The French air force never had a special designation system. There was some standardisation in designation systems of aircraft, but this applied equally well to civilian aircraft. Most of the time it used an acronym for the name of the manufacturer, and a sequential number. The air force did append subscripts to indicate the function of an aircraft, for example 'C1' for single-seat fighters. This was also present when designations were painted on aircraft, usually on the tail. It does not indicate a subtype.
The numbering method used before WWII can be confusing. To the number of the basic design, which was often also used for the prototype, were appended digits to indicate variations in the design. Hence the Potez 54, 540, 541, 542, and 543 were all closely related designs.


Translations of French names

Aiglon Eaglet

Alcyon Kingfisher

Alize Tradewind

Alouette Lark

Aquilon Northwind

Coleoptere Beetle

Criquet Cricket

Cyclone Cyclone

Dauphin Dolphin

Ecureuil Squirrel

Entreprenant Enterprising

Epervier Sparrowhawk

Espadon Swordfish, Broadsword

Etendard Banner

Farfadet Hobgoblin, Elf

Flamant Flamingo

Fleuret Ferret, Foil

Fregate Frigate (bird)

Frelon Hornet

Fulgur Lightning

Gemeaux Twins

Gerfaut Gerfalcon

Goeland Gull

Griffon Griffon

Grognard Grumbler

Guerrier Warrior

Lama Lama

Milan Kite

Mirage Mirage

Mistral Mistral

Luciole Glowworm

Mystere Mystery

Narval Narwhal

Ouragan Hurricane

Pelican Pelican

Phalene Moth

Rafale Squall

Ramier Woodpigeon

Simoun Simoon

Taon Horsefly

Toucan Toucan

Triton Triton

Vanneau Vane

Vautour Vulture

Zephyr Zephyr