In article <1993Jan21.180929.25467@bernina.ethz.ch> FLY@EZINFO.VMSMAIL.ETHZ.CH (VOEGTLI,CHRISTOPH) writes:
>Can anybody tell me the differences of the several versions
>(e.g. F-14 A,B,.. or F/A-18 A,B,...)
>of US fighterplanes ?
>Are they improvements ?

Basically yes, they are newer models.

F-14A - orignal F-14
F-14B - currently used for former F-14A+ models. Basically A models with the
        F-110 engine and various upgrades. At one time was applied to the
        engine test aircraft
F-14C - Designator for proposed version. Never saw service
F-14D - F-110 engines, new electronics, internal modifications. Similar to the
        F-14B but with a revised electronics suite.

F-15A - original F-15
F-15B - two-seat F-15A
F-15C - electronics upgrades, detail work, cockpits, FAST Packs, etc.
F-15D - two-seat F-15C
F-15E - The Strike Eagle penetration attack aircraft. All 'E's are two-seaters
        and they are major modifications of the F-15D basically. New 
        electronics, beefed up fuselage. Conformal carriage for several weapons
        on special FAST Packs. 

F-16A - original production F-16
F-16B - two-seat trainer version of the F-16A
F-16C - new tail-surfaces, redesigned cockpit, elctronics upgrades, lots of 
        detail work
F-16D - two-seat trainer version of the F-16C
F-16E - designation sometimes applied to the F-16XL 'cranked arrow' wing 
        aircraft that competed with the F-15E. I've also seen it applied to the
        "Agile Falcon" design with an increased wingspan.

F-18A - original F-18
F-18B - Two-seat F-18A I believe this was TF-18A at first, in the navies old
        numbering system. (T is for trainer)
F-18C - Revised electronics and cockpit, I don't think there were any mods to
        the airframe.
F-18D - Two-seat F-18C
F-18E - upcoming version. New engines, stretched body, wing increase from 400
        square feet to 500 square feet. New tail, new radar, new cockpit, new
        square engine inlets, more stores stations, more fuel. It's a new 
        plane basically based on the F-18. The only reason I can think of for
        keeping the 18 designator is political.
F-18F - Two-seat F-18E

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