RE: [OT] USAF plane nomenclature

>So, F-15 = Fighter number 15, F/A-18 =Attack Fighter number 18,
>Osprey is V-22 (MV for Marine and CV for Air Force), UH-1H is
>Utility Helicopter number 1 model H, AH-64 = Attack Helicopter
>number 64.

The slash (/) in a designation means multi-role, concatenated letters
mean 
concentration...  F/A-18 is a fighter AND attack aircraft.  Whereas the 
AH-64 would be Attack Helicopter (attack only).

Note, also, that typically A is a formality, and often only used on pure

attack aircraft now.  A-10, AH-64, A-6, A-7...	Whereas the F
designation 
does not preclude attack capabilities (The F-14 with Laser pod was used
in 
Afghanistan and Iraq for bombing runs, and the F-15 Strike Eagle is the 
name for the ground attack varient)