Hull Classification Symbols, NATO
NATO (STANAG 1166)
NATO has adopted a hull classification system that is used primarily for communications and comparison purposes since most NATO navies (with the exception of the US and Canada) use a pennant system for individual ship identification. NATO and US hull classification symbols are broadly similar, in both cases consisting of a 2-4 letter designator which identifies the ship type and its main role or armament. The main difference is found in the symbols for ship types that are not used by the US Navy such as corvettes (FS), offshore patrol vessels (OPV), and light frigates (FFL). The complete list of hull classification symbols is contained in STANAG 1166 which is currently in its 8th edition (2013). Unfortunately, this document is not made available to the public and therefore the only way to reference it is through other available sources. As a result, this list is incomplete and only includes symbols known by the author to exist.
Aircraft Carriers
| CV |
Aircraft Carrier, General |
| CVE |
Aircraft Carrier, Escort |
| CVG |
Aircraft Carrier, Guided Missile |
| CVH |
Aircraft Carrier, VSTOL/Helicopter |
| CVN |
Aircraft Carrier, Nuclear |
| CVS |
ASW Aircraft Carrier |
Surface Ships
| BB |
Battleship |
| CA |
Cruiser, Gun |
| CC |
Cruiser, General |
| CG |
Cruiser, Guided Missile |
| CGH |
Cruiser, Guided Missile, Helicopter |
| CGN |
Cruiser, Guided Missile, Nuclear |
| DD |
Destroyer, General |
| DDE |
Destroyer, Escort |
| DDG |
Destroyer, Guided Missile |
| DDH |
Destroyer, Helicopter |
| FF |
Frigate, General |
| FFG |
Frigate, Guided Missile |
| FFH |
Frigate, Helicopter |
| FFL |
Frigate, Light |
| FFT |
Frigate, Training |
| FS |
Corvette |
| FSG |
Corvette, Guided Missile |
| OPV |
Offshore Patrol Vessel |
| PC(F) |
Patrol Craft, General (Fast) |
| PG |
Patrol Ship, General |
| PG(F) |
Patrol or Gunship (Fast) |
| PG(G) |
Patrol or Gunship (Guided Missile) |
| PHM |
Patrol Hydrofoil, Guided Missile |
| PT(H) |
Patrol/Torpedo Boat, Hydrofoil |
Submarines
| SS |
Submarine, General |
| SSA |
Submarine, Missile |
| SSBN |
Submarine, Ballistic Missile, Nuclear |
| SSC |
Submarine, Coastal |
| SSG |
Submarine, Surface Missile |
| SSGN |
Submarine, Surface Missile, Nuclear |
| SSI |
Submarine, Inshore |
| SSK |
Submarine, Patrol |
| SSN |
Submarine, Attack, Nuclear |
Amphibious Warfare
| LCAC |
Landing Craft, Air-Cushion (Hovercraft) |
| LCC |
Amphibious Command Ship |
| LCP |
Landing Craft, Personnel |
| LCM |
Landing Craft, Mechanized |
| LCT |
Landing Craft, Tank |
| LCU |
Landing Craft, Utility |
| LCVP |
Landing Craft, Vehicle/Personnel |
| LHA |
Amphibious Assault Ship, General |
| LHD |
Amphibious Assault Ship |
| LL |
Amphibious, General |
| LPA |
Amphibious Transport, Personnel |
| LPD |
Amphibious Transport, Dock |
| LPH |
Amphibious Assault Ship, Helicopter |
| LSD |
Landing Ship, Dock |
| LSM |
Landing Ship, Medium |
| LSR |
Landing Ship, Rocket |
| LST |
Landing Ship, Tank |
Mine Warfare
| MCM |
Mine Countermeasures |
| MLC |
Minelayer, Coastal |
| MHC |
Minehunter, Coastal |
| MHI |
Minehunter, Inshore |
| MHO |
Minehunter, Ocean |
| MHS |
Minehunter and Sweeper, General |
| MM |
Mine Warfare, General |
| MSC |
Minesweeper, Coastal |
| MSI |
Minesweeper, Inshore |
| MSO |
Minesweeper, Ocean |
Auxiliaries
| AA |
Auxiliary, General |
| AE |
Ammunition Ship |
| AD |
Destroyer Tender |
| AH |
Hospital Ship |
| AK |
Cargo Ship |
| AO |
Oiler |
| AOE |
Fast Combat Support Ship |
| AOR |
Replenishment Oiler |
| AP |
Personnel Transport |
| AR |
Repair/Maintenance Ship |
| AS |
Submarine Tender |
| ATS |
Aviation Training Ship |
| AVG |
Auxiliary Aircraft Ferry |
Last modified: 20 January 2023