US missiles employ a standardized system of sequential alpha-numeric designations. This appendix lists these designations for reference. The numbering system encompasses guided missiles, rockets, drones, targets, decoys and other airborne systems. The system begins with a three or four-letter code. In the case of a four-letter prefix, the initial letter indicates an experimental or non-operational status. The first letter of the normal three-letter code (or second letter of a four-letter) code identifies the launch environment; the second letter identifies mission, and the third indicates type. All missiles and related systems have "M" as the third letter of the prefix code.
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