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Re: ZULU

The military adopted the international phonetic code, supposedly, because
those words were least likely to be confused for some other word when
burried in noise. Specifically, audio transmissions are very difficult to
understand when a lot of hash is in the background. Numbers are often
converted to letters in cypher. When giving grid coordinates on a map, you
don't want to bomb your own troops! So its not entirely anal retentive.
Karl

Yah, these are the international (NATO) phonetic codes. Be aware that
others are in use, particularly in the US. Like Able Baker Charlie Dog ...

Nothing worse than non-SI phonetic alphabets. America is so perverse about
standardization... :^)

Dan M

Dan MacIsaac, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Northern AZ Univ
danmac@nau.edu http://www.phy.nau.edu/~danmac/homepage.html

What is the meaning of ZULU when giving the time???

Time zone Z (ZULU)

... Just to fill in for those unfamiliar with the phonetic alphabet.
It is a standard set of names for the letters to be used in voice
communications -- especially when not getting them mixed up is important
(like in the military). It goes: Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo
Foxtrot Golf Hotel India Juliet Kilo Lima Mike November Oscar Papa
Quebec (pronounced "K-beck") Romeo Sierra Tango Uniform Victor Whiskey
X-ray Yankee Zulu.

Cheers,

Rick

--
Richard E. Swanson, Ph.D. (910) 695-3715
Professor of Physics FAX: (910) 695-1823
Associate Dean for Development and Technology
swansonr@sandpiper.sandhills.cc.nc.us
Sandhills Community College
Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374 "He who laughs, lasts."


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Dr. Karl I. Trappe Desk:(512)471-4152
Physics Dept-Mail Stop C1600 Office: (512) 471-5411
The University of Texas at Austin FAX: (512) 471-9637 (other building)
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