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Why is the military using the same names for different stuff?
F22 Raptor vs the AGM-142 Raptor
The AHA-64 Apache vs the French's Apache anti runway bomb
M1 rifle vs the M1 tank
The Strike Eagle vs The Golden Eagle
The SA-21 Growler vs the E/A-18G Growler
F-8 Crusader vs the Crusader tank vs the Crusader mobile artillery system
The list goes on. So why do they insist on common names, doesn't this get confusing on the battlefield and why don't they set up a system to prevent that since the U.S. is doing some of it on its own?
Apache is a French word meaning "ruffian/hooligan" and the tribe really isn't the Apache but was named by others (it's a debate on which others) with a similar sounding name which could have been Apachu ( Navajos), Paca (enemy) or mapache (racoon). There were French in the area so they could have refined it even further.
The EA-18G "Growler" is made to go after targets such as the radar systems of the SA-21 Growler since the EA-18G carrys HARM missiles. So the Growler pilots would be targeting Growlers since that is probably what they would call them on the radio.
2 Answers
- Kasey CLv 71 decade agoFavourite answer
Not at all.
The FORMAL name of AGM-142 is "Have Nap". Raptor is a nickname
French name their bomb Apache? I'd believe Durandal, but Apache? Gimme a break. Why would the French name their bomb for an AmerIndian tribe?
M-1 Garand rifle is no longer in service. Thus there can be no confusion with the M-1 Abrahms tank.
The E/A--18 Growler was named after the E/A-6 Prowler. The SA-21 Growler is a Warsaw Pact system. There's really no chance in confusing the two. And besides, Growler is a NATO reporting name any way. The Russian name is "Triumf"
And finally, F-8 Crusader is retired, and the Crusader tank predates even that (WW2). So they now recycle the name.
So there is a method to the madness. :)
EDIT: Okay, you mean the APACHE, which is an acronym, not a reference to the French goon. It actually stands for "Arme Planante A CHarges Ejectables", which is a missile NOT a runway bomb.
http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Naval-Weapon-S...
As for the Growler vs. Growler... In all honesty, EW guys refer to the threat by their radar type, never by their chassis.
- HayleyLv 71 decade ago
Because if you're not confused, the Pentagon is not doing its job.
Source(s): AF & Army vet
