The following is a two-column example of part
numbers in alphanumeric sequence. Read all part
numbers in the left column first, then start at the top
of the right column.
Column 1
Column 2
AN515-25
AN515A21
A506-26
B-24376
B1234
C.24-60789
C-2467089
C/2460789
DBC16789
D156789
Z-14073
123-1347
123C1121
223476
23A176
232176
23176
33126
33-126
943762
95672A2
95673-2
Z/24076
992468A3
Numeric sequence. The numeric sequence for a
part number also begins at the extreme left position
and continues from left to right, one position at a time.
Manufacturer’s part number. The manufacturer
assigns this number. It is stamped, etched, or attached
to the part or applicable container. All illustrated parts
breakdown (IPB) manuals, stock catalogs, and
equipment lists use part numbers. The Navy publishes
several cross-reference catalogs. These let you
cross-reference part numbers to NSNs or NSNs to part
numbers. There are two types of part
numbers—definitive and nondefinitive.
Definitive part numbers also are called
“identifying” part numbers. The identifying part
number appears in Navy cross-reference catalogs with
only one NSN for both the part number and the
Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE).
Nondefinitive part numbers cannot be directly
related to an applicable NSN without the use of
additional information. Thus, the same part number
and CAGE together may have two or more applicable
NSNs. Some conditions that cause this are the size or
color of the item. More identifying data can be
obtained from the Afloat Shopping Guide (ASG),
which is discussed later in this chapter.
Commercial and Government Entity Code
(CAGE). The CAGE is a five-digit number the federal
government assigns to activities, such as
manufacturer, vendor, or government agencies. It
identifies the agent or agency that has design control
over an item. CAGE codes are also known as vendor’s
codes or manufacturer’s codes. CAGE codes are
important in the identification of material. For
example, the same part number may be listed in a
cross-reference catalog four or five times with a
separate NSN for each part number listed. If the CAGE
is known, it is easy to order the correct item. When you
know only the name of the manufacturer and need to
find the CAGE code for a manufacturer, ask the AK
for assistance. A microfiche kept in material control
cross-references the name of a manufacturer to the
manufacturer’s CAGE code. Also, the AK can
cross-reference the CAGE code back to the
manufacturer’s name.
Description. In a supply catalog, the description
will be at least the noun name. It may also contain the
type of alloy or material the part is made of; the
outside/inside diameter; type of thread, head, and grip
(in the case of screws); the watts, ohms, number and
type of terminals (in the case of electronic parts); or
the pressure and chemicals that aircraft hoses are made
to withstand.
Repairable. The inventory manager for a part
assigns Material Control codes to each part. Material
Control codes D, E, G, H, Q, or X identify mandatory
turn-in repairables (MTRs) that must be turned in to the
local supply department when they become
unserviceable. These components are then repaired (thus
the term repairable) and returned to the supply system
for issue against future requests for the same item.
Next higher assembly. The term next higher
assembly refers to the part, component, or system in
which the requisitioned part is used. For example, an
electronic circuit board for the repair of a
receiver-transmitter is plugged directly into the
chassis of the receiver-transmitter. In this case, the
receiver-transmitter is the next higher assembly for the
circuit board. On the other hand, if the circuit board
were made up of several resistors and capacitors, the
circuit board would be the next higher assembly for
the component parts.
Q4. What are the two types of part numbers?
Q5. What is the correct nomenclature for what is
commonly referred to as the "manufacturer’s
code"?
Q6. What term is used for a part, component, or
system in which the requisitioned part is used?
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