Buzz Numbers: The Explanations And Regulations Behind America's Military Aircraft Identification System

The Buzz Number system, the famous identification system for U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force aircraft from late 1945 into the mid-1960s, was developed as a deterrent to 8th Air Force pilots engaged in unauthorized low-level flying over post-war Europe. This practice, called 'buzzing', prompted the need for ground observers to be able to identify and report a particular offending aircraft. In response to this need, a system of letters and numbers was developed to uniquely identify each aircraft in inventory. This book includes an in-depth explanation of the buzz number system as well as its many applications. This book is the ultimate buzz number reference for modelers and aviation enthusiasts.

Peter Bowers worked for Boeing Airplane Company 36 1/2 years, retiring in 1983.  Over the years his many books and magazine articles led to his worldwide recognition as an aviation historian, model builder and air plane designer.