Aerial cameras, with few exceptions, have the same basic design. They have shutters, lenses, focal planes, drive mechanisms, film holders (magazines), and an assembly to hold the component parts in alignment. Aerial cameras are designed for either fixed installation or hand-held use. Fixed installation cameras are designed specifically for use in photo-configured aircraft. Hand-held aerial cameras are designed for use by PHs and by non-photographic aircrew personnel.

A system of joint military designators has been developed to provide identification for all aerial cameras. This system assigns type designators for aerial cameras listed in Military Standards, MIL-STD-155A. Each category is assigned a distinctive letter designation to indicate a major item, accessory, attachment or component, and a mission letter to indicate the mission or function of each item. Each two-letter combination is provided with a model number assigned in numerical sequence and, when required, with a suffix letter assigned in alphabetical sequence to indicate various changes to the basic model. The category and mission letters for aerial cameras are as follows:

Picture-Taking Equipment: Category Letter: K-Camera L-Accessories, Attachments, or Components for Cameras

Mission Letter: A-Reconnaissance B-Strike Recording

Figure 4-10.-Photographer's Mates loading film in TARPS.

C-Aerial Mapping D-Scope Recording E-Still Picture (not otherwise classified) F-Motion Picture (not otherwise classified) G-Special Purpose (including instrumentation)

M-Miscellaneous S-Set or System

Examples: (KS-87B): Camera, set or system, model 87, second production assignment. (KA-99A): Camera, reconnaissance, model 99, first production assignment.