Trying to understand military part numbers!

Clive Elliott gives some clues about how most of the world’s military hardware is now codified, but alsoreveals how the UK still uses its own special system.

When searching for parts and accessories for our vehicles, most of us will have at some time come across packets, boxes or evencrates that are marked with a thirteen-digit number. This rather unfriendly number is the NATO Stock Number (NSN) and is usuallyhyphenated to break it into more manageable portions. If you are unlucky, there are no hyphens and this string of thirteen digits fusesinto a blur; and even familiar parts of the code may not be easily recognised.

It is easier to recognise the NSN written as 2815-99-806-1535 than 2815998061535, so why manufacturers ignore the ground rules Ido not know. There are three elements to the NSN, the first part identifies the type of equipment, the second part the country of originand the last part gives the item an identity that is unique.

The first digit group is called the NATO Supply Classification (NSC) and is based on a system developed by the USA for control ofitems in its Defence and Public Sector inventories. This US system is called the Federal Supply Classification (FSC) and currently isdivided into 78 Groups. The Group represents the first two digits of the FSC (and of the NSN). The second pair of digits representsthe Class, and currently there are 642 Classes. The system allows for future expansion within Groups, and there is further capacity inthat Groups 21, 27, 33, 50, 57, 64, 82, 86, 90, 92, 97, and 98 are currently unassigned. The list below is derived from a classificationpublished in January 2001, as it runs to nearly 90 pages I have had to trim the detail down considerably. But I have still included allthe Groups & Classes so that even if an item is not for your vehicle it can be satisfying to know for what it was actually intended. Yes,I know you are unlikely to find for sale 8820 (Live Animals) or even 1105 (Nuclear Bomb) but I have included it all for generalinterest.

FEDERAL SUPPLY CLASSIFICATION

GROUP 10

Weapons1005 Guns, up to 30mm1010 Guns, over 30mm up to 75mm1015 Guns, 75mm up to 125mm1020 Guns, over 125mm up to 150mm1025 Guns, over 150mm up to 200mm1030 Guns, over 200mm up to 300mm1035 Guns, over 300mm1040 Chemical Weapons & Equipment1045 Launchers, Torpedo & Depth Charges1055 Launchers, Rocket & Pyrotechnic1070 Nets & Booms, Ordnance1075 Degaussing & Mine Sweeping Equipment1080 Camouflage & Deception Equipment1090 Assemblies Interchangeable Between Weapons in Two or More Classes1095 Miscellaneous Weapons

GROUP 11

Nuclear Ordnance1105 Nuclear Bombs1110 Nuclear Projectiles1115 Nuclear Warheads & Warhead1120 Nuclear Depth Charges1125 Nuclear Demolition Charges1127 Nuclear Rockets1130 Conversion Kits, Nuclear Ordnance

1135 Fusing & Firing Devices, Nuclear1140 Nuclear Components1145 Explosive & Pyrotechnic1190 Specialised Test & Handling Equipment, Nuclear Ordnance1195 Miscellaneous Nuclear Ordnance

GROUP 12

Fire Control Equipment1210 Fire Control Directors1220 Fire Control Computing Sights & Devices1230 Fire Control Systems, Complete1240 Optical Sighting & Ranging Equipment1250 Fire Control Stabilising Mechanisms1260 Fire Control Designating & Indicating Equipment1265 Fire Control Transmitting & Receiving Equipment1270 Aircraft Gunnery Fire Control Components1280 Aircraft Bombing Fire Control1285 Fire Control Radar Equipment1287 Fire Control Sonar Equipment1290 Miscellaneous Fire Control Equipment

GROUP 13

Ammunition and Explosives1305 Ammunition, up to 30mm1310 Ammunition, over 30mm up to 75mm1315 Ammunition, 75mm up to 125mm1320 Ammunition, over 125mm1325 Bombs1330 Grenades1336 Guided Missile Warheads & Explosive Components1337 Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Explosive Propulsion Units1338 Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Inert1340 Rockets, Rocket Ammunition & Rocket Components1345 Land Mines1350 Underwater Mines & Components, Inert1351 Underwater Mines & Components1352 Underwater Mine Disposal Inert1353 Underwater Mine Disposal Explosive Devices1355 Torpedoes & Components, Inert1356 Torpedoes & Components, Explosive1360 Depth Charges & Components, Inert1361 Depth Charges & Components1365 Military Chemical Agents1370 Pyrotechnics1375 Demolition Materials1376 Bulk Explosives1377 Cartridge & Propellant Actuated1385 Surface Use Explosive Ordnance Disposal Tools & Equipment1386 Underwater Use Explosive Ordnance1390 Fuses & Primers1395 Miscellaneous Ammunition1398 Specialised Ammunition Handling & Servicing Equipment

GROUP 14

Guided Missiles1410 Guided Missiles1420 Guided Missile Components1425 Guided Missile Systems, Complete1427 Guided Missile Sub-systems1430 Guided Missile Remote Control Systems1440 Launchers, Guided Missile1450 Guided Missile Handling & Servicing Equipment

GROUP 15

Aircraft and Airframe Structural Components1510 Aircraft, Fixed Wing1520 Aircraft, Rotary Wing1540 Gliders1550 Drones1560 Airframe Structural Components

GROUP 16

Aircraft Components & Accessories1610 Aircraft Propellers & Components1615 Helicopter Rotor Blades, Drive1620 Aircraft Landing Gear Components1630 Aircraft Wheel & Brake Systems1650 Aircraft Hydraulic, Vacuum, & De-icing System Components1660 Aircraft Air Conditioning, Heating, & Pressurising Equipment1670 Parachutes; Aerial Pick Up, Delivery, Recovery Systems; & Cargo Tie Down Equipment1680 Miscellaneous Aircraft Accessories & Components

GROUP 17

Aircraft Launching, Landing, & Ground Handling Equipment1710 Aircraft Landing Equipment.1720 Aircraft Launching Equipment1730 Aircraft Ground Servicing & Boarding Equipment1740 Airfield Specialised Trucks and Trailers

GROUP 18

Space Vehicles1810 Space Vehicles1820 Space Vehicle Components1830 Space Vehicle Remote Control Systems1840 Space Vehicle Launchers1850 Space Vehicle Handling & Servicing Equipment1860 Space Survival Equipment

GROUP 19

Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, & Floating Docks1905 Combat Ships and Landing Vessels1910 Transport Vessels, Passenger & Troop1915 Cargo & Tanker Vessels1920 Fishing Vessels1925 Special Service Vessels1930 Barges & Lighters, Cargo1935 Barges & Lighters, Special Purpose1940 Small Craft1945 Pontoons & Floating Docks1950 Floating Dry-docks1955 Dredges1990 Miscellaneous Vessels

GROUP 20

Ship & Marine Equipment2010 Ship & Boat Propulsion Components2020 Rigging & Rigging Gear2030 Deck Machinery2040 Marine Hardware & Hull Items2050 Buoys2060 Commercial Fishing Equipment2090 Miscellaneous Ship & Marine Equipment

GROUP 22

Railway Equipment2210 Locomotives2220 Rail Cars2230 Right-of-Way Construction & Maintenance Equipment, Railroad2240 Locomotive & Rail Car Accessories & Components2250 Track Material, Railroad

GROUP 23

Ground Effect Vehicles, Motor Vehicles, Trailers, & Cycles2305 Ground Effect Vehicles2310 Passenger Motor Vehicles2320 Trucks & Truck Tractors, Wheeled2330 Trailers2340 Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, & Bicycles2350 Combat, Assault, & Tactical Vehicles, Tracked

GROUP 24

Tractors2410 Tractor, Full Tracked, Low Speed2420 Tractors, Wheeled2430 Tractors, Full Tracked, High Speed

GROUP 25

Vehicular Equipment Components2510 Vehicular Cab, Body, & Frame Structural Components2520 Vehicular Power Transmission Components2530 Vehicular Brake, Steering, Axle, Wheel, & Track Components.2540 Vehicular Furniture &Accessories2541 Weapons Systems Specific Vehicular Accessories2590 Miscellaneous Vehicular Components

GROUP 26

Tyres & Tubes2610 Tyres & Tubes, Pneumatic, Except Aircraft2620 Tyres & Tubes, Pneumatic, Aircraft2630 Tyres, Solid & Cushion2640 Tyre Rebuilding &Tyre and Tube

GROUP 28

Engines, Turbines, & Components2805 Gasoline Reciprocating Engines,2810 Gasoline Reciprocating Engines, Aircraft Prime Mover; & Components2815 Diesel Engines & Components2820 Steam Engines, Reciprocating; & Components2825 Steam Turbines & Components2830 Water Turbines & Water Wheels; and Components2835 Gas Turbines & Jet Engines2840 Gas Turbines & Jet Engines, Aircraft, Prime Moving; & Components2845 Rocket Engines & Components2850 Gasoline Rotary Engines & Components2895 Miscellaneous Engines & Components

GROUP 29

Engine Accessories2910 Engine Fuel System Components, Non-aircraft2915 Engine Fuel System Components, Aircraft & Missile Prime Movers2920 Engine Electrical System Components, Non-aircraft2925 Engine Electrical System Components, Aircraft Prime Moving2930 Engine Cooling System Components, Non-aircraft2935 Engine System Cooling Components, Aircraft Prime Moving2940 Engine Air and Oil Filters, Strainers, & Cleaners, Non-aircraft2945 Engine Air and Oil Filters, Cleaners, Aircraft Prime Moving2950 Turbosupercharger & Components2990 Miscellaneous Engine Accessories, Non-aircraft2995 Miscellaneous Engine Accessories, Aircraft

GROUP 30

Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment3010 Torque Converters & Speed Changers3020 Gears, Pulleys, Sprockets, & Transmission Chain3030 Belting, Drive Belts, Fan Belts, & Accessories3040 Miscellaneous Power Transmission Equipment

GROUP 31

Bearings3110 Bearings, Anti-friction, Unmounted3120 Bearings, Plain, Unmounted3130 Bearings, Mounted

GROUP 32Woodworking Machinery & Equipment3210 Sawmill & Planing Mill Machinery3220 Woodworking Machines3230 Tools & Attachments for Woodworking Machinery

GROUP 34

Metalworking Machinery3405 Saws & Filing Machines3408 Machining Centres and Way-Type Machines3410 Electrical & Ultrasonic Erosion Machines3411 Boring Machines3412 Broaching Machines3413 Drilling & Tapping Machines3414 Gear Cutting & Finishing Machines3415 Grinding Machines3416 Lathes3417 Milling Machines3418 Planers & Shapers3419 Miscellaneous Machine Tools3422 Rolling Mills & Drawing Machines3424 Metal Heat Treating & Non-Thermal3426 Metal Finishing Equipment3431 Electric Arc Welding Equipment3432 Electric Resistance Welding Equipment3433 Gas Welding, Heat Cutting, & Metalising Equipment3436 Welding Positioners & Manipulators3438 Miscellaneous Welding Equipment3439 Miscellaneous Welding, Soldering, & Brazing Supplies and Accessories3441 Bending & Forming Machines3442 Hydraulic & Pneumatic Presses, Power Driven3443 Mechanical Presses, Power Driven3444 Manual Presses3445 Punching & Shearing Machines3446 Forging Machinery & Hammers3447 Wire & Metal Ribbon Forming Machines3448 Riveting Machines3449 Miscellaneous Secondary Metal Forming & Cutting Machines3450 Machine Tools, Portable3455 Cutting Tools for Machine Tools3456 Cutting and Forming Tools for Secondary Metalworking Machinery3460 Machine Tool Accessories3461 Accessories for Secondary Metalworking Machinery3465 Production Jigs, Fixtures, & Templates3470 Machine Shop Sets, Kits, & Outfits

GROUP 35Service & Trade Equipment3510 Laundry & Dry Cleaning Equipment3520 Shoe Repairing Equipment3530 Industrial Sewing Machines & Mobile3540 Wrapping & Packaging Machinery3550 Vending & Coin Operated Machines3590 Miscellaneous Service & Trade Equipment

GROUP 36Special Industry Machinery3605 Food Products Machinery & Equipment3610 Printing, Duplicating, & Bookbinding Equipment3611 Industrial Marking Machines3615 Pulp & Paper Industries Machinery

3620 Rubber & Plastics Working Machinery3625 Textile Industries Machinery3630 Clay & Concrete Products Industries Machinery3635 Crystal & Glass Industries Machinery3640 Tobacco Manufacturing Machinery3645 Leather Tanning and Leather Working Industries Machinery3650 Chemical & Pharmaceutical3655 Gas Generating & Dispensing Systems, Fixed or Mobile3660 Industrial Size Reduction Machinery3670 Specialised Semiconductor, Microcircuit, & Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Machinery3680 Foundry Machinery, Related Equipment & Supplies3685 Specialised Metal Container Manufacturing Machinery & Related Equipment3690 Specialised Ammunition & Ordnance Machinery & Related Equipment3693 Industrial Assembly Machines3694 Clean Work Stations, Controlled Environment, & Related Equipment3695 Miscellaneous Special Industry Machinery

GROUP 37

Agricultural Machinery & Equipment3710 Soil Preparation Equipment3720 Harvesting Equipment3730 Dairy, Poultry, & Livestock Equipment3740 Pest, Disease, & Frost Control Equipment3750 Gardening Implements & Tools3770 Saddlery, Harness, Whips, & Related Animal Furnishings

GROUP 38

Construction, Mining, Excavating, & Highway Maintenance Equipment3805 Earth Moving & Excavating Equipment3810 Cranes & Crane-Shovels3815 Crane and Crane-Shovel Attachments3820 Mining, Rock Drilling, Earth Boring, & Related Equipment3825 Road Clearing, Cleaning, & Marking Equipment3830 Truck & Tractor Attachments3835 Petroleum Production & Distribution Equipment3895 Miscellaneous Construction Equipment

GROUP 39

Materials Handling Equipment3910 Conveyors3915 Materials Feeders3920 Material Handling Equipment, Nonself-Propelled3930 Warehouse Trucks and Tractors, Self-Propelled3940 Blocks, Tackle, Rigging, & Slings3950 Winches, Hoists, Cranes, & Derricks3960 Freight Elevators3990 Miscellaneous Materials Handling Equipment

GROUP 40

Rope, Cable, Chain, & Fittings4010 Chain & Wire Rope4020 Fibre Rope, Cordage, & Twine4030 Fittings for Rope, Cable, & Chain

GROUP 41

Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, & Air Circulating Equipment4110 Refrigeration Equipment4120 Air Conditioning Equipment4130 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Components4140 Fans, Air Circulators, & Blower Equipment4150 Vortex Tubes & Other Related Cooling Tubes

GROUP 42

Fire Fighting, Rescue, & Safety Equipment and Environmental Protection Equipment & Materials4210 Fire Fighting Equipment4220 Marine Lifesaving & Diving Equipment4230 Decontaminating & Impregnating Equipment4235 Hazardous Material Spill Containment & Clean-up Equipment & Material4240 Safety & Rescue Equipment4250 Recycling & Reclamation Equipment

GROUP 43

Pumps & Compressors4310 Compressors & Vacuum Pumps4320 Power & Hand Pumps4330 Centrifugals, Separators, & Pressure & Vacuum Filters

GROUP 44

Furnace, Steam Plant, Drying Equipment & Nuclear Reactors4410 Industrial Boilers4420 Heat Exchangers & Steam Condensers4430 Industrial Furnaces, Kilns, Lehrs, & Ovens4440 Dryers, Dehydrators, & Anhydrators4460 Air Purification Equipment4470 Nuclear Reactors

GROUP 45

Plumbing, Heating, & Waste Disposal Equipment4510 Plumbing Fixtures & Accessories4520 Space & Water Heating Equipment4530 Fuel Burning Equipment Units4540 Waste Disposal Equipment

GROUP 46

Water Purification & Sewage Treatment Equipment4610 Water Purification Equipment4620 Water Distillation Equipment, Marine & Industrial4630 Sewage Treatment Equipment

GROUP 47Pipe, Tubing, Hose, & Fittings4710 Pipe, Tube & Rigid Tubing4720 Hose & Flexible Tubing4730 Hose, Pipe, Tube, Lubrication, & Railing Fittings

GROUP 48Valves4810 Valves, Powered4820 Valves, Non-powered

GROUP 49

Maintenance & Repair Shop Equipment4910 Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Shop Specialised Equipment4920 Aircraft Maintenance & Repair Shop Specialised Equipment4921 Torpedo Maintenance, Repair, & Checkout Specialised Equipment4923 Depth Charges & Underwater Mines4925 Ammunition Maintenance, Repair, & Checkout Specialised Equipment4927 Rocket Maintenance, Repair & Checkout Specialised Equipment4930 Lubrication & Fuel Dispensing Equipment4931 Fire Control Maintenance & Repair Shop Specialised Equipment4933 Weapons Maintenance & Repair Shop Specialised Equipment4935 Guided Missile Maintenance, Repair, & Checkout Specialised Equipment4940 Miscellaneous Maintenance & Repair Shop Specialised Equipment4960 Space Vehicle Maintenance, Repair, & Checkout Specialised Equipment4970 Multiple Guided Weapons, Specialised Maintenance & Repair Shop Equipment

GROUP 51

Hand Tools5110 Hand Tools, Edged, Non-powered5120 Hand Tools, Non-edged, Non-powered5130 Hand Tools, Power Driven5133 Drill Bits, Counterbores, and Countersinks5136 Taps, Dies, & Collets5140 Tool & Hardware Boxes5180 Sets, Kits, & Outfits of Hand Tools

GROUP 52

Measuring Tools5210 Measuring Tools, Craftsmen’s5220 Inspection Gages & Precision Layout Tools5280 Sets, Kits, & Outfits of Measuring Tools

GROUP 53

Hardware & Abrasives5305 Screws5306 Bolts5307 Studs5310 Nuts & Washers5315 Nails, Machine Keys, and Pins5320 Rivets5325 Fastening Devices5330 Packing & Gasket Materials5331 O-Rings5335 Metal Screening5340 Hardware, Commercial5341 Brackets5342 Hardware, Weapon System5345 Disks & Stones, Abrasive5350 Abrasive Materials5355 Knobs and Pointers5360 Coil, Flat, Leaf, & Wire Springs5365 Bushings, Rings, Shims, & Spacers

GROUP 54

Prefabricated Structures & Scaffolding5410 Prefabricated & Portable Buildings5411 Rigid Wall Shelters5419 Collective Modular Support System5420 Bridges, Fixed and Floating5430 Storage Tanks5440 Scaffolding Equipment & Concrete Forms5445 Prefabricated Tower Structures5450 Miscellaneous Prefabricated Structures

GROUP 55Lumber, Millwork, Plywood, & Veneer5510 Lumber & Related Basic Wood Materials5520 Millwork5530 Plywood and Veneer

GROUP 56Construction & Building Materials5610 Mineral Construction Materials, Bulk5620 Tile, Brick & Block5630 Pipe and Conduit, Non-metallic5640 Wallboard, Building Paper, & Thermal Insulation Materials5650 Roofing & Siding Materials5660 Fencing, Fences, Gates & Components5670 Building Components, Prefabricated5675 Non-wood Construction Lumber & Related Materials5680 Miscellaneous Construction Materials

GROUP 58

Communication, Detection, & Coherent Radiation Equipment5805 Telephone & Telegraph Equipment5810 Communications Security Equipment & Components5811 Other Cryptologic Equipment & Components5815 Teletype & Facsimile Equipment5820 Radio & Television Communication Equipment, Except Airborne5821 Radio & Television Communication Equipment, Airborne5825 Radio Navigation Equipment, Except Airborne5826 Radio Navigation Equipment, Airborne5830 Intercommunication & Public Address Systems5831 Intercommunication & Public Address Systems, Airborne5835 Sound Recording & Reproducing Equipment5836 Video Recording & Reproducing Equipment5840 Radar Equipment, Except Airborne5841 Radar Equipment, Airborne5845 Underwater Sound Equipment5850 Visible & Invisible Light Communication Equipment5855 Night Vision Equipment, Emitted & Reflected Radiation5860 Stimulated Coherent Radiation Devices, Components, & Accessories5865 Electronic Countermeasures, Counter-Countermeasures & Quick Reaction Capability Equipment5895 Miscellaneous Communication Equipment

GROUP 59

Electrical & Electronic Equipment Components5905 Resistors5910 Capacitors5915 Filters & Networks5920 Fuses, Arrestors, Absorbers, & Protectors5925 Circuit Breakers5930 Switches5935 Connectors, Electrical5940 Lugs, Terminals, & Terminal Strips5945 Relays & Solenoids5950 Coils & Transformers5955 Oscillators & Piezoelectric Crystals

5960 Electron Tubes & Associated Hardware5961 Semiconductor Devices & Associated Hardware5962 Microcircuits, Electronic5963 Electronic Modules5965 Headsets, Handsets, Microphones & Speakers5970 Electrical Insulators & Insulating Materials5975 Electrical Hardware & Supplies5977 Electrical Contact Brushes & Electrodes5980 Optoelectronic Devices & Associated Hardware5985 Antennas, Waveguides, & Related Equipment5990 Synchros & Resolvers5995 Cable, Cord, & Wire Assemblies: Communication Equipment5996 Amplifiers5998 Electrical and Electronic Assemblies, Boards, Cards, & Associated Hardware5999 Miscellaneous Electrical & Electronic Components

GROUP 60Fibre Optics Materials, Components, Assemblies, & Accessories6010 Fibre Optic Conductors6015 Fibre Optic Cables6020 Fibre Optic Cable Assemblies & Harnesses6021 Fibre Optic Switches6030 Fibre Optic Devices6032 Fibre Optic Light Sources & Photo Detectors6035 Fibre Optic Light Transfer & Image Transfer Devices6060 Fibre Optic Interconnectors6070 Fibre Optic Accessories & Supplies6080 Fibre Optic Kits & Sets6099 Miscellaneous Fibre Optic Components

GROUP 61

Electric Wire, Power & Distribution Equipment6105 Motors, Electrical6110 Electrical Control Equipment6115 Generators & Generator Sets, Electrical6116 Fuel Cell Power Units, Components, & Accessories6117 Solar Electric Power Systems6120 Transformers: Distribution & Power Station6125 Converters, Electrical, Rotating6130 Converters, Electrical, Non-rotating6135 Batteries, Non-rechargeable6140 Batteries, Rechargeable6145 Wire and Cable, Electrical6150 Miscellaneous Electric Power & Distribution Equipment6160 Miscellaneous Battery Retaining Fixtures & Liners

GROUP 62

Lighting Fixtures & Lamps6210 Indoor & Outdoor Electric Lighting Fixtures6220 Electric Vehicular Lights & Fixtures6230 Electric Portable & Hand Lighting Equipment6240 Electric Lamps6250 Ballasts, Lampholders, & Starters6260 Non-electrical Lighting Fixtures

GROUP 63

Alarm, Signal & Security Detection Systems6310 Traffic & Transit Signal Systems6320 Shipboard Alarm & Signal Systems6330 Railroad Signal & Warning Devices6340 Aircraft Alarm & Signal Systems6350 Miscellaneous Alarm, Signal, & Security Detection Systems

GROUP 65

Medical, Dental, Veterinary Equipment & Supplies6505 Drugs & Biologicals6508 Medicated Cosmetics & Toiletries6509 Drugs and Biologicals, Veterinary Use6510 Surgical Dressing Materials6515 Medical & Surgical Instruments, Equipment, & Supplies6520 Dental Instruments, Equipment, & Supplies6525 X-ray Equipment & Supplies6530 Hospital Furniture, Equipment, Utensils, & Supplies6532 Hospital & Surgical Clothing & Related Special Purpose Items6540 Ophthalmic Instruments, Equipment, & Supplies6545 Replenishable Field Medical Sets, Kits, & Outfits6550 In Vitro Diagnostic Substances, Reagents, Test Kits & Sets

GROUP 66

Instruments & Laboratory Equipment6605 Navigational Instruments6610 Flight Instruments6615 Automatic Pilot Mechanisms & Airborne Gyro Components6620 Engine Instruments6625 Electrical & Electronic Properties6630 Chemical Analysis Instruments6635 Physical Properties Testing & Inspection6636 Environmental Chambers & Related Equipment6640 Laboratory Equipment & Supplies6645 Time Measuring Instruments6650 Optical Instruments, Test Equipment6655 Geophysical Instruments6660 Meteorological Instruments & Apparatus6665 Hazard-Detecting Instruments & Apparatus6670 Scales & Balances6675 Drafting, Surveying, & Mapping Instruments6680 Liquid & Gas Flow, Liquid Level, & Mechanical Motion Measuring Instruments6685 Pressure, Temperature, & Humidity Measuring & Controlling Instruments6695 Combination & Miscellaneous Instruments

GROUP 67

Photographic Equipment6710 Cameras, Motion Picture6720 Cameras, Still Picture6730 Photographic Projection Equipment6740 Photographic Developing & Finishing Equipment6750 Photographic Supplies6760 Photographic Equipment & Accessories6770 Film, Processed6780 Photographic Sets, Kits, & Outfits

GROUP 68

Chemicals & Chemical Products6810 Chemicals6820 Dyes6830 Gases: Compressed & Liquefied6840 Pest Control Agents and Disinfectants6850 Miscellaneous Chemical Specialities

GROUP 69

Training Aids & Devices6910 Training Aids6920 Armament Training Devices6930 Operation Training Devices6940 Communication Training Devices

GROUP 70

Automatic Data Processing Equipment, Software, Supplies & Support Equipment7010 ADPE System Configuration7020 ADP Central Processing Unit, Analogue7021 ADP Central Processing Unit, Digital7022 ADP Central Processing Unit, Hybrid7025 ADP Input/Output and Storage Devices7030 ADP Software7035 ADP Support Equipment7040 Punched Card Equipment7042 Mini & Micro Computer Control Devices7045 ADP Supplies7050 ADP Components

GROUP 71

Furniture7105 Household & Camping Furniture7110 Office Furniture7125 Cabinets, Lockers, Bins, & Shelving7195 Miscellaneous Furniture & Fixtures

GROUP 72Household & Commercial Furnishings & Appliances7210 Household Furnishings7220 Floor Coverings7230 Draperies, Awnings, & Shades7240 Household & Commercial Utility Containers7290 Miscellaneous Household & Commercial Furnishings & Appliances

GROUP 73

Food Preparation & Serving Equipment7310 Food Cooking, Baking, & Serving Equipment7320 Kitchen Equipment & Appliances7330 Kitchen Hand Tools & Utensils7340 Cutlery & Flatware7350 Tableware7360 Sets, Kits, Outfits & Modules, Food Preparation & Serving

GROUP 74

Office Machines, Text Processing Systems & Visible Record Equipment7420 Accounting & Calculating Machines7430 Typewriters & Office Type Composing Machines7435 Office Information System Equipment7450 Office Type Sound Recording & Reproducing Machines7460 Visible Record Equipment7490 Miscellaneous Office Machines

GROUP 75

Office Supplies & Devices7510 Office Supplies7520 Office Devices & Accessories7530 Stationery & Record Forms7540 Standard Forms

GROUP 76

Books, Maps, & Other Publications7610 Books & Pamphlets7630 Newspapers & Periodicals7640 Maps, Atlases, Charts, & Globes7641 Aeronautical Maps, Charts & Geodetic Products7642 Hydrographic Maps, Charts & Geodetic Products7643 Topographic Maps, Charts & Geodetic Products7644 Digital Maps, Charts & Geodetic Products7650 Drawings & Specifications7660 Sheet & Book Music7670 Microfilm, Processed7690 Miscellaneous Printed Matter

GROUP 77

Musical Instruments, Phonographs, & Home-Type Radios7710 Musical Instruments7720 Musical Instrument Parts & Accessories7730 Phonographs, Radios, & Television7740 Phonograph Records

GROUP 78Recreational & Athletic Equipment7810 Athletic & Sporting Equipment7820 Games, Toys, & Wheeled Goods7830 Recreational & Gymnastic Equipment

GROUP 79Cleaning Equipment & Supplies7910 Floor Polishers & Vacuum Cleaning Equipment7920 Brooms, Brushes, Mops, & Sponges7930 Cleaning & Polishing Compounds & Preparations

GROUP 80

Brushes, Paints, Sealers, & Adhesives8010 Paints, Dopes, Varnishes, & Related Products8020 Paint & Artist’s Brushes8030 Preservative & Sealing Compounds8040 Adhesives

GROUP 81

Containers, Packaging, & Packing Supplies8105 Bags & Sacks8110 Drums & Cans8115 Boxes, Cartons, & Crates8120 Commercial & Industrial Gas8125 Bottles and Jars8130 Reels & Spools8135 Packaging & Packing Bulk Materials8140 Ammunition & Nuclear Ordnance Boxes, Packages & Special Containers8145 Specialised Shipping & Storage Containers.

GROUP 83

Textiles, Leather, Furs, Apparel & Shoe Findings, Tents & Flags8305 Textile Fabrics8310 Yarn & Thread8315 Notions & Apparel Findings8320 Padding & Stuffing Materials8325 Fur Materials8330 Leather8335 Shoe Findings & Soling Materials8340 Tents & Tarpaulins8345 Flags & Pennants

GROUP 84

Clothing, Individual Equipment, & Insignia8405 Outerwear, Men’s8410 Outerwear, Women’s8415 Clothing, Special Purpose8420 Underwear & Nightwear, Men’s8425 Underwear & Nightwear, Women’s8430 Footwear, Men’s8435 Footwear, Women’s8440 Hosiery, Handwear, & Clothing Accessories, Men’s8445 Hosiery, Handwear, & Clothing Accessories, Women’s8450 Children’s & Infant’s Apparel and Accessories8455 Badges & Insignia8460 Luggage8465 Individual Equipment8470 Armour, Personal8475 Specialised Flight Clothing & Accessories

GROUP 85Toiletries8510 Perfumes, Toilet Preparations, & Powders8520 Toilet Soap, Shaving Preparations, & Dentifrices8530 Personal Toiletry Articles8540 Toiletry Paper Products

GROUP 87Agricultural Supplies8710 Forage & Feed8720 Fertilisers8730 Seeds & Nursery Stock

GROUP 88

Live Animals8810 Live Animals, Raised for Food8820 Live Animals, Not Raised for Food

GROUP 89

Subsistence8905 Meat, Poultry, & Fish8910 Dairy Foods & Eggs8915 Fruits & Vegetables8920 Bakery & Cereal Products8925 Sugar, Confectionery, & Nuts8930 Jams, Jellies, & Preserves8935 Soups & Bouillons8940 Special Dietary Foods & Food8945 Food, Oils & Fats8950 Condiments & Related Products8955 Coffee, Tea, & Cocoa8960 Beverages, Non-alcoholic8965 Beverages, Alcoholic8970 Composite Food Packages8975 Tobacco Products

GROUP 91

Fuels, Lubricants, Oils, & Waxes9110 Fuels, Solid9130 Liquid Propellants & Fuels, Petroleum Base9135 Liquid Propellant Fuels & Oxidisers, Chemical Base9140 Fuel Oils9150 Oils and Greases: Cutting, Lubricating, & Hydraulic9160 Miscellaneous Waxes, Oils, and Fats

GROUP 93Non-metallic Fabricated Materials9310 Paper & Paperboard9320 Rubber Fabricated Materials9330 Plastics Fabricated Materials9340 Glass Fabricated Materials9350 Refractories & Fire Surfacing Materials9390 Miscellaneous Fabricated Non-metallic Materials

GROUP 94Non-metallic Crude Materials9410 Crude Grades of Plant Materials9420 Fibres: Vegetable, Animal, & Synthetic9430 Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible9450 Non-metallic Scrap, Except Textile

GROUP 95

Metal Bars, Sheets, and Shapes9505 Wire, Non-electrical9510 Bars & Rods9515 Plate, Sheet, Strip, Foil, & Leaf9520 Structural Shapes9525 Wire, Non-electrical, Non-ferrous Base Metal9530 Bars & Rods, Non-ferrous Base Metal9535 Plate, Sheet, Strip, & Foil9540 Structural Shapes, Non-ferrous Base Metal9545 Plate, Sheet, Strip, Foil, & Wire, Precious Metal

GROUP 96

Ores, Minerals, & Their Primary Products9610 Ores9620 Minerals, Natural & Synthetic9630 Additive Metal Materials9640 Iron & Steel Primary & Semi-finished Products9650 Non-ferrous Base Metal Refinery & Intermediate Forms9660 Precious Metals Primary Forms9670 Iron & Steel Scrap9680 Non-ferrous Scrap

GROUP 99

Miscellaneous9905 Signs, Advertising Displays, & Identification Plates9910 Jewellery9915 Collector’s &/or Historical Items9920 Smoker’s Articles & Matches9925 Ecclesiastical Equipment, Furnishings, & Supplies9930 Memorials: Cemeterial & Mortuary9999 Miscellaneous: only those items which cannot conceivably be classified in any existing classes!

The second digit group of the NSN indicates the country providing the codification. The country that manufactures the item codifiesit, even if the item is not used in that country. Participating countries through their National Codification Bureau (NCB) are allocateda digit pair. This allows each country to have 10 million unique NSNs, although Canada and the USA each have an additional codethat allows them 20 million NSNs each. From the list of NCBs it will be seen that the participating countries are not all part of NATO.Armed forces, governments and arms manufacturers have recognised the great savings to be made in having equipment and sparesthat can be reliably identified and sourced.

NATION CODES (TIER 2 SPONSORSHIP)

00 & 01 United States09 NAMSA (see below)11 NATO12 Germany13 Belgium14 France15 Italy16 Czech Republic17 Netherlands18 South Africa (see below)20 & 21 Canada22 Denmark23 Greece24 Iceland25 Norway26 Portugal27 Turkey28 Luxembourg32 Singapore33 Spain34 Malaysia43 Poland51 Hungary66 Australia98 New Zealand99 United Kingdom

NAMSA is the NATO Maintenance & Supply Agency in Luxembourg which can codify an identical item should it be produced inmore than one country. South Africa is not officially listed, however I have recently seen re-manufactured AFV equipment fromSouth Africa marked with this Nation Code. The counties listed above are NATO members or have achieved ‘Tier 2 Sponsorship’ andcan not only receive details of NSNs but can produce their own codified products. There is a ‘Tier 1 Sponsorship’ which only entitlesparticipants to receive NSNs, they cannot codify items and hence do not have a NCB and the associated two-digit figure. The listincludes a wide range of countries far removed from the sphere of NATO.

TIER 1 SPONSORSHIP COUNTRIES

ArgentinaAustriaBrazilBulgariaChileCroatiaEstoniaFijiFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)KuwaitLatviaLithuaniaMalaysiaOmanPhilippinesRomaniaSaudi ArabiaSingaporeSloveniaThailandTongaUnited Arab Emirates

The final digit group of the NSN comprises the non-specific number. For ease of recognition this group of 7 digits is usuallyexpressed as a 3 + 4 group. The numbers are selected by computer of the codifying country, other than providing a unique identity foran item there is no meaning to the number. There is no incorporation of manufacturer’s number or anything like that. If you seesimilar numbers in a parts list for instance, it just means the items happened to be codified at a similar time.

Here is an example of an NSN; the item being a screw used in the periscope of a Mk 1 Humber Pig.

5305-99-941-9377 = NATO Stock Number (NSN)5305- = NATO Supply Classification (NSC)53 = NSC Group 05- = NSC Class -99- = National Codification Bureau (NCB) -941-9377 = Non-significant number -99-941-9377 = NATO Item Identification Number (NIIN)

An additional use of the NSC (=FSC) is that the Army now uses this as the first part of the title of technical documents called ArmyEquipment Support Publications (AESPs). Unlike EMERs (Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Regulations) which covered onlyrepair, maintenance, inspection and modifications, the AESPs also cover user handbooks, parts books, servicing etc. So that anyAESP for example a trailer would start 2330, or a motorcycle would start 2340.

The old British Army system of cataloguing parts was known as VAOS (Vocabulary of Army Ordnance Stores) a system that evolvedfollowing the Crimean War. This system had a quaint logic incorporating very often the manufacturer’s part number and categoriesthat were defined by both letters and numbers. VAOS started to be superseded in 1956 when NATO adopted the NATO CodificationSystem. But with millions of stores items to be codified a large number VAOS codes were to remain in circulation for many years.

To aid recognition, the first part of the VAOS code was retained and placed in front of the new NATO code. Although this should nothave been strictly necessary, it was meant to encourage a familiarity with the new code groups. By the time all the entries in VAOShad been NATO codified, the listings had become Catalogues of Ordnance Stores and Ammunition (COSA). VAOS were ‘ArmyCoded Publications’. The replacement COSA shared the same Army Code No. of the VAOS it superseded.

Because the new and old systems were for many years running in tandem, the new NSNs were still catalogued according to the firstpart of the old VAOS sections. It was realised that if the addition of a few characters from the old VAOS system increased theaccuracy of a demand for an item it was worthwhile. So in the example used for the item in the Pig periscope, the NSN strictly is5305-99-941-9377, however in the parts list it appears as G1/5305-99-941-9377. I find it much easier to recognise that ‘G1’ is a screwrather than because it is ‘5305’.

Domestic Management CodesThe first part of the VAOS/COSA sections are now known as Domestic Management Codes (DMCs). They are not only of practicalvalue but represent an element of independence by the British Army in a world of increasing uniformity. The DMCs I have listedinclude not only current codes, but also some wartime VAOS sections that have not survived. I have included as many as possible sothat anyone who has a spare part that is not NATO codified can at least see under which section their VAOS item was catalogued.Many codes have changed their definitions, and I have tended to use the latest version of the code. This occurs with the modernisationof equipment and with metrication. It may seem curious that some sections should become obsolete, but it does not necessarily meanthat the equipment itself is obsolete, only that it has been re-catalogued into another section.

The most logical presentation would have been to have lists of stores items that are categorised according to their type and the datewhen the list was issued. However this would have meant many dozens of lists would have to be scoured to identify a particular item.So for ease of reference I have listed the sections alphabetically, irrespective of date, this has meant there is intermingling of storesgroupings. Although originally derived from the old VAOS catalogues, DMCs continue to expand, an acknowledgement that humanbeings can recognised a small group of letters more readily than a large number. In recent years there has been a tendency to choose aDMC that is easily identifiable as belonging to its parent equipment. But this tends to disrupt the structure of many sections; eg JAVEfor Javelin (missile) ends up with tents and camp cookers.

This listing is compiled from catalogues, and from catalogues of catalogues covering wartime documents through to currentpublications. I am lucky in that I am allowed to purchase documents directly from the MOD, but you need security clearance to dothis, and delivery can vary from one month to one year! From these I have trawled through several thousand pages often findingentries that have not been recorded in the main catalogues. I have marked sections as obsolete only where I have written evidence of itbeing so, it may well be that are some others that are obsolete. In recent years subgroups have been created as a number in front of themain group eg V5 has subgroup 3V5, W10 has 3W10. What also is apparent is an increasing number of errors that occur in the moremodern documents that presumably are complied on computer and not checked properly, I hope have managed to exclude most ofthese!

DOMESTIC MANAGEMENT CODES & VAOS/COSA SECTIONSA1 Obsolete All Web Equipment, Bandoliers, Steel Helmets, Musical InstrumentsA1 Musical Instruments & Bagpipes SparesA2 Obsolete Anti-Gas StoresA2 NBC Defence Stores (other than radiac equipment)A3 Mountain & Snow Warfare EquipmentA31 Mountains & Arctic Warfare EquipmentA4 Airborne Equipment.A5 Obsolete Assault & Commando Equipment (later became incorporated into A3)A6 Obsolete Jungle Warfare Equipment (later became incorporated into A3)A7 Obsolete Outfits Tactical Training & Models AircraftAC Army Coded PublicationsADAD Air Defence Alerting Device SystemAEQPT Mining, Rock Drilling, Earth Boring, & Related EquipmentASH Computer Information System for Bomb DisposalASP Advanced Sound-Ranging ProjectAUSO Gun 175mm SP, Gun 155mm SP (M44), 8in HowitzerB1 Small Arms & their ComponentsB2 Small Arms, Armourer’s Tools & Training Aids.B3 Machine Carbines & AccessoriesB4 Individual Weapon & Light Support Weapon 5.56mmB5 Tactical Illumination SystemsBMETS Battlefield Meteorological System & Associated Stores (BMETS)C1 Machine Guns & Accessories (General Service use)C2 Machine Guns & Accessories (AFV use)C3 Obsolete BicyclesCITEM General Purpose Automatic Test EquipmentCOBRA Counter Battery Radar SystemCORMOR Non-vehicular Items of CORMORANTCORVEH CORMORANT Vehicle

CREMSK Royal Engineers, Misc Construction Eqipment

C Catalogue of Clothing & NecessariesCA Tailors Tools, Cloth & Trimming Tools.CB Badges of Rank Service Organisation & QualificationCC Clothing, Pyjamas, Suitcases, Mirrors, SpursCD Footwear (Protective Non Combat)CE Ceremonial EquipmentCF HeadwearCG Combat Dress (Footwear & Related Ancillaries, Knives, Earplugs)CH Obsolete Tropical Clothing, Waterproof Clothing & Miscellaneous ArticlesCH Hospital, Protective, Waterproof Clothing, Trousers Barrack Dress & LtWtCJ Obsolete Anti-Gas ClothingCK Obsolete Service Uniforms, Handwear, Headwear, Hosiery (Women)CL Obsolete SpareCM Cold Climate Clothing.CN Accoutrements, Webbing, Armoured Vests, Rucksack, Mess Tins & Steel Helmets.CO Obsolete Demobilsed Servicemen’s Clothing & FootwearCO Officer’s Clothing & NecessariesCP Service Uniform (Men) No.1,2,3,6 & 7 DressCQ CR CS Absorbed into Sections CP & CYCT Bulk Textiles of C & T concernCV Obsolete Clothing & Uniforms, Duke of York’s Royal Military School; Queen Victoria School; Royal Hospital Chelsea;

Civilian EmployeesCV Uniforms for Civilians, Police, Fire Brigade etcCW Obsolete WAAC ClothingCY Ceremonial Uniforms Full Dress

D1 Harness & SaddleryD2 SpareDENT DentalDIANA Diana Test Equipment & Associated SparesE0 Bridges, Fixed and FloatingE1 Obsolete Carts & WagonsE2 Obsolete Pontoon Bridging EquipmentE3 Lifting & Transporting GearE4 Obsolete Vessel & Boat EquipmentE5 Obsolete Railway StoresE6 Locomotives, Railcars, Railway Breakdown EquipmentEN Obsolete Royal Engineers, Bridging, FixedEO Obsolete Royal Engineers, Bridging, Floating Rafts & FerriesEP Obsolete Royal Engineers, Bridging, Ancillary EquipmentES(part) Obsolete Royal Engineers, Fieldworks & Miscellaneous MaterielES(part) Obsolete Royal Engineers, Roads & Airfields Prefabricated Surfaceing MaterielET Obsolete Royal Engineers, Small CraftF1 Hand Tools (Non-Powered)F2 Defence Stores (eg sandbags, shelters, barbed wire etc)F3 Storehouse Equipment (eg ladders, pallets, stencil cutters etc)F6 Industrial Gases & Associated EquipmentFS Obsolete Royal Engineers, Miscellaneous Construction EquipmentFN Obsolete Royal Engineers, Water Supply & Distribution MaterielFR Obsolete Royal Engineers, Pumps & Pumping SetsFU Obsolete Royal Engineers, Petroleum Production & Distribution EquipmentFUCHS FUCHS Reconnaisance VehicleG1 Part 1 Bolts (later Metric Fasteners inc. grommets, pins, rivets etc)G1 Part 2 Screws (later inc Miscellaneous Hardware)G1 Part 3 Commonality Inserts, Nuts, Studs & Metal Washers (later BA Fasteners)G1 Part 4 Nails, Padlocks, Hinges, Staples, Rivets & Misc Hardware (later Unified Fasteners)G1 Part 5 Bolts, Screws, Nuts etc BSF & BSWG1/XB Rustproof versions of G1G2 Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals (inc. sheets, rods, tubing, solder, welding electrodes)GP14 Guided Missile Remote Control Systems

H1 Part 1 Paints, Dopes and Varnishes [earlier called Part (a)]H1 Part 2 Abrasives, Industrial Chemicals, etc [earlier called Part (b)]H1 Part 3 Containers (Acids, Paints & Chemical) [earlier called Part (d)]H1 Part (c) Obs Oils, Greases & PreservativesH2 Part 1 Obs TextilesH2 Part 2 Obs Cordage, Twine, Rubber & Plastic SheetingH2 PlasticsH21 Cordage & TextilesH3 TimberH4 Boxes, Cartons & Wooden Packing CasesH5 Obsolete Targets & Stores for Musketry InstructionH5 Camouflage EquipmentH6 Laboratory EquipmentH7 Laboratory & Photographic Equipment (earlier also Laboratory Chemicals)H8 FlagsH9 General Purpose Packing & Gasket Materials. Grommets & Fibre WashersHN Obsolete Royal Engineers, Construction MaterielHO Obsolete Royal Engineers, Construction MaterielHP(part) Obsolete Royal Engineers, Construction MaterielHP(part) Obsolete Royal Engineers, Fieldworks & Miscellaneous MaterielHR Obsolete Royal Engineers, Water Supply & Distribution MaterielHQ Obsolete Royal Engineers, Construction MaterielHS Obsolete Royal Engineers, Construction MaterielHVM High Velocity Missile (HVM/Starstreak)J0 Physical Properties Testing & InspectionJ1 Tents, Shelters, Camping EquipmentJ2 Camp Cookers & Related EquipmentJAVE Javelin Guided Missile SystemJO Obsolete Royal Engineers, Construction Materiel Testing Equipment

K Army Supplied Office & Accommodation StoresK Obsolete Barrack & Hospital EquipmentKA Misc Office Eqpt, Eqpt & Stable Accommodation, Oil Heating & Cooking StovesKB Obsolete Bedsteads & their componentsKC Physical Training, Sports Equipment & Ecclesiastical AccoutrementsKD Obsolete Crockery & GlasswareKE Obsolete Disenfestation Equipment, Office Equipment, Security LocksKF Obsolete Oil Heating & Cooking Stores, Spring Balances & Galvanised BucketsKG Trailers Fire Pump & Associated Kits & Spares

KN Obsolete Royal Engineers, Water Supply & Distribution MaterielKS Obsolete Royal Engineers, Targets & Target Material

LV Vehicle Parts – Earlier designations, see the first article “Early British Army Part Numbers”(Listed below are some sections that were not fully listed in first article. Where a vehicle has become obsolete, it can be confusingbecause often the same designation is still used by a later vehicle, to help with this I have put the date of the vocabulary. If they do notappear in the next listing after this one i.e. the listing without the LV prefix, then they are now obsolete)

LV1 Cruiser & Infantry Tanks (1946)LV1/ARV Churchill, Cavalier, Sherman, parts peculiar to ARVs (1946)LV1/ARV Centurion ARVs (1967)LV1/ATL Traverse Indicators (1946)LV1/BB Borg & Beck Clutch (1946)LV1/BBP Beresford Bilge Pump (1946)LV1/BRC Cromwell, Challenger & SP 17-pdr A30 Mk 1 (1946)LV1/BRC Centurion & ARVs (1967)LV1/CDR Clayton Dewandre Servo Brake (1946)LV1/CRB Sherman Crab (1946)LV1/DB David Brown Gearbox (1946)LV1/ENV ENV Travers Gear (1946)LV1/GB Girling Brake (1946)LV1/GCE Gun Control Equipment (1967)LV1/HW Heywood Compressor (1946)LV1/JP Jap Auxillary Engine (1946)LV1/LD Centuar, Comet (1946)LV1/LD Centurion (1967)

LV1/LHD Lockheed Brake (1946)LV1/LU Lucas Electrical Power Traverse (1946)LV1/MM Morris Motors Auxillary Engine (1946)LV1/MO Metroploitan Vickers Turret Traverse Gear (1946)LV1/NM Crusader, Cavalier, Tortoise (1946)LV1/NM Churchill Special Roles, Centurion & Conqueror ARVs (1967)LV1/NM Centurion Special Roles & ARVs (1970)LV1/NPT Amphibian Tracked 4-Ton GS (Neptune) (1946)LV1/NT Newton & Bennet Shock Absorber (1946)LV1/PM Powered Mountings, Hand & Power Traverse Gear (1946)LV1/RX Reavell Compressor (1946)LV1/SB Stuart Turner Bilge Pump fitted to Centurion (1953)LV1/SC Self Change Gearbox (1967)LV1/SW Wilson Gearbox & Steering Unit (1946)LV1/TM Parts of WD design common to more than one vehicle in Section LV1 (1946)LV1/USA USA AFVs, parts & assemblies, no sub-sections. (Unlike sub-sections for British AFVs) (1946)LV1/VSM Valentine, Valentine BridgeLayer, Centurion (1946)LV1/VSM Centurion & ARVs (1970)LV1/VH Churchill, Churchill Bridgelayer (1946)LV1/VH Churchill Special Roles (1967)LV1/VH Special Roles (1970)LV/US/Ord Replaced USA ‘A’ & ‘B’ vehicle sections eg LV1/USA, LV3/GMC, LV7/ADT (1953)

LV2 Light Tanks & Carriers (1946)LV2/BB Borg & Beck Clutch (1946)LV2/CGC Bishops Steering Gear (1946)LV2/GB Girling Brake (1946)LV2/LY Llyod Carriers (Engine held in LV7/FD) (1946)LV2/OX Oxford Carriers (1946)LV2/TL Parts of WD design common to more than one vehicle (1946)

LV3 Engines used on AFVs (1946)LV3 Engines used on ‘A’ Vehicles (1953)LV3/AE Associated Equipment Co Ltd (1946)LV3/CC Coventry Climax (1967)LV3/GMC General Motors Corporation (1946)LV3/LD Leyland Motors Ltd (1967)LV3/MD Meadows Ltd (1946)LV3/NM Mechanisation & Aero Ltd (1946)LV3/RR Rolls Royce (1946)LV3/VH Vauxhall Motors Ltd (1946)LV3/HMC Hercules Motors Ltd (1946)

LV4 Armament Mountings & their appurtanances for Mechanical Vehicles (no sub-sections)

LV5 Armoured Cars & Scout CarsLV5/BB Borg & Beck Clutch (1946)LV5/BM BSA – Daimler Scout Car & Daimler Armoured Cars (includes engine) (1946)LV5/CGC Bishop Steering Gear (1946)LV5/COV Coventry Armoured Car (1946)LV5/DB David Brown, Gear Traversing & Steering (1946)LV5/HK Humber Scout & Humber Armoured Car (includes engine) (1946)LV5/MAC Associated Equipment Ltd, Armoured Car & ACV 6 x 6 (1946)

LV6/MT5 Bolts, ANF & ANC (all materials) BSF & WMS (in HTS) Nuts, Washers (section obsolete by 1967)LV7/NEU (ie Neutral) Commonality parts used in US & Canadian ‘B’ Vehicles (1953)LV14 Fire Crash Equipment & Spares (1970)LV15 Power Pack Containers (1970)LV16 Vehicle Protection Kits, Internal Security, Fibre Glass (1985)LV45/MT13 Armoured Vehicle, Tentage, Penthouse etc (1985)

‘LV’ Vehicle Parts – Current, in Service List as at 25/5/01(Gradually during the 1980’s the LV prefix was ommitted from parts packaging)1 Non-standardised British ‘A’ Vehicles1ARV Centurion & ARV, Spare Parts1ENV ENV Traverse Gear, Spare Parts1MM Morris Motors Auxillary Engine, Spare Parts

1SB Stewart Turner Bilge Pump, Spare Parts1SC Gearboxes used on Light & Heavy ‘A’ Vehicles1TM Self Change Gearbox, Spare Parts1VSM Centurion & ARV, Spare Parts (Vickers Armstrong)

2 Light Tanks & Carriers2MLR Mobile Launcher Rocket System (MLRS)

3 Engines used on ‘A’ Vehicles3CC H30 Generators used on Heavy ‘A’ Vehicles3JG Jaguar Engines used on ‘A’ Vehicles3LD Leyland Motors Ltd Engines used on ‘A’ Vehicles3RR Perkins Challenger CV12 Engine Spares, previously Rolls Royce3STTE Special Tools & Test Equipment, DES 3 Equipment or prime user

4 ‘A’ Vehicles, Armament Mountings & Appurtenances4CE Centurion, items peculiar to Centurion4CH Chieftain, items peculiar to Chieftain or derivatives (CHARRV, CHAVLB, CHAVRE)4CR1A Challenger 1, Automotive items peculiar to Callenger 1 (CR1)4CR1T Challenger 1, Turret System items peculiar to Callenger 1 (CR1)4CR2A Challenger 2, Automotive items peculiar to Callenger 2 (CR2)4CR2T Challenger 2, Turret System peculiar to Callenger 2 (CR2)4CRR Challenger Armoured Repair & Recovery Vehicle, Automotive items peculiar to CHARRV4LEP Cummins B6 Diesel Engine, unique items to engine replacement in Life Extension Programme of CVR(T)4SRA Special Role Items Applicable to Heavy ‘A’ Vehicles4STTE Special Tools & Test Equipment, DES 4 Equipment46MT1 ‘A’ Vehicles, General Miscellaneous MT Stores46MT3 ‘A’ Vehicles, Light Fittings, Wiper Systems & Wing Mirrors46MT4 ‘A’ Vehicles, Common Electrical Stores46MT6 ‘A’ Vehicles, Rubber Hose, Sheet Strip & Tyre Repair Materials46MT7 ‘A’ Vehicles, Bearings – Ball & Roller46MT9 ‘A’ Vehicles, Braking Systems46MT12 ‘A’ Vehicles, Fuel Systems, Compression Ignition & Internal Combustion Engines46MT13 ‘A’ Vehicles, Coach Materials, Body Fitments, Covers Waterproof & Towing Attachments

5STTE Special Tools & Test Equipment, DES 5 Equipment

6 MT Stores Items6BCF Halon Fire Extinguishers & Refrigerants6MT1 General Miscellaneous MT Stores6MT2 Tools special to Mechanical Transport & Tyres6MT3 ‘B’ and ‘C’ Vehicles, Light Fittings, Wiper Systems & Wing Mirrors6MT4 Common Electrical Stores for Mechanical Transport6MT6 ‘B’ and ‘C’ Vehicles, Rubber Hose, Sheet Strip & Tyre Repair Materials6MT7 ‘B’ and ‘C’ Vehicles, Bearings – Ball & Roller for ‘6MT8 Ignition Equipment6MT9 Proprietary Braking & Steering Equipment6MT10 Proprietary Vehicular Power Transmission Components6MT11 Chains & Ropes6MT12 Fuel Systems, Compression Ignition & Internal Combustion Engines6MT13 ‘B’ and ‘C’ Vehicles, Coach Materials, Body Fitments, Covers Waterproof & Towing Attachments6MT14 Tyres, Tubes, Valves, Wheels, Tyre & Wheel Ancilleries (not Aircraft)6MT15 ‘A’ Vehicles, Special Miscellaneous stores & Proprietary Equipment6WPG Waterproofing Kits

7 Spare Parts for Non-standardised ‘B’ Vehicles7AH Alvis Motors Ltd7AMG Armstrong Motor Cycles7AN Austin Motors Ltd7ARM Truck, Dropside, ACMAT 4x4 Medium Support Vehicle (SAS)7AT Atkinson Grit Spreader7AWD AWD Multi Drive 131000 8x6 Tractor, items peculiar7BD Bedford7CE Cummins Engines7CWH Carrier Wheeled EOD 800 KG4x2 GH1, peculiar MT items7CY Chrysler Engines7DE Dennis Eagle Refueller

7DN Dennis7DP DROPS, Automatic & Hydraulic Items7EA Eaton Axles & Transmissions7EDT Edwards Tipping Gear7FD Ford Motor Company7FF Truck Fire Fighting7FN Fodens Motor Works Ltd7FV Ford Iveco 38 Tonne Truck, items peculiar7FW AEC Ltd7GM TAVERN, General Motors, Chassis Automotive Vehicle Parts7GVW Transac IEDD Vehicle 10.2 Tonne, Glover Webb, items peculiar7JAL Commanders Hardened Rover Group (chassis spares in 7GM)7LD Leyland Motors Ltd7ML BMC7MSE Mobile Servicing Equipment7MTE Mobile Tanker Equipment, top hamper refueller spares7PE TAVERN, Penman, top hamper7PK Perkins Diesel Engines CV8 & CV127RB Reynaulds Boughton RB44, Automotive & Hydraulic Spares except for Engine, Steering Gear, Gearbox7RIV Rapid Intervention Vehicle7RR Perkins Miscellaneous ‘B’ Vehicle Engine Parts (Previously Rolls Royce)7RS Runway Sweepers7RU Rover Co Ltd7SA Standard Motors7SDP Pinzgauer, Steyr Daimler Puch (SDP)7SL Scammel Lorries Ltd7SPC Supercat 6x6 & Hardtop Variant with Trailer Cargo ½ Tonne & Trailer, Automotive & Hydraulic Spares7DTP Vehicle Top Hamper, Able, TBT & Bv Variants of BR907TL Ratcliffe Hydraulics Tail Lift7TR Trailers7TY Thornycroft7VO Hagglans Vehicle AB including BV206 & BV202E7WG Winch Gear7XD Land Rover Defender XD (Wolf)7XDW Land Rover Defender XD – Winterised/Waterproofed Variants7ZF Zahnradfabrik Gearboxes8ENT Entwhistle Rough Terrain Mechanical Handling Equipment (RT HHE)

8RE Royal Engineers Plant & Cranes8REAB Aveling Barford, spare parts8REAC Allis Chambers8REAG Allison Gearboxes8REAK Joint Service Flail Unit- AARDVARK8REAT Atlas Crane, spare parts8REAV Vehicle, Commanders, Mine Detection, 7 Tonne, Alvis8REBM Bamford Excavators8REBY Boydell & Co, spare parts8RECA Armoured Heavy Wheeled Tractor, Caterpillar8RECB Excavator Crawler Mounted, Caterpillar8RECC Medium Crawler Tractor, Caterpillar8RECD Tractor, Full Tracked, Medium, Air Portable, Caterpillar 30/308RECE Vehicle Wheeled Earth Moving Medium, items peculiar8RECF Excavator Wheeled Mounted, Caterpillar8RECP Spare Parts for Caterpillar Tractor Ltd8RECS Coles8REDB David Brown Tractors, Spare Parts8REDL Douglas8REFE Ferguson8REFV Dump Truck Medium 6x6 Ford Iveco, items peculiar excluding engine components8REGC Spare Parts for George Cohen & Sons Ltd8REHD Tractor Wheeled, Earthmoving, Light Hydrema 806, spare parts8REHM Spare Parts for Hy Mac8REJS Jones8RELR Tractor Full Tracked Low Speed Heavy Diesel, Lieherr8REMB Mercedes Benz8REMG Michigan (Great Britain) Ltd8REMI ‘C’ Vehicles, Miscellaneous Equipment

8REMM Tractor Wheeled Category C Attack Helicopter Support Muffet (Mounty)8REOK Orenstein & Koppel8REST Smiths Excavators8RETX Terrex Scrapers8REVE Volvo BM4400, Tractor, Whld, Earth Moving, Medium, Spares Mechanical Engineering8REVO Dump Truck, Self Loading, 6x6, Volvo FL128REXE Experimental Establishment8SISU Container Handling Rough Terrain (CHRT)

9 Standardised ‘A’ and ‘B’ Vehicles9AAD Armoured Cars & Wheeled Carriers, Spare Parts9AAE Auxillary Engines, Spare Parts9ACR Tracked Carriers & Armoured Ambulances, Spare Parts9AHY Heavy Tanks, Spare Parts9AS9 AS90, Weapon Automatic & Hydraulic Items excluding Engine & Transmission Components9ASC Scout Cars, Spare Parts9BTR Standardised Trailers, Spare Parts9CET Combat Engineer Tractor, Spare Parts9CR2 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, Spare Parts, excluding Special Tools & Test Equipment9CVT Combat Vehicle RECCE Tracked, Spare Parts9CVW Combat Vehicle RECCE Wheeled, Spare Parts9GWR Saxon AT105 (General War Role), Spares Peculiar9GWRP Saxon Patrol, Automotive, Hydraulic & Body Items excluding Engine & Transmission Components9MBT5 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, Special Tools & Test Equipment9MCV Mechanised Combat Vehicle 80 (MCV 80) Warrior, Automotive & Hydraulic Items9STM STORMER, Automotive & Hydraulic Items10 Standardised Engines13 CONDEC Loader

LACS Light Artillery Computer System & Associated StoresM1 Mortars, Smoke Grenades Dischargers, Portable Flame ThrowersM2 Anti-Aircraft ArtilleryM3 Stores Common to Artillery EquipmentM4 Tools & Gauges for Artillery Equipments & MortarsMED MedicalMGSS Mobile Geographical Support SystemMLRS Multi-Launch Rocket SystemMSTAR Manportable Surveillance & Target Acquisition RadarMYRA MYRA Trunk Communications SystemN1 Field & AFV Guns up to 105mmN2 Obsolete 3.7in Howitzers & CarriagesN2 RARDON 30mm CannonN3 Infantry Anti-Tank Guns, Tank Guns over 105mm & AVRE Guns

N + letter Catalogue of Royal Engineers Materiel (CREM) – Stores & Bridging Section

NC Bridging, FixedNCLSB Logistic Support BridgeND Bridging, Floating Rafts & Ferries4ND M3 Amphibious Bridge SparesNE Obsolete Boats & Propulsion EquipmentNE Bridging, Ancillary & Miscellaneous EquipmentNF Bridging AncillariesNH Targets & Target MaterialNJ Camp StructuresNK (part) Construction Tools & Appliances, Timber, Ironmongery, Building & Decorating MaterialsNK (part) Drainage & Sewage DisposalNL Electrical Distribution MaterielNM (part) Airfield & Roadway Surfacing & Fieldwork StoresNM (part) Drainage & Sewage DisposalNN Huts & ShedsNP (part) POL (Petrol, Oils & Lubricants) EquipmentNP (part) Pumps & Pumping SetsNQ Airfield & Roadway Surfacing & Fieldwork StoresNR Tools (Plumbers & Pipe Fitters), Heating, Plumbing, Water Supply, Tanks, SanitarywareNS Mine Laying & Clearance EquipmentNU Construction Materiel Testing Equipment

NV Electrical Equipment & Control GearNW Pumps & Pumping SetsNX Refrigeration & Special Purpose Machinery

O BL 5.5in & Howitzer 155mm FH70P1 Carriage 155mm SP (M109), Carriage 175mm SP (M107), 8in Howitzers SPPHOE Phoenix (Drone)POL POL (Petrol, Oils & Lubricants) (this Code when items not obtainable through RAOC/RE)PPRF Power Pack Repair FacilityQ1 Obsolete SAA & MG Ammunition, shell Fuses, Cartridges, Smoke CandlesQ2 Obsolete As for Q1 Non-Explosive (dummies) & Empty PackagesR1 Obsolete Ammunition for Field Light Tanks & Anti-Tank GunsR2 Obsolete Ammunition for Field Light Tanks & Anti-Tank Guns (Dummies & Empties)RA Royal Air Force (this Code when items not obtainable through RAOC/RE)RCS Rapier Control SystemREFFC Flush Capping System, Entwistle

S + letter Catalogue of Royal Engineers Materiel (CREM) - Engineer Construction Plant SectionSA Blacktop PlantSB Concreting PlantSC Conveyors & Quarry PlantSD Compressors, Mining, Rock Drilling, Earth Boring, & Related EquipmentSE Compaction, Road Clearing, Cleaning, & Marking EquipmentSF Piling PlantSG Railway Construction PlantSH Soil Stabilization PlantSJ (part) Engineer Construction Plant covers all DMCs SA to SLSJ (part) Site Investigation PlantSK Miscellaneous PlantSL Compressors

SHD SHIELDER Vehicle Launched Scatterable Mine SystemSKC Photographic Projection EquipmentSP70 SP70 155mm SP Howitzer, Ordnance, Mounting, Sightings etcSWIG Swingfire Improved Guidance

T Ammunition & Inert StoresT1 Ammunition – Infantry & Common User itemsT2 AFV itemsT3 Air Defence & RA itemsT4 Army Air Corps, Chemical Defence & Anti-Riot itemsT5 Demolition Explosives, Mines, Mine Clearance & AVRE itemsT6 Guided Missiles & Free Flight Rockets, GM complete, GM warheads, rocket motors, drones etcT7 Guided Missiles – inert items: components, drill, exercise & instructional roundsT8 Conventional Ammunition – inert items: components, drill, exercise & instructional roundsT9 Packages, Conventional & Guided WeaponsT10 Obsolete Conventional & Guided Weapon Inert Items, Provisioned on Live Account

TIRF Thermal Imaging Repair FacilityTKT Tool Kits & Workshop EquipmentU Ammunition Maintenance & Repair Shop Specialised EquipmentV1 Obsolete Fire-Control Instruments & associated stores for Coastal ArtilleryV2 Obsolete Surveying Eqpt, Drawing Instruments & WatchesV3 Flash Spotting, Sound Ranging & RA Survey StoresV4 Obsolete Fire Control Equipments & associated stores for Anti-AircraftV5 Obsolete Fire Control Instruments & associated stores specific to these instruments3V5 Fire Control Instruments & Associared Specially Designated Stores (FACE etc)3V5A Fire Control Instruments & Associared Specially Designated Stores (PADS etc)4V5 Optical Fire Control Equipment for AFV & Artillery5V5 Fire Control Instruments & Associated Specially Designed Stores4V6 Directors Artillery L1A1, L1A2 & Associated SparesV6 Fire Control & Optical storesV7 Test Equipment specially designed for Fire Control Equipments & Instruments3V7 Test Equipment for Optical EquipmentsVIX VIXEN Electronic Warfare EquipmentVMS Vaisala Meteorolgical SystemVO23 Tri-Service Male Barrack/Cabin Wear

VO35 Tri-Service Female Barrack/Cabin WearW1 Water Supply equipment & accessoriesW2 Obsolete Electric Cables & Wires, Primary Cells & miscellaneous electrical storesW2 Air Compressors, Pneumatic equipment & accessories4W2 Obsolete Workshop Tools & EquipmentW3 Repair Shop EquipmentW4 Accessories & Tools for use with W3 equipmentsW5 Workshops, Machinery, Vehicle FitmentsW6 Photographic Equipment, Map Reproduction, Paper ProcessingW7 Petroleum Distribution EquipmentW8 Obsolete Fieldworks, Demolition, Mining, Bomb Disposal & Diving EquipmentW8 EOD Equipment4W8 Minelaying & Clearing (Giant Viper, Ranger, Barmine layer)W9 Field Bakery, Plant & ImplementsW10 Magnetic Compasses, Drawing & Optical Instruments, Watches, Survey etc3W10 Global Positioning SystemW11 Obsolete Sewing Machines & Boot Repair MachineryW12 Obsolete Mechanical Baling & Packaging MachineryW14 Charging Equipment, Pure Air SystemsW15 Laundry & Mobile Bathing EquipmentW17 Self-Propelled Industrial Trucks (Mechanical & Electrical)W18 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Plants for Mobile EquipmentsW19 Obsolete Armament Training Devices (earlier Pilotless Targets Aircraft)W20 Marine Equipments Special to Army RolesW21 Field Force Accommodation Containers for Truck MountingW22 Technical Anti-Riot StoresW23 Automatic Resuscitation (NBC)WN Obsolete Electrical Distribution MaterielWO Obsolete Electrical Distribution MaterielWTE Workshop Tools & EquipmentX1 Searchlights & associated storesX2 Generating Plant, Electrical Conversion Plant & General Electrical EquipmentX3 Internal Combustion Engines (Industrial), certain ‘C’ Vehicles & Plant, Marine EnginesX4 Obsolete Electrical Indicating InstrumentsX4 Nuclear LampsX5 Electric LampsXN Obsolete Royal Engineers, Electrical Generators & Associated EquipmentXP Obsolete Electrical Distribution MaterielXR Obsolete Electrical Distribution MaterielY1 Signal Stores – Line, Telegraph & Telephone Equipment, Visual & Sound Recording EquipmentY2 Signals Stores – Automatic Telegraph, Line Transmission Equipment, Cryptographic EquipmentY3 Wire & Cable, Electrical Cable Drums, (earlier inc. Primary Batteries)Y3/BAT Primary BatteriesY4 Obsolete Guided Weapons – Common Items

Z Catalogue of Electronic Communication SundriesZ1 Radio & Television Communication EquipmentZ2 Miscellaneous Radio & Electrical Hardware & accessoriesZ2/ZB Miscellaneous Radio & Electrical Hardware & accessories (Anti-corrosive / Rustproof)Z3 Radar Equipment & associated stores special theretoZ4 Test Equipment & Instruments including specially designed communication test equipmentsZ4/HMTE Health Monitoring Test Equipment & Associated SparesZ5 Hazard Detection Equipment Bomb Location & Mine DetectorsZ6 Fighting Vehicle Gun Control Equipment for Heavy AFVs & SP GunsZ7 Obsolete Infra-Red Eqpt, Image Intensifiers, Electronic Optical Eqpt, Laser & Thermal Imaging Eqpt3Z7 Thermal Imager Repair4Z7 Image Intensifiers, Thermal Imagers & Laser Equipment AFV5Z7 Manportable Night Vision Equipments, Image Intensifier Tubes (all applications)Z8 Hazard Detection Equipment RadiacZ9 Battery Chargers (Mains Operated)Z9/BAT Secondary & Traction BatteriesZ11 Obsolete Lance Guided Missile SystemZ14 Obsolete Drone Guided Missile SystemZ15 Javelin Guided Missile SystemZ16 Obsolete Thunderbird Guided Missile SystemZ17 Blowpipe Guided Missile SystemZ18 Milan Guided Missile System

Z20 Obsolete Vigilant Guided Missile SystemZ21 Swingfire Guided Missile SystemZ22 Rapier Guided Missile SystemZ23 Obsolete Tracked Rapier Guided Missile SystemZ24 Rapier Guided Missile System, TrainerZ29 Obsolete Calculating Machines (Electronic), programmable & non-programmableZ30 ResistorsZ31 CapacitorsZ32 Filters & Networks, Fuses & Lightning Arrestors, Circuit Breakers, Switches, ConnectorsZ37 Lugs, Terminals, Terminal Strips, Relays, Contacts, Solenoids, Coils, Transformers, Crystals etcZ42 Misc Electrical & Electronic Components, Valves, Transistors, Headsets, Insulators, Aerials etc3Z42 TRIFFID Field Tactical UHF Radio Relay Equipment & Related SparesZ75 Air/Land Enhanced British Intelligence (ALEBI)Z76 SLIMZ77 WAVELL (Automatic Data Processing) – peculiar itemsZ88 Ptarmigan (Battlefield Communication System) – sparesZ89 Fixed CommunicationsZ90 Obsolete Guided Missiles without warheads or explosives, launchers, handling & servicing eqptZ95 Air Defence Command Information System (ADCIS)Z96 CONRAD Equipment (Home Defence Radio System)Z97 SATCOM (Satellite Communications)Z98 Battlefield Artillery Target Engagement System (BATES )Z99 Clansman Radio – spares

Vocabulary of Royal Engineer Stores (Replaced by RE Items of Supply Catalogue, then by CREM)Group I – PlantSection 11 Electrical Equipment & Control GearSection 12 Refrigeration & Special Purpose MachinerySection 14 RE Engines & TurbinesSection 15 Pumps & Pumping Sets – POL, Sewage, Sludge & WaterSection 16 Construction Plant

Group II - AppliancesSection 21 Testing Instruments & AppliancesSection 22 Hand Tools & AppliancesSection 23 Construction Tools & AppliancesSection 24 Electrical Appliances & Kits Floodlighting

Group IIISection 30 Targets & Target MaterialSection 31 Building & Decorating MaterialsSection 32 Drainage & Sewage DisposalSection 33 Hardwoods, Softwoods, Poles & SparsSection 34 Heating, Plumbing & Sanitary WareSection 35 Ironmongery & Structural SteelSection 36 Internal Distribution, Overhead & Underground TransmissionSection 37 Electrical Distribution, Overhead & Underground TransmissionSection 38 Electrical fittings, Lamps & MaterialsSection 39 Water Supply Piping & Fittings, Tank-Towers Well CasingSection 40 Airfield & Roadway Surfacings & Fieldworks Stores

Group IV – BridgingSection 41 Bridging, FixedSection 43 Bridging, Floating, Rafts & FerriesSection 44 Boats & Propulsion EquipmentSection 45 Bridging, Ancillary & Miscellaneous Equipment

Group V – Special Warlike StoresSection 51 Ship to Shore HoselinesSection 52 POL Bulk Storage TanksSection 53 Petroleum Pipelines & FittingsSection 54 POL Dispensing Equipment

Group VI – HuttingSection 61 Huts & ShedsSection 62 Camp Structures

RAF Vehicle Related Codes4 DB Condex Type 25K Transfer Loader5 A Aircraft Lights16 K Fuel System26 LX Lynx52 GLE Gazelle53 AE AEC53 B Zwicky Refuellers53 BL Lacre Runway Sweeper53 BE Bedford53 DC Decompression Chambers53 DM Edbro Tippers53 DT De-Icing Truck53 ED Ford, Body Parts53 FA Railer Fire Pump53 FD Ford, Body Parts53 H Water Tankers53 LE Leyland53 MF Massey-Ferguson Tractors53 PA Phoenix Refueller53 PR Thompson Refuellers53 RT Rootes53 RV Rover53 SP Siriens Platform53 Y Fire Fighting Equipment53 Z Photographic Bodies53 ZT Photographic Trailers61 AE AEC61 AS Alvis61 AT Atkinson61 AW All Wheel Drive61 B Accessories & Fittings61 BB Forklift Truck, Boss61 BE Bedford61 BH British Hoists61 BR Brockhouse61 BU Rolls Royce B Series Engines61 BY Bicycles61 BZ Zwicky Runway Sweeper61 C Tools & General MT Spares61 CA Carrimore Trailers61 CD Cranes, Caravan Trailers61 CJ Taylor ‘Jumbo’ Crane61 CS Coles Crane61 CX Forklift Truck, Coventry Climax61 CY Chrysler Engines61 DB David Brown Tractors61 DM Daimler, Gearbox61 DX Dixon Bate61 BZ Zwicky Runway Sweeper61 EA Eagle61 EC Forklift Truck, Conveyancer61 EY Eaton, Yale & Towne F/L Truck61 FD Ford61 FR Ransome Rapier Forklift Truck61 GA Gardner Engine61 HA Hands61 JA James Motor Cycles61 KL Jones KL Cranes61 LM Forklift Truck, Lancer61 LE Leyland61 LS Lister Engine61 MD Meadows Engine61 MF Massey-Ferguson Tractors61 PF Forklift Truck, Lansing Bagnall61 PK Perkins Engines61 RE Forklift Truck, Reliance

61 RP British Rotary Snow Plough61 RT Rootes61 SC Scammel61 SL Sentinel Tractor61 SM Scottish Motors61 SW Sicard Trailer Runway Sweeper61 ST Standard61 SY Forklift Truck, Shelvoke & Drewry61 TA Tasker61 TH Thornycroft61 TR Triumph Motor Cycle61 WA Weldall & Assembly Ltd (Snow Plough Fitting)61 WR Tractor, Armament Special61 ZA Interservice

For more on VAOS and full details of sections (LV1-LV15) see the first article “Early British Army Part Numbers”. For those of youwho are fascinated by NATO Stock Numbers see:www.ncb.mod.uk/index.htmlwww.nato.int/structur/AC/135/ncs_guide/e_guide.htm

If anyone is really so bored with life that they want to browse the full Federal Supply Classification, it is published in ‘CataloguingHandbook H2, Department of the Army Supply Bulletin SB708-21’ can be downloaded as a .pdf file from:www.dlis.dla.mil/PDFs/h2.pdf

COMMENTARY CLIVE ELLIOTT 2001-2005