Common ship-based search radar designations, such as SPS-10, SPS-49, and SPS-48E, reflect this structure, with "S" indicating ship-based and "SPS" indicating search radar.

Specialized Equipment and Designations

There are many specialized types of equipment within the "AN" designation system, each with its own unique code:

AN/SLQ-32 v3: This is a specific type of shipboard electronic Countermeasures system. The letters "SLQ" in the code provide information about the platform (ship), the type of equipment (Countermeasures), and the specific function (multipurpose or special purpose). AN/SPS: These designations indicate ship-based search radars, such as SPS-10 and SPS-49. AN/SPY-1: The Aegis radar system, which uses "Y" in its designation to indicate it is a surveillance and control radar, capable of performing air and surface searches, as well as fire control for missiles and guns.

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

It's worth noting that the "A" in "AN" does not always stand for AEGIS, but rather for Army Navy. Additionally, "AN" is not just for radars; it can also be used for other electronic equipment. For example, the USS Independence uses a Swedish radar system, which does not follow the "AN" designation.

The AN designator is a fundamental part of the military's nomenclature system, ensuring clear and consistent identification of equipment. Understanding how to interpret these designations can be crucial for maintenance, operation, and interoperability within the armed forces.