The British Army Air Corps (AAC) serves as the aviation arm of the British Army, providing tactical air power and reconnaissance capabilities essential for modern military operations. Since its establishment, the AAC has played a pivotal role in supporting ground forces, offering rapid mobility, aerial reconnaissance, and firepower. It has continuously evolved, leveraging advanced aviation technology to maintain operational relevance in diverse combat environments.
Army Air Corps Historical Background
The Army Air Corps was officially formed on 1 September 1957, though its roots can be traced back to the creation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1912. During World War II, glider-borne and rotary-wing assets laid the foundation for the modern AAC. Its establishment consolidated the army’s aviation resources, ensuring more effective integration of air assets with ground forces.
The AAC emerged as a distinct entity following the lessons learned from the airborne operations of the Second World War, such as those at Arnhem and the broader use of air mobility in jungle warfare in Burma. These experiences highlighted the strategic value of dedicated army aviation units.
Mission and Role of the AAC
The core mission of the AAC is to provide direct air support to ground operations. Its primary roles include:
- Aerial Reconnaissance: Employing advanced surveillance platforms to gather intelligence and provide battlefield awareness.
- Tactical Air Mobility: Transporting troops, equipment, and supplies to support rapid deployments and logistical needs.
- Close Air Support (CAS): Delivering precision firepower in support of ground units.
- Command and Control: Enhancing battlefield coordination through airborne command platforms.
AAC Organizational Structure
The British Army Air Corps (AAC) is organized into several regiments, each with specific roles and stationed at various locations across the United Kingdom. Below is a detailed overview of these regiments and their respective bases:
1 Regiment Army Air Corps
- Location: Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton (HMS Heron), Somerset
- Role: Operates the AgustaWestland Wildcat AH1 helicopters, primarily focusing on battlefield reconnaissance and light attack missions.
- Squadrons:
- No. 651 Squadron
- No. 659 Squadron
- No. 661 Squadron
- No. 652 Squadron (Wildcat Fielding Squadron)
3 Regiment Army Air Corps
- Location: Wattisham Flying Station, Suffolk
- Role: Equipped with Boeing AH-64E Version 6 Apache attack helicopters, providing heavy attack capabilities.
- Squadrons:
- No. 662 Squadron
- No. 663 Squadron
4 Regiment Army Air Corps
- Location: Wattisham Flying Station, Suffolk
- Role: Also operates the Boeing AH-64E Version 6 Apache helicopters, complementing 3 Regiment in attack operations.
- Squadrons:
- No. 656 Squadron
- No. 664 Squadron
- No. 653 Squadron (Operational Conversion Unit for Apache)
5 Regiment Army Air Corps
- Location: Middle Wallop Flying Station, Hampshire
- Role: Provides aviation support and training, including operational conversion to specific aircraft types.
- Squadron:
- No. 665 Squadron
6 Regiment Army Air Corps (Reserve)
- Headquarters: Middle Wallop Flying Station, Hampshire
- Role: A reserve unit offering ground support and reinforcement to regular AAC units.
- Squadrons:
- No. 677 (Suffolk and Norfolk Yeomanry) Squadron – Bury St. Edmunds
- No. 679 (The Duke of Connaught’s) Squadron – Portsmouth/Middle Wallop
7 (Training) Regiment Army Air Corps
- Location: Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop Flying Station, Hampshire
- Role: Responsible for flight crew training across various helicopter platforms.
- Squadrons:
- No. 671 Squadron
- No. 673 Squadron – AH-64E Apache Conversion to Type
2 (Training) Regiment Army Air Corps
- Location: Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop Flying Station, Hampshire
- Role: Focuses on ground crew training essential for AAC operations.
- Squadrons:
- No. 668 (Training) Squadron
- No. 676 Squadron
9 Regiment Army Air Corps
- Location: RAF Shawbury, Shropshire
- Role: Part of the Battlefield Helicopter Wing of No. 1 Flying Training School RAF, providing advanced helicopter training.
- Squadrons:
- No. 660 Squadron
- No. 670 Squadron – Operational Training
Equipment and Aircraft of the Army Air Corps
The AAC employs a diverse fleet of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft designed for various operational roles:
1. AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter
- The primary attack platform of the AAC, equipped with advanced sensors, Hellfire missiles, and precision-targeting systems.
2. Wildcat AH1
- A multirole helicopter used for reconnaissance, troop transport, and utility missions.
3. Gazelle Helicopter
- A light utility and reconnaissance helicopter, known for its maneuverability and versatility.
4. Watchkeeper WK450 UAV
- A fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Training and Readiness
The Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop serves as the primary training facility for the AAC, providing pilot and crew training. The AAC emphasizes rigorous instruction to ensure operational readiness across its fleet. Specialist training programs prepare personnel for roles in combat, logistics, and ISR missions.
