Winchester

Winchester is a military aviation code-word signifying that an Aircraft is out of ammo for some or all of its weapons. A Pilot can declare on the Radio that he is "Winchester" or "Winchester on ", letting listeners know that he will not be able to use that weapon until he gets the chance to RTB and rearm.

The code-word used on its own (e.g. "I am Winchester") indicates that the aircraft has run out of ammunition for all of its weapons, or at least all weapons that would be useful in the current situation. If the Winchester aircraft has no overriding reason to remain in the combat zone (e.g. transporting troops, observing from the air, etc.) it will likely be ordered to RTB.

The pilot may follow the "Winchester" call by declaring either a specific weapon (e.g. "I am Winchester on FFARs") or a specific kind of ammo (e.g. "I am Winchester on HEAT"), indicating that the aircraft can no longer use that weapon/ammo until rearmed. The aircraft may have other weapons in its disposal that could still be used, but it might no longer be able engage specific kinds of targets. The FAC and the pilot must then decide whether the aircraft should stick around with whatever other weapons it has available; or return immediately to restock on that particular ammunition.

The term "Bingo" may sometimes be used instead of "Winchester". However, the term "Bingo" is normally used only to report a shortage of fuel, and has a slightly different meaning at that. Therefore, when "Bingo" is used to call a shortage of ammunition, it is generally followed by a description of what ammunition is lacking, to avoid confusion.