Systems Command (NAVSUP) cross-reference catalogs for identification.

Operational Manuals

These manuals are specifically prepared to define methods and procedures for conducting operational tasks or exercises.

Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) manuals are specifically prepared in support of aircrew personnel. NATOPS manuals provide standardized ground and flight operational procedures, training requirements, and other operational information of a technical nature. The data is tailored to particular models of aircraft in accordance with Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) directives and with the assistance of aircraft model managers.

Airborne weapons/stores loading lists and stores reliability cards are specifically prepared for use by squadron ordnance personnel. Airborne weapons/stores loading manuals provide standardized weapons system release and control checks, loading, arming, safing, and unloading of conventional and nuclear weapons and airborne stores. Conventional weapons checklists are abbreviations of procedures found in these manuals, and are intended for use in loading operations. The nuclear weapons sections of these manuals and respective nuclear weapons checklists include in-flight monitor, control, arming, safing, and abort procedures in addition to loading/ unloading procedures.

Tactical manuals define aircraft operational parameters, weapons/stores clearances, and combat capabilities and limitations as authorized by CNO. The manuals are prepared under the technical management responsibility of the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force. Procedures prescribed in these manuals are advisory, except for the following mandatory areas: (1) aircraft operating limitations, (2) external stores limitations, (3) weapons fusing, and (4) minimum arming time criteria.

TECHNICAL MANUAL NUMBER ASSIGNMENTS

Control numbers are assigned to manuals for the purpose of identification. The numerical and alphabetical combination of a NAVAIR technical manual number is used to identify the basic equipment category, main groups within the category, specific item of equipment, type of usage, type or model designation, and specific type of manual.

Table 3-3.-General Subject Classification Numbers for Manual-Type Publications

Technical Manual Number Identification

The NAVAIR manual number consists of a prefix and a combination of numbers or numbers and letters divided into three parts and separated by a dash. Additional numbers may be added to designate multiple volumes of a manual. The manual prefix (NAVAIR) identifies the command responsible for developing and maintaining the manual. The three parts that make up the remaining portions of the number are as follows:

Part I of the publication number is a two-digit number (in some cases, two digits and a letter) that designates the general subject classification or major category of the manual; for example, 01 for aircraft/airframes, 02 for power plants, and 03 for accessories. Refer to table 3-3.

Part II of the publication number consists of numbers and/or numbers and letters that identify either the basic aircraft model, manufacturer, or specific aircraft and engine, or the specific class, group, or subcategory of the manual. For example, the F14AAA in part (A) of figure 3-2 indicates the aircraft model; the 75PAC in part (D)