Many countries have at one time adopted a system to systematically name aircraft. Usually, such systems have exceptions and inconsistencies, but a better understanding of them makes it easier to find information on a particular aircraft type. For the more complex systems, understanding aircraft designations also helps to remember them.

All aircraft however acquire nicknames by which they become more commonly known by those who fly them. Usually a nickname would be based on some physical characteristic of the plane; either something about its appearance or something based on its capability.

Below are some of the most famous planes in use since the introduction. The nickname is given and a brief explanation of the reason behind it.

(1) Aardvark General Dynamics F-111. So called because of its noticeably long nose.

(2) Budget Bomber Northrop B-2 Spirit. This nickname was a stab at irony since this plane was famous for its especially high cost.

(3) Flying Carrot Westland Lysander. So called because the shape of its fuselage resembled the tasty vegetable.

(4) Spam Can North American P-51 Mustang. So called because of a structure which was a bit too light and weak to resist the stress of combat. Too many were lost when flown outside design limits, also because of control problems.

(5) Tennis Court McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. Because of its generous upper surface, and its enormous RCS (radar cross section).

(6) Velcro Hawk Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk So called because of its excessively large number of add-ons.