Army Air Corps
Encyclopedia
The Army Air Corps is a component of the British Army
, first formed in 1942. There are eight regiments (5 Regular Army, 2 Territorial Army, 1 training) of the AAC as well as five Independent Flights and two Independent Squadrons deployed in support of British Army operations across the world. They are located in Britain
, Belize
, Brunei
, Canada
, and Germany
. The AAC provides the offensive air elements of 16th Air Assault Brigade.
was the first heavier-than-air British military aviation unit. The following year, the Battalion was expanded into the Military Wing of the Royal Flying Corps which saw action throughout most of the First World War
until 1 April 1918, when it was merged with the Royal Naval Air Service
to form the Royal Air Force
.
Between the wars, the Army used RAF co-operation squadrons, though a true army presence did not occur until the Second World War
.
At the beginning of the Second World War, Royal Artillery
officers, with the assistance of RAF technicians, flew Auster
observation aircraft under RAF-owned Air Observation Post
(AOP) Squadrons. Twelve such squadrons were raised —three of which belonged to the RCAF— and each performed vital duties in a wide array of missions in many theatres.
Early in the war, Winston Churchill
, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announced the establishment of a new branch of army aviation, the Army Air Corps, formed in 1942. The corps initially comprised the Glider Pilot Regiment
and the Parachute Battalions (subsequently the Parachute Regiment), and the Air Observation Post Squadrons. In 1944, the SAS Regiment
was added to the Corps.
One of their most successful exploits during the war was Operation Deadstick
the attack on Pegasus Bridge
, which occurred on 6 June 1944, prior to the landings on Normandy. Once the three gliders landed, some roughly which incurred casualties, the pilots joined the glider-borne troops (Ox's & Bucks Light Infantry
) to act as infantry. The Bridge was taken within ten minutes of the battle commencing and the men there withstood numerous attempts by the Germans to re-capture the location. They were soon reinforced and relieved by soldiers from Lord Lovat's
1 Special Service Brigade, famously led by piper
Bill Millin
. It was subsequently further reinforced by units of the British 3rd Division.
The AAC was broken up in 1949, with the SAS returning to its independent status, while the Parachute Regiment and Glider Pilot Regiment came under the umbrella of the Glider Pilot and Parachute Corps. The pilots who had once flown the gliders soon had to transfer to flying powered aircraft, becoming part of the Air Observation Post (AOP) Squadrons.
and the Air Observation Squadrons amalgamated into a new unit, the Army Air Corps.
From 1970, nearly every army brigade
had at least one Aviation Squadron that usually numbered twelve aircraft. The main rotor aircraft during the 1970s were the Westland Scout
and Bell Sioux
general purpose helicopters. Their power though was soon bolstered by the introduction of the Westland Lynx
helicopter in 1977 as well as the unarmed Westland Gazelle
.
Basic rotary flying training was carried out on the Bell Sioux
in the 1970s, the Westland Gazelle
in the 1980s and 1990s and is currently conducted on the Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel.
Fixed-wing types in AAC service have included the Auster AOP.6
and AOP.9
and DHC-2 Beaver AL.1
in the observation and liaison roles. Since 1989, the AAC have operated a number of Britten-Norman Islander
and Defender
aircraft for surveillance and light transport duties. The corps operated the DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10
in the training role until its replacement by the Slingsby T-67 Firefly
in the 1990s. The Slingsby T-67 Firefly
was replaced by the Grob Tutor in 2010.
A further boost in the Army Air Corps' capability came in the form of the Westland Apache AH.1 attack helicopter. In 2006, British Apaches deployed to Afghanistan
as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force
.
Independent squadrons:
The flight's base at Dhekelia has been closed for sometime and the Flight are no longer listed on the AAC Website as an active flight.
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
, first formed in 1942. There are eight regiments (5 Regular Army, 2 Territorial Army, 1 training) of the AAC as well as five Independent Flights and two Independent Squadrons deployed in support of British Army operations across the world. They are located in Britain
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Belize
Belize
Belize is a constitutional monarchy and the northernmost country in Central America. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Even though Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official...
, Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, and Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. The AAC provides the offensive air elements of 16th Air Assault Brigade.
The first Army Air Corps
The British Army first took to the sky during the 19th century with the use of observation balloons. In 1911 the Air Battalion of the Royal EngineersRoyal Engineers
The Corps of Royal Engineers, usually just called the Royal Engineers , and commonly known as the Sappers, is one of the corps of the British Army....
was the first heavier-than-air British military aviation unit. The following year, the Battalion was expanded into the Military Wing of the Royal Flying Corps which saw action throughout most of the First World War
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
until 1 April 1918, when it was merged with the Royal Naval Air Service
Royal Naval Air Service
The Royal Naval Air Service or RNAS was the air arm of the Royal Navy until near the end of the First World War, when it merged with the British Army's Royal Flying Corps to form a new service , the Royal Air Force...
to form the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
.
Between the wars, the Army used RAF co-operation squadrons, though a true army presence did not occur until the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
At the beginning of the Second World War, Royal Artillery
Royal Artillery
The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery , is the artillery arm of the British Army. Despite its name, it comprises a number of regiments.-History:...
officers, with the assistance of RAF technicians, flew Auster
Auster
Auster Aircraft Limited was a British aircraft manufacturer from 1938 to 1961.-History:The company began in 1938 at the Britannia Works, Thurmaston near Leicester, England, as Taylorcraft Aeroplanes Limited, making light observation aircraft designed by the Taylorcraft Aircraft Corporation of...
observation aircraft under RAF-owned Air Observation Post
Air Observation Post
An Air Observation Post is a British military aircraft used for active or passive observation of artillery actions.-History:Air Observation Post is the term used by the Royal Air Force and other services of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth air forces for an aeroplane or helicopter used in the...
(AOP) Squadrons. Twelve such squadrons were raised —three of which belonged to the RCAF— and each performed vital duties in a wide array of missions in many theatres.
Early in the war, Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announced the establishment of a new branch of army aviation, the Army Air Corps, formed in 1942. The corps initially comprised the Glider Pilot Regiment
Glider Pilot Regiment
The Glider Pilot Regiment was a British airborne forces unit of the Second World War which was responsible for crewing the British Army's military gliders and saw action in the European Theatre of World War II in support of Allied airborne operations...
and the Parachute Battalions (subsequently the Parachute Regiment), and the Air Observation Post Squadrons. In 1944, the SAS Regiment
Special Air Service
Special Air Service or SAS is a corps of the British Army constituted on 31 May 1950. They are part of the United Kingdom Special Forces and have served as a model for the special forces of many other countries all over the world...
was added to the Corps.
One of their most successful exploits during the war was Operation Deadstick
Operation Deadstick
Operation Deadstick was the codename for an airborne forces operation by the British Army that took place on 6 June 1944 as part of the Normandy landings. The mission's objective was to capture intact two road bridges in Normandy across the River Orne and the Caen Canal providing the only exit...
the attack on Pegasus Bridge
Pegasus Bridge
Pegasus Bridge is a bascule bridge , built in 1934, that crossed the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham, in Normandy, France....
, which occurred on 6 June 1944, prior to the landings on Normandy. Once the three gliders landed, some roughly which incurred casualties, the pilots joined the glider-borne troops (Ox's & Bucks Light Infantry
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was an infantry regiment of the British Army.The regiment was formed as a consequence of Childers reforms, a continuation of the Cardwell reforms, by the amalgamation of the 43rd Regiment of Foot and the 52nd Regiment of Foot , forming the 1st...
) to act as infantry. The Bridge was taken within ten minutes of the battle commencing and the men there withstood numerous attempts by the Germans to re-capture the location. They were soon reinforced and relieved by soldiers from Lord Lovat's
Simon Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat
Brigadier Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat and 4th Baron Lovat DSO, MC, TD was the 25th Chief of the Clan Fraser and a prominent British Commando during the Second World War...
1 Special Service Brigade, famously led by piper
Bagpipes
Bagpipes are a class of musical instrument, aerophones, using enclosed reeds fed from a constant reservoir of air in the form of a bag. Though the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe and Irish uilleann pipes have the greatest international visibility, bagpipes of many different types come from...
Bill Millin
Bill Millin
William "Bill" Millin , commonly known as Piper Bill, was personal piper to Simon Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat, commander of 1 Special Service Brigade at D-Day.- Early life :...
. It was subsequently further reinforced by units of the British 3rd Division.
The AAC was broken up in 1949, with the SAS returning to its independent status, while the Parachute Regiment and Glider Pilot Regiment came under the umbrella of the Glider Pilot and Parachute Corps. The pilots who had once flown the gliders soon had to transfer to flying powered aircraft, becoming part of the Air Observation Post (AOP) Squadrons.
The present Army Air Corps
In 1957 the Glider Pilot and Parachute Corps was renamed to The Parachute Regiment, while the Glider Pilot RegimentGlider Pilot Regiment
The Glider Pilot Regiment was a British airborne forces unit of the Second World War which was responsible for crewing the British Army's military gliders and saw action in the European Theatre of World War II in support of Allied airborne operations...
and the Air Observation Squadrons amalgamated into a new unit, the Army Air Corps.
From 1970, nearly every army brigade
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
had at least one Aviation Squadron that usually numbered twelve aircraft. The main rotor aircraft during the 1970s were the Westland Scout
Westland Scout
The Westland Scout was a general purpose military light helicopter developed by Westland Helicopters. It was closely related to the Westland Wasp naval helicopter.-Design and development:...
and Bell Sioux
Bell 47
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
general purpose helicopters. Their power though was soon bolstered by the introduction of the Westland Lynx
Westland Lynx
The Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose military helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants...
helicopter in 1977 as well as the unarmed Westland Gazelle
Aérospatiale Gazelle
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation . It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom , by SOKO in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt...
.
Basic rotary flying training was carried out on the Bell Sioux
Bell 47
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
in the 1970s, the Westland Gazelle
Aérospatiale Gazelle
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation . It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom , by SOKO in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt...
in the 1980s and 1990s and is currently conducted on the Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel.
Fixed-wing types in AAC service have included the Auster AOP.6
Auster AOP.6
-Bibliography:*Halley, J.J., The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth 1918-1988, Air-Britain, Tonbridge, ISBN 0-85130-164-9....
and AOP.9
Auster AOP.9
-See also:-Bibliography:...
and DHC-2 Beaver AL.1
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver
The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, STOL aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada, primarily known as a bush plane. It is used for cargo and passenger hauling, aerial application , and has been widely adopted by armed forces as a utility aircraft...
in the observation and liaison roles. Since 1989, the AAC have operated a number of Britten-Norman Islander
Britten-Norman Islander
The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a 1960s British light utility aircraft, regional airliner and cargo aircraft designed and originally manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. The Islander is one of the best-selling commercial aircraft types produced in Europe. Although designed in...
and Defender
Britten-Norman Defender
|-External links:*...
aircraft for surveillance and light transport duties. The corps operated the DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10
De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk
The de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk is a tandem, two-seat, single-engined primary trainer aircraft which was the standard primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Air Force and several other air forces through much of the post-Second World War years...
in the training role until its replacement by the Slingsby T-67 Firefly
Slingsby T-67 Firefly
The Slingsby T67 Firefly, originally produced as the Fournier RF-6, is a two-seat aerobatic training aircraft, built by Slingsby Aviation in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, England...
in the 1990s. The Slingsby T-67 Firefly
Slingsby T-67 Firefly
The Slingsby T67 Firefly, originally produced as the Fournier RF-6, is a two-seat aerobatic training aircraft, built by Slingsby Aviation in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, England...
was replaced by the Grob Tutor in 2010.
A further boost in the Army Air Corps' capability came in the form of the Westland Apache AH.1 attack helicopter. In 2006, British Apaches deployed to Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force
International Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
.
Regiments
- 1 Regiment, Army Air Corps (organic to 1st Armoured Division)
- 652 Squadron (until September 1957 No. 652 Squadron RAFNo. 652 Squadron RAFNo. 652 Squadron RAF was a unit of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and afterwards in Germany.Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A further three of these squadrons, 664, 665 and...
) - 661 Squadron (until March 1957 No. 661 Squadron RAFNo. 661 Squadron RAFNo. 661 Squadron was a Royal Air Force Air Observation Post squadron associated with the Canadian 1st Army and later part of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A...
)
- 652 Squadron (until September 1957 No. 652 Squadron RAF
- 2 (Training) Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 668 (Training) Squadron (until November 1945 No. 668 Squadron RAFNo. 668 Squadron RAFNo. 668 Squadron RAF was a glider squadron of the Royal Air Force active during the Second World War.-History:No. 668 Squadron RAF was formed on 16 November 1944 at Calcutta, British India as a glider squadron, with the intention of being used for airborne operations by South East Asia Command. It...
) - 670 (Training) Squadron (until July 1946 No. 670 Squadron RAFNo. 670 Squadron RAFNo. 670 Squadron RAF was a glider squadron of the Royal Air Force active during the Second World War.-History:No. 670 Squadron was formed at Fatehjang, Punjab, British India on 14 December 1944 as a glider squadron, with the intention of being used for airborne operations by South East Asia...
) - 671 (Training) Squadron (until July 1946 No. 671 Squadron RAFNo. 671 Squadron RAFNo. 671 Squadron RAF was a glider squadron of the Royal Air Force active during the Second World War.-History:671 Squadron was formed at Bikram, Patna in India as a glider squadron on 1 January 1945 by renumbering No. 669 Squadron RAF, with the intention of being used for airborne operations by...
) - 673 (AH Training) Squadron (until October 1945 No. 673 Squadron RAFNo. 673 Squadron RAFNo. 673 Squadron RAF was a glider squadron of the Royal Air Force, active during the Second World War.-History:No. 673 Squadron was formed at Bikram, Patna in British India on 1 January 1945 as a glider squadron, with the intention of being used for airborne operations by South East Asia Command....
) - 676 (Training) Squadron
- 668 (Training) Squadron (until November 1945 No. 668 Squadron RAF
- 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 653 Squadron (until September 1945 No. 653 Squadron RAFNo. 653 Squadron RAFNo. 653 Squadron RAF was a unit of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.Squadron Numbers 651 to 663 were Air Observation Post units working closely with British Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A further three of these squadrons, 664-666, were manned with Canadian personnel...
) - 662 Squadron (until March 1957 No. 662 Squadron RAFNo. 662 Squadron RAFNo. 662 Squadron was a Royal Air Force Air Observation Post squadron associated with the 21st Army Group and later part of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A...
) - 663 SquadronNo. 663 Squadron Army Air Corps-Previous history:No. 663 Squadron RAF had been formed in northern Italy on 14 August 1944, as an Air Observation Post unit, manned by Polish officers and men, to spot for allied artillery units located in that war zone. The unit left for the UK on 10 October 1946 and it was formally disbanded on...
(until March 1957 No. 663 Squadron RAFNo. 663 Squadron RAFNo. 663 Squadron RAF was an Air Observation Post unit of the Royal Air Force , which was officially formed in Italy on 14 August 1944. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A further three of...
)
- 653 Squadron (until September 1945 No. 653 Squadron RAF
- 4 Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 654 Squadron (until June 1947 No. 654 Squadron RAFNo. 654 Squadron RAFNo. 654 Squadron RAF was a unit of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A further three of these squadrons, 664-666, were manned with Canadian...
) - 656 SquadronNo. 656 Squadron AAC656 Squadron is a unit of the British Army Air Corps. It was chosen as one of the AAC new Apache Squadrons and in April 2004 started its conversion to role. The first phase of this completed in October 2004...
(until September 1957 No. 656 Squadron RAFNo. 656 Squadron RAFNo. 656 Squadron RAF was a Air Oberservation Post unit of the Royal Air Force in India and Burma during the Second World War and afterwards in British Malaya. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadron of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with British Army units in artillery spotting and...
) - 664 Squadron (until March 1957 No. 664 Squadron RAFNo. 664 Squadron RAFNo. 664 Squadron was a Royal Air Force Air Observation Post squadron associated with the Canadian 1st Army and later part of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A...
)
- 654 Squadron (until June 1947 No. 654 Squadron RAF
- 5 Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 651 Squadron (until September 1957 No. 651 Squadron RAFNo. 651 Squadron RAFNo. 651 Squadron RAF was a unit of the Royal Air Force in Italy and North Africa during the Second World War and afterwards in Egypt. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A further three of these...
) - 665 Squadron (until July 1945 No. 665 Squadron RCAFNo. 665 Squadron RCAFNo. 665 "Air Observation Post" Squadron, RCAF was formed in England during the Second World War. It was manned principally by Royal Canadian Artillery and Royal Canadian Air Force personnel, with select British artillery pilots briefly seconded to assist in squadron formation...
)
- 651 Squadron (until September 1957 No. 651 Squadron RAF
- 6 (Volunteer) Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 677 Squadron (Suffolk and Norfolk YeomanryNorfolk YeomanryThe Norfolk Yeomanry was a regiment of the British Army.In 1901, the Norfolk Yeomanry were raised at the express wish of King Edward VII, after a gap of 33 years, and titled the King's Own Royal Regiment with the Royal cipher as their badge.In September 1915, the regiment embarked on RMS Olympic...
) - 655 Squadron (V) The Scottish Horse655 Squadron (V) The Scottish HorseNo. 655 Squadron AAC is a Helicopter Support squadron made up of the Volunteer Groundcrew of the Army Air Corps.-History:655 Squadron Army Air Corps was formed as a Royal Air Force Air Observation Post unit on the 30 November 1942 at Old Sarum Airfield, Wiltshire...
a sub unit based at Middle Wallop
- 677 Squadron (Suffolk and Norfolk Yeomanry
- 7 (Training) Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 9 Regiment, Army Air Corps
- 659 Squadron (until August 1947 No. 659 Squadron RAFNo. 659 Squadron RAFNo. 659 Squadron was a Royal Air Force Air Observation Post squadron associated with the 21st Army Group during World War II. Numbers 651 to 663 Squadrons of the RAF were Air Observation Post units working closely with Army units in artillery spotting and liaison. A further three of these...
) - 669 Squadron (until November 1945 No. 669 Squadron RAFNo. 669 Squadron RAFNo. 669 Squadron RAF was a glider squadron of the Royal Air Force active during the Second World War.-History:No. 669 Squadron RAF was formed on 16 November 1944 at Bikram, Patna, India as a glider squadron, with the intention of being used for airborne operations by South East Asia Command....
) - 672 Squadron (until July 1946 No. 672 Squadron RAFNo. 672 Squadron RAFNo. 672 Squadron RAF was a glider squadron of the Royal Air Force active during the Second World War.-History:No. 672 Squadron was formed at Bikram, Patna in India on 16 November 1944 as a glider squadron, with the intention of being used for airborne operations by South East Asia Command. It...
)
- 659 Squadron (until August 1947 No. 659 Squadron RAF
Independent squadrons and flights
Independent flights:- 7 Flight Army Air Corps7 Flight Army Air Corps7 Flight Army Air Corps is an independent flight of the British Army Army Air Corps, based at the British garrison in Seria, Brunei. They replaced C Flight, 660 Squadron AAC, following the handover of Hong Kong in 1997....
(BruneiBruneiBrunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
) - 8 Flight Army Air Corps8 Flight Army Air Corps8 Flight Army Air Corps is one of the Independent Flights within the British Army's Army Air Corps. 8 Flight is attached to the Special Air Service and based alongside them in Hereford....
(CredenhillCredenhillCredenhill is a village and civil parish in Herefordshire, England,Near Credenhill is the site of the former Royal Air Force station RAF Hereford, which is now the headquarters of 22 Special Air Service Regiment.-Notable residents:...
, United Kingdom) - 25 Flight Army Air Corps25 Flight Army Air Corps25 Flight Army Air Corps is one of the Independent Flights within the British Army's Army Air Corps.Based in Belize, it supports the British Army Training and Support Unit, Belize which facilitates jungle warfare training and infantry training exercises...
(Middle WallopMiddle WallopMiddle Wallop is the local name given to an area between the two Parishes of Over Wallop and Nether Wallop in Hampshire, England. As it does not have its own parish technically it does not exist, however road signs and maps make reference to the location and have done so since the 18th century,...
) - 29 (BATUS) Flight Army Air Corps29 (BATUS) Flight Army Air CorpsThe 29 Flight Army Air Corps is an independent flight within the British Army's Army Air Corps.The British Army Training Unit Suffield conducts major training exercises in Alberta, Canada at the Canadian Forces Base Suffield. 29 Flight AAC provides aviation support for the training...
(AlbertaAlbertaAlberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Canada)
Independent squadrons:
- 657 Squadron (RAF OdihamRAF OdihamRAF Odiham is a Royal Air Force station situated a little to the south of the historic small village of Odiham in Hampshire, England. It is the home of the Royal Air Force's heavy lift helicopter, the Chinook HC2, HC2A and HC3...
) (Joint Special Forces Aviation WingJoint Special Forces Aviation WingThe Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing is a joint-service organisation which provides aviation support to United Kingdom Special Forces, using both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. The Wing is based at RAF Odiham....
)
Other units
- 660 Squadron AAC (Defence Helicopter Flying SchoolDefence Helicopter Flying SchoolThe Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury, a Royal Air Force station near Shrewsbury, England, trains aircrew from all three of the Armed Forces.-Squadrons:The DHFS has three flying squadrons:...
) - 667 Squadron AAC (Development and Trials)
- 674 Squadron AACNo. 674 Squadron AAC674 Squadron is a unit of the British Army Air Corps. It conducts elementary flying training for British Army pilots and occasionally for overseas military pilots.-Formation:...
(Defence Elementary Flying Training School) - The Band Of The Army Air Corps
- Army Flying Grading
- Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight
- The Army Air Corps Blue Eagles Display TeamBlue EaglesThe Blue Eagles are one of six professional helicopter aerobatic teams in the world, along with: Royal Navy Black Cats; Sarang of the Indian Air Force; Scorpion aerobatic team of the Polish Air Force; Rotores de Portugal and the Patrulla Aspa of the Spanish Air Force.-History:The Blue Eagles were...
- The Army Air Corps Parachute Display Team
Former units
- 16 Flight Army Air Corps16 Flight Army Air Corps16 Flight AAC was an independent flight within the British Army's Army Air Corps.Based at Britain's sovereign bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus, it operated in support of Army units based there. The unit operated Westland Gazelle AH.1 helicopters....
(Akrotiri and DhekeliaAkrotiri and DhekeliaThe Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are two British-administered areas comprising a British Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus administered as Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom...
, CyprusCyprusCyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
)
The flight's base at Dhekelia has been closed for sometime and the Flight are no longer listed on the AAC Website as an active flight.
- United Nations Flight Army Air Corps (Nicosia Airport, CyprusCyprusCyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
)
- 2 Flight Army Air Corps (NetheravonNetheravonNetheravon is a village and civil parish on the River Avon, about north of the town of Amesbury in Wiltshire.-Notable people:The writer Frank Sawyer , although born in Bulford, spent most of his life in Netheravon as river keeper River Avon and died on the banks of the river near the parish church...
, United Kingdom) (assigned to ACE Mobile Force (Land)) - 20 Independent Reconnaissance Flight (RAF Shatin) (Hong KongHong KongHong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
)
Current aircraft of the AAC
- Bell 212HP AH1
- Britten-Norman Islander AL1Britten-Norman IslanderThe Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a 1960s British light utility aircraft, regional airliner and cargo aircraft designed and originally manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. The Islander is one of the best-selling commercial aircraft types produced in Europe. Although designed in...
- Britten-Norman Defender AL1/AL2/T3Britten-Norman Defender|-External links:*...
- Eurocopter AS365N3 DauphinEurocopter DauphinThe Eurocopter SA 365/AS365 Dauphin 2 is a medium-weight multipurpose twin-engine helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter .-Design and development:...
- Eurocopter Squirrel HT2
- Grob Tutor (at Army Flying Grading & DEFTSNo. 674 Squadron AAC674 Squadron is a unit of the British Army Air Corps. It conducts elementary flying training for British Army pilots and occasionally for overseas military pilots.-Formation:...
) - Westland Gazelle AH1
- Westland Lynx AH7Westland LynxThe Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose military helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants...
- Westland Lynx AH9Westland LynxThe Westland Lynx is a British multi-purpose military helicopter designed and built by Westland Helicopters at its factory in Yeovil. Originally intended as a utility craft for both civil and naval usage, military interest led to the development of both battlefield and naval variants...
- Westland Apache AH1
Former aircraft of the AAC
- Agusta A109Agusta A109The AgustaWestland AW109 is a light-weight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter built by the Anglo-Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland...
A - Agusta-Bell Sioux AH1Bell 47The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
- Auster AOP9
- de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T10De Havilland Canada DHC-1 ChipmunkThe de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk is a tandem, two-seat, single-engined primary trainer aircraft which was the standard primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Air Force and several other air forces through much of the post-Second World War years...
- de Havilland Canada Beaver AL1De Havilland Canada DHC-2 BeaverThe de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, STOL aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada, primarily known as a bush plane. It is used for cargo and passenger hauling, aerial application , and has been widely adopted by armed forces as a utility aircraft...
- Sud Alouette AH2
- Westland Scout AH1Westland ScoutThe Westland Scout was a general purpose military light helicopter developed by Westland Helicopters. It was closely related to the Westland Wasp naval helicopter.-Design and development:...
- DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10De Havilland Canada DHC-1 ChipmunkThe de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk is a tandem, two-seat, single-engined primary trainer aircraft which was the standard primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Air Force and several other air forces through much of the post-Second World War years...
- Slingsby T.67M Firefly 160 (at Army Flying Grading)
- Slingsby T.67M Firefly 260 (at DEFTSNo. 674 Squadron AAC674 Squadron is a unit of the British Army Air Corps. It conducts elementary flying training for British Army pilots and occasionally for overseas military pilots.-Formation:...
)
Historic aircraft flight
- Agusta-Bell Sioux AH1Bell 47The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
- Auster AOP9
- de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T10De Havilland Canada DHC-1 ChipmunkThe de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk is a tandem, two-seat, single-engined primary trainer aircraft which was the standard primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Air Force and several other air forces through much of the post-Second World War years...
- de Havilland Canada Beaver AL1De Havilland Canada DHC-2 BeaverThe de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, STOL aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada, primarily known as a bush plane. It is used for cargo and passenger hauling, aerial application , and has been widely adopted by armed forces as a utility aircraft...
- Sud Alouette AH2
- Westland Scout AH1Westland ScoutThe Westland Scout was a general purpose military light helicopter developed by Westland Helicopters. It was closely related to the Westland Wasp naval helicopter.-Design and development:...
Battle Honours
The Army Air Corps is classed, in UK military parlance, as a "Combat Arm". It therefore carries its own guidon and is awarded battle honours. Thus far, the honours awarded to the AAC are:- Normandy Landings 1944
- Merville Battery 1944Merville Gun BatteryThe Merville Gun Battery was a coastal fortification in Normandy, France, in use as part of the Nazis' Atlantic Wall built to defend continental Europe from Allied invasion...
- Rhine 1945Operation PlunderCommencing on the night of 23 March 1945 during World War II, Operation Plunder was the crossing of the River Rhine at Rees, Wesel, and south of the Lippe River by the British 2nd Army, under Lieutenant-General Sir Miles Dempsey , and the U.S. Ninth Army , under Lieutenant General William Simpson...
- North West Europe 1944 - 45
- Sicily 1943Allied invasion of SicilyThe Allied invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky, was a major World War II campaign, in which the Allies took Sicily from the Axis . It was a large scale amphibious and airborne operation, followed by six weeks of land combat. It launched the Italian Campaign.Husky began on the night of...
- Pegasus BridgePegasus BridgePegasus Bridge is a bascule bridge , built in 1934, that crossed the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham, in Normandy, France....
- Arnhem 1944Battle of ArnhemThe Battle of Arnhem was a famous Second World War military engagement fought in and around the Dutch towns of Arnhem, Oosterbeek, Wolfheze, Driel and the surrounding countryside from 17–26 September 1944....
- Southern FranceSouthern FranceSouthern France , colloquially known as le Midi is defined geographical area consisting of the regions of France that border the Atlantic Ocean south of the Gironde, Spain, the Mediterranean, and Italy...
- Falkland IslandsFalklands WarThe Falklands War , also called the Falklands Conflict or Falklands Crisis, was fought in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the disputed Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands...
1982 - Wadi al Batin 1991Battle of Wadi Al-BatinThe Battle of Wadi Al-Batin or Battle of Ruqi Pocket took place before the beginning of the Desert Storm operations on 16 February 1991. This is not to be confused with the "Battle of Wadi Al-Batin" which was fought later in the four-day ground war between elements of the U.S...
- Gulf 1991Operation GranbyOperation Granby was the name given to the British military operations during the Gulf War. 53,462 troops were deployed during the conflict. The total cost of operations was £2.434 billion of which at least £2.049 billion was paid for by other nations such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia; £200...
- Al-Basrah
- Iraq 2003
Order of precedence
See also
- List of airfields of the Army Air Corps
- Museum of Army FlyingMuseum of Army FlyingThe Museum of Army Flying is an award-winning British military aviation museum about the history of flying in the British Army. It is located beside the Army Air Corps Centre in Middle Wallop, close to Andover in Hampshire, England....
- List of Army Air Corps aircraft squadrons
- Australian Army AviationAustralian Army AviationAustralian Army Aviation is a corps of the Australian Army, and was formed on 1 July 1968 with a strength of 106 officer pilots, although it has a history dating back to 1911, when the Minister of Defence at the time, Senator George Pearce, decided there should be a flying school in the Defence...
- Army Aviation Corps (India)Army Aviation Corps (India)The Army Aviation Corps is a component of the Indian Army formed on 2 November 1987. The Army aviation has 365+ helicopter and UAV flights operated by 10 squadrons...
- United States Army Aviation BranchUnited States Army Aviation BranchThe Aviation Branch of the United States Army is the administrative organization within the Army responsible for doctrine, manning and configuration for all aviation units....
- Army aviationArmy aviationArmy Aviation refers to aviation-related units of a nation's army, often described as an air corps. These units are generally separate from a nation's dedicated air force, and usually comprise helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft....
- List of air forces
External links
- Official site
- School of Army Aviation
- Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight official webpage
- The Blue Eagles - Army Air Corps Helicopter Display Team official webpage
- The Silver Eagles - Army Air Corps Freefall Parachute Display Team official webpage
- The Museum of Army Flying
- The Army Air Corps Association
- Army Air Corps group pool of images on Flickr