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{{Infobox Military Unit|unit_name= Royal Air Force|image= |caption=
|start_date= 1 April 1918|allegiance=|branch=|type=|role=|size= 45,710 personnel
998 aircraft|command_structure= [Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|garrison= RAF High Wycombe
[latin:"Through Adversity to the Stars"]|mascot=|battles=|anniversaries=|decorations=|battle_honours=|current_commander= Glenn Torpy|current_commander_label= Chief of the Air Staff|ceremonial_chief=|ceremonial_chief_label=|colonel_of_the_regiment=|colonel_of_the_regiment_label=|notable_commanders= Hugh Trenchard
Charles Portal, 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford

|identification_symbol= |identification_symbol_label= Roundels|identification_symbol_2= |identification_symbol_2_label= Fin flash|aircraft_attack= Panavia Tornado, RAF Harrier II|aircraft_bomber=|aircraft_electronic=|aircraft_fighter= Eurofighter Typhoon|aircraft_interceptor= Eurofighter Typhoon|aircraft_recon= Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod, Raytheon Sentinel, Britten-Norman Islander|aircraft_patrol= Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|aircraft_trainer= Grob G 115E, Shorts Tucano, BAe Hawk, Grob Vigilant, G103 Twin II, Eurocopter Ecureuil, BAe 125, Beechcraft Super King Air|aircraft_transport= C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, Vickers VC-10, Lockheed L-1011, AugustaWestland EH101, CH-47 Chinook, Westland Puma-->

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air force branch of the British Armed Forces. The RAF was formed on 1 April 1918 and has since taken a significant role in British military history since then, playing a large part in World War II and in conflicts such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The RAF has 998 aircraft and, as of 2007, 45,710 regular personnel.

Mission The RAF's mission is to "Produce a battle-winning agile air force: fit for the challenges of today; ready for the tasks of tomorrow; capable of building for the future; working within Defence to achieve shared purpose."www.raf.mod.uk The Royal Air Force MissionThis is to support the objectives of the UK's Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), which are to "provide the capabilities needed: to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government’s foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security."Defence Analytical Services Agency The MOD Mission

History Whilst the British were not the first to make use of heavier-than-air military aircraft, the RAF is one of the world's oldest's air forces independent of army or naval control. It was founded on 1 April 1918, during the First World War, by the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. After the war, the service was cut drastically and its inter-war years were relatively quiet, with only minor actions being undertaken in some parts of the British Empire.

, London, commemorating RAF personnel killed in the two World Wars

The RAF underwent rapid expansion prior to and during the Second World War. Under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan of December 1939, the air forces of Commonwealth of Nations countries trained and formed squadrons for service with RAF formations. Many individual personnel from these countries, and exiles from Occupied Europe also served with RAF squadrons.

During the Second World War's Battle of Britain in 1940, the RAF's valiant defence of the skies over Britain against the German Luftwaffe foiled Hitler's plans for an invasion of the British Isles, prompting Prime Minister Winston Churchill to say in the House of Commons on August 20, "Never was so much owed by so many to so few. The Churchill Centre - Speeches & Quotes

The largest and most controversial RAF effort during the war was the strategic bombing campaign against Germany by RAF Bomber Command. Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Arthur Travers Harris, RAF forces conducted an area bombing campaign against Bombing of Dresden and other German cities. At the same time, however, precision bombing was developed by 617 Squadron using Barnes Wallis' Earthquake bombs; these operations minimized collateral damage. Paul Brickhill "The Dambusters"

During the Cold War years the main role of the RAF was the defence of the continent of Europe against potential attack by the Soviet Union, including holding the Nuclear weapons and the United Kingdom for a number of years. Since the end of the Cold War, several large scale operations have been undertaken by the RAF, including the Kosovo War, the War in Afghanistan (2001–present) and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Structure of the RAF {{command structure|name= Royal Air Force|subordinate=
-->

The professional head of the RAF is the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), currently Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy. The CAS heads the Air Force Board, which is a committee of the Defence Council of the United Kingdom. The Air Force Board (AFB) is the management board of the RAF and consists of the Commander-in-Chief of RAF Air Command, together with several other high ranking officers. The CAS also has a deputy known as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (ACAS); currently this post is held by Air Vice-Marshal Chris Moran.

Commands Authority is delegated from the AFB to the RAF's commands. While there were once individual commands responsible for bombers, fighters, training, etc, only one command now exists:

Groups Group (air force) are the subdivisions of operational Commands, these are responsible for certain types of operation or for operations in limited geographical areas. As from 1 April 2007, three Groups exist:

Stations An RAF station is ordinarily subordinate to a Group and it is administratively sub-divided into Wings. Since the mid to late 1930s RAF stations have controlled a number of flying squadrons or other units at one location by means of a station headquarters.

Wings A Wing (air force unit) is either a sub-division of a Group acting independently or a sub-division of an RAF Station.

Independent Wings are a grouping of two or more squadrons, either flying squadrons or ground support squadrons. In former times, numbered flying Wings have existed, but more recently they have only been created when required, for example during Operation Telic, Tornado GR4 Wings were formed to operate from Ali Al Salem Air Base and Al Udeid Air Base Air Bases; each of these were made up of aircraft and crews from several squadrons.

On 31 March 2006, the RAF formed nine Expeditionary Air Wings (EAW). The Expeditionary Air Wings have been established to support operations. They have been formed at the nine main operating bases; RAF Coningsby, RAF Cottesmore, RAF Kinloss, RAF Leeming, RAF Leuchars, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Lyneham, RAF Marham, and RAF Waddington. These units will be commanded by a Group Captain who is also the Station Commander. The EAW is comprised of the non-formed unit elements of the station that are required to support a deployed operating base, i.e. the Command and Control, Logistics and administration functions amongst others. They are designed to be flexible and quickly adaptable for differing operations. They are independent of flying squadrons, Air Combat Support Units (ACSU) and Air Combat Service Support Units (ACSSU) who are attached to the EAW dependent upon what task it has been assigned to do. www.raf.mod.uk 31st March 2006. Command Structure.

On RAF Stations, a Wing is an administrative sub-division. For a flying station these will normally be Engineering Wing, Operations Wing and Administration Wing. Aside from these, the only Wings currently in permanent existence are the Air Combat Service Support wings of 2 Group which provide support services such as communications, supply and policing to operationally deployed units.

Squadrons The term squadron (sqn) can be used to refer to an administrative sub-unit of a station, e.g. Air Traffic Control sqn, Personnel Management sqn; there are also ground support squadrons, e.g. 2 (MT) Sqn.

The primary use for the term is as the name of the flying squadrons which carry out the primary tasks of the RAF. RAF squadrons are somewhat analogous to the regiments of the British Army, in that they have histories and traditions going back to their formation, regardless of where they are currently based, which aircraft they are operating, etc. They can be awarded flag and RAF battle honours for meritorious service.

Whilst every squadron is different, most flying squadrons are commanded by a Wing Commander (rank) and, for a fast-jet squadron, have an establishment of around 100 personnel and 12 aircraft, but 16 aircraft for Tornado F3 Squadrons.

Flights A Flight (military unit) is a sub-division of a squadron. Flying squadrons are often divided into two flights, under the command of a Squadron Leader; administrative squadrons on a station are also divided into flights.

There are several flying units formed as Flights rather than Squadrons, due to their small size.

RAF Personnel In 2007 the RAF employed 45,710 active duty personnel and more than 34,000 regular reservists, including the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Volunteer Reserve and RAF Sponsored Reserve. At its height during the Second World War, in excess of 1,000,000 personnel were serving at any one time. The only founding member of the RAF still living is Henry Allingham at age 111. BBC News Fly-past for Britain's oldest man

Officers Officers hold a commissioned officer from the British monarchy, which provides the legal authority for them to issue orders to subordinates. The commission is granted after successfully completing the 32-week-long Initial Officer Training course at the RAF College Cranwell.

The titles and insignia of RAF Officers were derived from those used by the Royal Navy, specifically the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) during World War I. For example, the rank of Squadron Leader derived its name from the RNAS rank of Squadron Commander. RAF officers fall into three categories: Air Officer, senior officers and junior officers.

Other Ranks Other Ranks attend the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton for basic training, with the exception of the RAF Regiment, which trains its recruits at RAF Honington.

The titles and insignia of Other Ranks in the RAF was based on that of the British Army, with some alterations in terminology. Over the years, this structure has seen significant changes, for example there was once a separate system for those in technical trades and the rank of Chief Technician continues to be held only by personnel in technical trades. RAF other ranks fall into four categories: warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers, junior non-commissioned officers and airmen.

Branches and Trades

The majority of the members of the RAF serve in vital support roles on the ground.

Aircraft {|align=right|-|||-||-||-||-||-||}

The British military aircraft designation systems which follows each aircraft's name describes the role of the variant. For example, the Tornado F3 is designated as a fighter by the 'F', and is the third variant of the type to be produced.

Strike, attack and offensive support aircraft The mainstay of the Offensive Support fleet is the Panavia Tornado. This supersonic aircraft can carry a wide range of weaponry, including Storm Shadow cruise missiles, laser-guided bombs and the ALARM anti-radar missile.

The Tornado is supplemented by the BAE Harrier II which is used in the strike and close air support roles, and to counter enemy air defences. The Harrier is being upgraded to GR9/GR9A standard with newer systems and more powerful engines. The Harrier GR9 was formally accepted into RAF service in late September 2006.

Air defence and Airborne Early Warning Aircraft The Panavia Tornado ADV and Eurofighter Typhoon variants#Typhoon F2 are the RAF's air defence fighter aircraft, based at RAF Leuchars and RAF Leeming and RAF Coningsby respectively to defend the UK’s airspace.

The Tornado, in service in the air defence role since the late 1980s, is being replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon variants#Typhoon F2, currently based at RAF Coningsby. The RAF's second operational Typhoon unit, No. 11 Squadron RAF, reformed on 29 March 2007, joining No. 3 Squadron RAF, also based at RAF Coningsby.

The E-3 Sentry provides airborne early warning to detect incoming enemy aircraft and to co-ordinate the aerial battlefield. Both the Sentry and the Tornado F3 have been involved in recent operations including over Iraq and the Balkans.

Reconnaissance Aircraft The RAF Tornado GR4A is fitted with a range of cameras and sensors in the visual, infra-red and radar ranges of the spectrum.

Providing electronic and signals intelligence is the Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod.

The new Raytheon Sentinel provides an ASTOR, ground radar-surveillance platform based on the Bombardier Global Express long range business jet.

A pair of MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned aerial vehicles have been purchased to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are operated by No. 39 Squadron RAF

Search and Rescue Aircraft Three squadrons of helicopters exist with the primary role of military search and rescue; the rescuing of aircrew who have ejected or crash-landed their aircraft. These are No. 22 Squadron RAF and No. 202 Squadron RAF with the Westland Sea King in the UK and No. 84 Squadron RAF with the Griffin HAR2 in Cyprus.

Although established with a primary role of military search and rescue, most of their operational missions are spent in their secondary role of conducting civil search and rescue; that is, the rescue of civilians from at sea, on mountains and other locations.

Both rescue roles are shared with the Sea King helicopters of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, while the civil search and rescue role is also shared with the helicopters of Her Majesty's Coastguard.

The Operational Conversion Unit is 203(Reserve) Sqn RAF based at RAF St. Mawgan, equipped with the Sea King HAR3.

The related Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service comprises four teams of trained mountaineers stationed in the mainland United Kingdom, first established in 1943.

Maritime Patrol The Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod's primary role is that of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW).The Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod is additionally used in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role, where its long-range and extensive communications facilities allow it to co-ordinate rescues by acting as a link between rescue helicopters, ships and shore bases. It can also drop pods containing life rafts and survival supplies to people in the sea.

The Nimrod MR2 will be replaced from 2009 by 12 Nimrod MRA4 aircraft.

Support helicopters An important part of the work of the RAF is to support the British Army by ferrying troops and equipment at the battlefield. However, RAF helicopters are also used in a variety of other roles, including support of RAF ground units and heavy-lift support for the Royal Marines. The support helicopters are organised into the tri-service Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), along with helicopters of the British Army and Royal Navy.

The large twin-rotor Boeing Chinook (UK variants), based at RAF Odiham provides heavy-lift support and is supported by the AgustaWestland EH101 and the smaller Westland Puma medium-lift helicopters, based at RAF Benson and RAF Aldergrove.

It was announced in March 2007 that the RAF will take delivery of six additional AgustaWestland EH101. The aircraft were originally ordered by Denmark, and six new aircraft will be built for Denmark. Also announced, eight Boeing Chinook (UK variants), that are in storage, will be modifed for the battlefield support role.

Transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft Having replaced the former Queen's Flight in 1995, No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron RAF uses the BAe 125, Agusta A109 and BAe 146 in the VIP transport role, based at RAF Northolt in west London.

More routine, strategic airlift transport tasks are carried out by the Lockheed L-1011s and Vickers VC10s based at RAF Brize Norton; both used to transport passengers and cargo, and for air-to-air refuelling of other aircraft.

Shorter-range, tactical-airlift transport is provided by the C-130 Hercules, the fleet including both older K-model and new J-model aircraft.

The RAF has leased 4 C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Boeing to provide a heavy, strategic airlift capability; it was announced in 2004 that these will be purchased, together with a further example. The fifth C-17 is due to be delivered in March 2008, with an in service date of June 2008. The MOD has expressed a wish to buy a further 3 C-17s, which could be delivered before mid-2009, when the C-17 production line may be closed. This would leave the RAF with a total of 8 C-17 aircraft, providing a significantly enhanced strategic airlift capability. On 26th July 2007, the MOD announced that the RAF would be receiving a sixth C-17 to help bolster operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Training aircraft A wide range of aircraft types are used for training aircrew in their duties. At the more advanced stage in training, variants of front-line aircraft have been adapted for operational conversion of trained pilots; these include the BAE Harrier II and Eurofighter Typhoon. Advanced flying training for fast-jet, helicopter and multi-engine pilots is provided using the BAE Hawk, Bell 412 and Beechcraft Super King Air respectively.

Basic pilot training for fixed-wing and helicopter pilots is provided on the Short Tucano and Eurocopter Ecureuil, while Weapon Systems Officer and Weapon Systems Operator training is conducted in the British Aerospace BAe 125.

Elementary flying training is conducted on the Grob Tutor, depending on the new pilot's route of entry to the service. The Tutor is also used, along with the Grob and Grob gliders, to provide air experience training and basic pilot training for Air Cadet Organisation.

Future aircraft Aircraft in development, or soon to be deployed, include the Airbus A400M, of which 25 are to be used to replace the remaining Hercules C-130Ks.

A new version of the CH-47 Chinook, the RAF Chinook#HC.3, with improved avionics and increased range, was developed mainly for special forces missions. Service entry has been delayed due to software problems and legal issues. On 1 April 2007, the MoD confirmed the intention of making the eight Chinook HC.3 aircraft operational, after conversion to battlefied support configuration. The Eurofighter Typhoon is entering service and the RAF will be the largest operator of the type.

The Typhoon is intended to replace, by 2010, the Tornado F3 interceptor and the SEPECAT Jaguar ground attack aircraft (retired in 2007). The Hawker Siddeley Hawk will replace the existing Hawks in service; the newer model being more similar in equipment and performance to modern front line aircraft. The ageing aerial refuelling fleet of VC10s and Tristars should be replaced with the Airbus A330 MRTT under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme. Problems with contract negotiations have led to unsolicited proposals for the conversion of civil Tristars or DC-10s.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (the British designation for the F-35 Lightning II) will replace the Harrier GR7 and GR9. Studies have begun regarding the long term replacement for the Tornado GR4 (Although the Future Offensive Air System project was cancelled in 2005). The RAF transport helicopter force, the Puma and Sea Kings, are to be replaced by the Support Amphibious and Battlefield Rotorcraft (SABR) project, likely a mix of Merlins and Chinooks.

RAF deployments {| border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse;"|- bgcolor=cccccc!Country!!Dates!!Deployment!!Details|-| Indonesia ] disaster to provide aid relief support|-| Lithuania ] || 4 Tornado F3 for a 3 months rotation under NATO monitoring mission|-| Afghanistan ] || Chinooks provided airlift support to coalition forces. Since late 2004 six Harriers have provided reconnaissance and close air support to the International Security Assistance Force.|-| Bosnia and Herzegovina || 1995– || Various helicopters || RAF enforced no-fly zones over the Balkans in the late 1990s and participated in the NATO interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo. Today, RAF helicopters remain to provide support to the United Nations.] || 1990– || Various || RAF fighters based in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait prior to and during the 1990 Gulf War, and later to enforce no-fly zones over Iraq. Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the occupation of southern Iraq by British Forces, the RAF is deployed at Basra. Support Helicopter is provided in Iraq by AgustaWestland EH101, Puma and Chinook || 1984– || [RAF Mount Pleasant ] to allow a fighter and transport facility on the islands, and to strengthen the defence capacity of the British Forces. A detachment of RAF Regiment provides anti-aircraft support.|-| Ascension Island ]||Used as an air bridge between the UK and the Falkland Islands. United States Air Force also stationed at this base.] || 1960s– || Bardufoss Air Station ] || 1956– || RAF Akrotiri ] on Cyprus, the airfield acts a forward base for deployment of UK forces in the Middle East|-| Canada ] || RAF aircraft train in low-level tactical flying at CFB Goose Bay, a NATO air force base of the Canadian Forces Air Command.|-| Gibraltar ] || No permanently stationed aircraft. RAF aircraft, e.g. Hercules transports, make regular visits.|}www.raf.mod.uk Deployments

Symbols, flags, emblems and uniform Following the tradition of the other British fighting services, the RAF has adopted symbols to represent it and act as a rallying point for its members.

The Royal Air Force Ensign is flown from the flagstaff on every RAF station during daylight hours. The design was approved by George V of the United Kingdom in 1921, after much opposition from the Admiralty, who have the right to approve or veto any flag flown ashore or on board ship.

British aircraft in the early stages of the First World War carried the Union Flag as an identifying feature, however this was easy to confuse with the German Iron Cross motif. Therefore in October 1914 the French system of three concentric rings was adopted, with the colours reversed to a red disc surrounded by a white ring and an outer blue ring. The relative sizes of the rings have changed over the years and during World War II an outer yellow ring was added. Aircraft serving in the Far East during World War II had the red disc removed to prevent confusion with Japanese aircraft. Since the 1970s, camouflaged aircraft carry low-visibility roundels, either red and blue on dark camouflage, or washed-out pink and light blue on light colours. Most uncamouflaged training and transport aircraft retain the traditional red-white-blue roundel.

The Latin motto of the RAF, "Per ardua ad astra", is usually translated as "Through Adversity to the Stars". The choice of motto is attributed to a junior officer by the name of J S Yule, in response to a request from a Commander of the RFC, Frederick Sykes, for suggestions.

The Badge of the Royal Air Force, shown to the right, is in Heraldry terms: "In front of a circle inscribed with the motto Per Ardua Ad Astra and ensigned by the Imperial Crown an eagle volant and affronty Head lowered and to the sinister." It was approved in 1923 based on a design by a tailor at Gieves & Hawkes of Savile Row, although the original had an albatross rather than the eagle and was surrounded by a garter belt rather than the plain circle.

Since 2006 the RAF has adopted a new official logotype, shown at the top of this article. The logotype is used on all correspondence and publicity material, and aims to provide the Service with a single, universally-recognisable brand identity.

Future In 2006, Colonel Tim Collins (soldier), the former Army officer described as a hero during the Iraq war, prompted controversy by calling for the RAF to be disbanded as a separate arm; allowing the Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps to absorb aircrew and aircraft dedicated to specific sea and ground roles. The Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) responded saying, "There is no question of the RAF being disbanded. The skills and challenges in the air environment are totally different to those faced in maritime or land environments." Disband the RAF, says Iraq war's inspirational colonel, The Daily Telegraph, 13 May 2006.

Additionally, Nick Cook who edits the aviation section of Jane's Defence Weekly, voiced his disagreement with Tim Collins' idea saying:"In an era when money is tight there is a lot of introspection about where scant resources should go, but this doesn't make any sense. You can't do without air power. It's totally unrealistic."

See also :Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy

:Note: In 1968 the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Army to form initially the Canadian Armed Forces, then the Canadian Forces (CF).

References

External links

{{Infobox Military Unit|unit_name= Royal Air Force|image= |caption=
|start_date= 1 April 1918|allegiance=|branch=|type=|role=|size= 45,710 personnel
998 aircraft|command_structure= [Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|garrison= RAF High Wycombe
[latin:"Through Adversity to the Stars"]|mascot=|battles=|anniversaries=|decorations=|battle_honours=|current_commander= Glenn Torpy|current_commander_label= Chief of the Air Staff|ceremonial_chief=|ceremonial_chief_label=|colonel_of_the_regiment=|colonel_of_the_regiment_label=|notable_commanders= Hugh Trenchard
Charles Portal, 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford

|identification_symbol= |identification_symbol_label= Roundels|identification_symbol_2= |identification_symbol_2_label= Fin flash|aircraft_attack= Panavia Tornado, RAF Harrier II|aircraft_bomber=|aircraft_electronic=|aircraft_fighter= Eurofighter Typhoon|aircraft_interceptor= Eurofighter Typhoon|aircraft_recon= Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod, Raytheon Sentinel, Britten-Norman Islander|aircraft_patrol= Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|aircraft_trainer= Grob G 115E, Shorts Tucano, BAe Hawk, Grob Vigilant, G103 Twin II, Eurocopter Ecureuil, BAe 125, Beechcraft Super King Air|aircraft_transport= C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, Vickers VC-10, Lockheed L-1011, AugustaWestland EH101, CH-47 Chinook, Westland Puma-->

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air force branch of the British Armed Forces. The RAF was formed on 1 April 1918 and has since taken a significant role in British military history since then, playing a large part in World War II and in conflicts such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The RAF has 998 aircraft and, as of 2007, 45,710 regular personnel.

Mission The RAF's mission is to "Produce a battle-winning agile air force: fit for the challenges of today; ready for the tasks of tomorrow; capable of building for the future; working within Defence to achieve shared purpose."www.raf.mod.uk The Royal Air Force MissionThis is to support the objectives of the UK's Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), which are to "provide the capabilities needed: to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government’s foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security."Defence Analytical Services Agency The MOD Mission

History Whilst the British were not the first to make use of heavier-than-air military aircraft, the RAF is one of the world's oldest's air forces independent of army or naval control. It was founded on 1 April 1918, during the First World War, by the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. After the war, the service was cut drastically and its inter-war years were relatively quiet, with only minor actions being undertaken in some parts of the British Empire.

, London, commemorating RAF personnel killed in the two World Wars

The RAF underwent rapid expansion prior to and during the Second World War. Under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan of December 1939, the air forces of Commonwealth of Nations countries trained and formed squadrons for service with RAF formations. Many individual personnel from these countries, and exiles from Occupied Europe also served with RAF squadrons.

During the Second World War's Battle of Britain in 1940, the RAF's valiant defence of the skies over Britain against the German Luftwaffe foiled Hitler's plans for an invasion of the British Isles, prompting Prime Minister Winston Churchill to say in the House of Commons on August 20, "Never was so much owed by so many to so few. The Churchill Centre - Speeches & Quotes

The largest and most controversial RAF effort during the war was the strategic bombing campaign against Germany by RAF Bomber Command. Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Arthur Travers Harris, RAF forces conducted an area bombing campaign against Bombing of Dresden and other German cities. At the same time, however, precision bombing was developed by 617 Squadron using Barnes Wallis' Earthquake bombs; these operations minimized collateral damage. Paul Brickhill "The Dambusters"

During the Cold War years the main role of the RAF was the defence of the continent of Europe against potential attack by the Soviet Union, including holding the Nuclear weapons and the United Kingdom for a number of years. Since the end of the Cold War, several large scale operations have been undertaken by the RAF, including the Kosovo War, the War in Afghanistan (2001–present) and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Structure of the RAF {{command structure|name= Royal Air Force|subordinate=
-->

The professional head of the RAF is the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), currently Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy. The CAS heads the Air Force Board, which is a committee of the Defence Council of the United Kingdom. The Air Force Board (AFB) is the management board of the RAF and consists of the Commander-in-Chief of RAF Air Command, together with several other high ranking officers. The CAS also has a deputy known as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (ACAS); currently this post is held by Air Vice-Marshal Chris Moran.

Commands Authority is delegated from the AFB to the RAF's commands. While there were once individual commands responsible for bombers, fighters, training, etc, only one command now exists:

Groups Group (air force) are the subdivisions of operational Commands, these are responsible for certain types of operation or for operations in limited geographical areas. As from 1 April 2007, three Groups exist:

Stations An RAF station is ordinarily subordinate to a Group and it is administratively sub-divided into Wings. Since the mid to late 1930s RAF stations have controlled a number of flying squadrons or other units at one location by means of a station headquarters.

Wings A Wing (air force unit) is either a sub-division of a Group acting independently or a sub-division of an RAF Station.

Independent Wings are a grouping of two or more squadrons, either flying squadrons or ground support squadrons. In former times, numbered flying Wings have existed, but more recently they have only been created when required, for example during Operation Telic, Tornado GR4 Wings were formed to operate from Ali Al Salem Air Base and Al Udeid Air Base Air Bases; each of these were made up of aircraft and crews from several squadrons.

On 31 March 2006, the RAF formed nine Expeditionary Air Wings (EAW). The Expeditionary Air Wings have been established to support operations. They have been formed at the nine main operating bases; RAF Coningsby, RAF Cottesmore, RAF Kinloss, RAF Leeming, RAF Leuchars, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Lyneham, RAF Marham, and RAF Waddington. These units will be commanded by a Group Captain who is also the Station Commander. The EAW is comprised of the non-formed unit elements of the station that are required to support a deployed operating base, i.e. the Command and Control, Logistics and administration functions amongst others. They are designed to be flexible and quickly adaptable for differing operations. They are independent of flying squadrons, Air Combat Support Units (ACSU) and Air Combat Service Support Units (ACSSU) who are attached to the EAW dependent upon what task it has been assigned to do. www.raf.mod.uk 31st March 2006. Command Structure.

On RAF Stations, a Wing is an administrative sub-division. For a flying station these will normally be Engineering Wing, Operations Wing and Administration Wing. Aside from these, the only Wings currently in permanent existence are the Air Combat Service Support wings of 2 Group which provide support services such as communications, supply and policing to operationally deployed units.

Squadrons The term squadron (sqn) can be used to refer to an administrative sub-unit of a station, e.g. Air Traffic Control sqn, Personnel Management sqn; there are also ground support squadrons, e.g. 2 (MT) Sqn.

The primary use for the term is as the name of the flying squadrons which carry out the primary tasks of the RAF. RAF squadrons are somewhat analogous to the regiments of the British Army, in that they have histories and traditions going back to their formation, regardless of where they are currently based, which aircraft they are operating, etc. They can be awarded flag and RAF battle honours for meritorious service.

Whilst every squadron is different, most flying squadrons are commanded by a Wing Commander (rank) and, for a fast-jet squadron, have an establishment of around 100 personnel and 12 aircraft, but 16 aircraft for Tornado F3 Squadrons.

Flights A Flight (military unit) is a sub-division of a squadron. Flying squadrons are often divided into two flights, under the command of a Squadron Leader; administrative squadrons on a station are also divided into flights.

There are several flying units formed as Flights rather than Squadrons, due to their small size.

RAF Personnel In 2007 the RAF employed 45,710 active duty personnel and more than 34,000 regular reservists, including the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Volunteer Reserve and RAF Sponsored Reserve. At its height during the Second World War, in excess of 1,000,000 personnel were serving at any one time. The only founding member of the RAF still living is Henry Allingham at age 111. BBC News Fly-past for Britain's oldest man

Officers Officers hold a commissioned officer from the British monarchy, which provides the legal authority for them to issue orders to subordinates. The commission is granted after successfully completing the 32-week-long Initial Officer Training course at the RAF College Cranwell.

The titles and insignia of RAF Officers were derived from those used by the Royal Navy, specifically the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) during World War I. For example, the rank of Squadron Leader derived its name from the RNAS rank of Squadron Commander. RAF officers fall into three categories: Air Officer, senior officers and junior officers.

Other Ranks Other Ranks attend the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton for basic training, with the exception of the RAF Regiment, which trains its recruits at RAF Honington.

The titles and insignia of Other Ranks in the RAF was based on that of the British Army, with some alterations in terminology. Over the years, this structure has seen significant changes, for example there was once a separate system for those in technical trades and the rank of Chief Technician continues to be held only by personnel in technical trades. RAF other ranks fall into four categories: warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers, junior non-commissioned officers and airmen.

Branches and Trades

The majority of the members of the RAF serve in vital support roles on the ground.

Aircraft {|align=right|-|||-||-||-||-||-||}

The British military aircraft designation systems which follows each aircraft's name describes the role of the variant. For example, the Tornado F3 is designated as a fighter by the 'F', and is the third variant of the type to be produced.

Strike, attack and offensive support aircraft The mainstay of the Offensive Support fleet is the Panavia Tornado. This supersonic aircraft can carry a wide range of weaponry, including Storm Shadow cruise missiles, laser-guided bombs and the ALARM anti-radar missile.

The Tornado is supplemented by the BAE Harrier II which is used in the strike and close air support roles, and to counter enemy air defences. The Harrier is being upgraded to GR9/GR9A standard with newer systems and more powerful engines. The Harrier GR9 was formally accepted into RAF service in late September 2006.

Air defence and Airborne Early Warning Aircraft The Panavia Tornado ADV and Eurofighter Typhoon variants#Typhoon F2 are the RAF's air defence fighter aircraft, based at RAF Leuchars and RAF Leeming and RAF Coningsby respectively to defend the UK’s airspace.

The Tornado, in service in the air defence role since the late 1980s, is being replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon variants#Typhoon F2, currently based at RAF Coningsby. The RAF's second operational Typhoon unit, No. 11 Squadron RAF, reformed on 29 March 2007, joining No. 3 Squadron RAF, also based at RAF Coningsby.

The E-3 Sentry provides airborne early warning to detect incoming enemy aircraft and to co-ordinate the aerial battlefield. Both the Sentry and the Tornado F3 have been involved in recent operations including over Iraq and the Balkans.

Reconnaissance Aircraft The RAF Tornado GR4A is fitted with a range of cameras and sensors in the visual, infra-red and radar ranges of the spectrum.

Providing electronic and signals intelligence is the Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod.

The new Raytheon Sentinel provides an ASTOR, ground radar-surveillance platform based on the Bombardier Global Express long range business jet.

A pair of MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned aerial vehicles have been purchased to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are operated by No. 39 Squadron RAF

Search and Rescue Aircraft Three squadrons of helicopters exist with the primary role of military search and rescue; the rescuing of aircrew who have ejected or crash-landed their aircraft. These are No. 22 Squadron RAF and No. 202 Squadron RAF with the Westland Sea King in the UK and No. 84 Squadron RAF with the Griffin HAR2 in Cyprus.

Although established with a primary role of military search and rescue, most of their operational missions are spent in their secondary role of conducting civil search and rescue; that is, the rescue of civilians from at sea, on mountains and other locations.

Both rescue roles are shared with the Sea King helicopters of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, while the civil search and rescue role is also shared with the helicopters of Her Majesty's Coastguard.

The Operational Conversion Unit is 203(Reserve) Sqn RAF based at RAF St. Mawgan, equipped with the Sea King HAR3.

The related Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service comprises four teams of trained mountaineers stationed in the mainland United Kingdom, first established in 1943.

Maritime Patrol The Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod's primary role is that of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW).The Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod is additionally used in a Search and Rescue (SAR) role, where its long-range and extensive communications facilities allow it to co-ordinate rescues by acting as a link between rescue helicopters, ships and shore bases. It can also drop pods containing life rafts and survival supplies to people in the sea.

The Nimrod MR2 will be replaced from 2009 by 12 Nimrod MRA4 aircraft.

Support helicopters An important part of the work of the RAF is to support the British Army by ferrying troops and equipment at the battlefield. However, RAF helicopters are also used in a variety of other roles, including support of RAF ground units and heavy-lift support for the Royal Marines. The support helicopters are organised into the tri-service Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), along with helicopters of the British Army and Royal Navy.

The large twin-rotor Boeing Chinook (UK variants), based at RAF Odiham provides heavy-lift support and is supported by the AgustaWestland EH101 and the smaller Westland Puma medium-lift helicopters, based at RAF Benson and RAF Aldergrove.

It was announced in March 2007 that the RAF will take delivery of six additional AgustaWestland EH101. The aircraft were originally ordered by Denmark, and six new aircraft will be built for Denmark. Also announced, eight Boeing Chinook (UK variants), that are in storage, will be modifed for the battlefield support role.

Transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft Having replaced the former Queen's Flight in 1995, No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron RAF uses the BAe 125, Agusta A109 and BAe 146 in the VIP transport role, based at RAF Northolt in west London.

More routine, strategic airlift transport tasks are carried out by the Lockheed L-1011s and Vickers VC10s based at RAF Brize Norton; both used to transport passengers and cargo, and for air-to-air refuelling of other aircraft.

Shorter-range, tactical-airlift transport is provided by the C-130 Hercules, the fleet including both older K-model and new J-model aircraft.

The RAF has leased 4 C-17 Globemaster IIIs from Boeing to provide a heavy, strategic airlift capability; it was announced in 2004 that these will be purchased, together with a further example. The fifth C-17 is due to be delivered in March 2008, with an in service date of June 2008. The MOD has expressed a wish to buy a further 3 C-17s, which could be delivered before mid-2009, when the C-17 production line may be closed. This would leave the RAF with a total of 8 C-17 aircraft, providing a significantly enhanced strategic airlift capability. On 26th July 2007, the MOD announced that the RAF would be receiving a sixth C-17 to help bolster operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Training aircraft A wide range of aircraft types are used for training aircrew in their duties. At the more advanced stage in training, variants of front-line aircraft have been adapted for operational conversion of trained pilots; these include the BAE Harrier II and Eurofighter Typhoon. Advanced flying training for fast-jet, helicopter and multi-engine pilots is provided using the BAE Hawk, Bell 412 and Beechcraft Super King Air respectively.

Basic pilot training for fixed-wing and helicopter pilots is provided on the Short Tucano and Eurocopter Ecureuil, while Weapon Systems Officer and Weapon Systems Operator training is conducted in the British Aerospace BAe 125.

Elementary flying training is conducted on the Grob Tutor, depending on the new pilot's route of entry to the service. The Tutor is also used, along with the Grob and Grob gliders, to provide air experience training and basic pilot training for Air Cadet Organisation.

Future aircraft Aircraft in development, or soon to be deployed, include the Airbus A400M, of which 25 are to be used to replace the remaining Hercules C-130Ks.

A new version of the CH-47 Chinook, the RAF Chinook#HC.3, with improved avionics and increased range, was developed mainly for special forces missions. Service entry has been delayed due to software problems and legal issues. On 1 April 2007, the MoD confirmed the intention of making the eight Chinook HC.3 aircraft operational, after conversion to battlefied support configuration. The Eurofighter Typhoon is entering service and the RAF will be the largest operator of the type.

The Typhoon is intended to replace, by 2010, the Tornado F3 interceptor and the SEPECAT Jaguar ground attack aircraft (retired in 2007). The Hawker Siddeley Hawk will replace the existing Hawks in service; the newer model being more similar in equipment and performance to modern front line aircraft. The ageing aerial refuelling fleet of VC10s and Tristars should be replaced with the Airbus A330 MRTT under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme. Problems with contract negotiations have led to unsolicited proposals for the conversion of civil Tristars or DC-10s.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (the British designation for the F-35 Lightning II) will replace the Harrier GR7 and GR9. Studies have begun regarding the long term replacement for the Tornado GR4 (Although the Future Offensive Air System project was cancelled in 2005). The RAF transport helicopter force, the Puma and Sea Kings, are to be replaced by the Support Amphibious and Battlefield Rotorcraft (SABR) project, likely a mix of Merlins and Chinooks.

RAF deployments {| border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse;"|- bgcolor=cccccc!Country!!Dates!!Deployment!!Details|-| Indonesia ] disaster to provide aid relief support|-| Lithuania ] || 4 Tornado F3 for a 3 months rotation under NATO monitoring mission|-| Afghanistan ] || Chinooks provided airlift support to coalition forces. Since late 2004 six Harriers have provided reconnaissance and close air support to the International Security Assistance Force.|-| Bosnia and Herzegovina || 1995– || Various helicopters || RAF enforced no-fly zones over the Balkans in the late 1990s and participated in the NATO interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo. Today, RAF helicopters remain to provide support to the United Nations.] || 1990– || Various || RAF fighters based in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait prior to and during the 1990 Gulf War, and later to enforce no-fly zones over Iraq. Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the occupation of southern Iraq by British Forces, the RAF is deployed at Basra. Support Helicopter is provided in Iraq by AgustaWestland EH101, Puma and Chinook || 1984– || [RAF Mount Pleasant ] to allow a fighter and transport facility on the islands, and to strengthen the defence capacity of the British Forces. A detachment of RAF Regiment provides anti-aircraft support.|-| Ascension Island ]||Used as an air bridge between the UK and the Falkland Islands. United States Air Force also stationed at this base.] || 1960s– || Bardufoss Air Station ] || 1956– || RAF Akrotiri ] on Cyprus, the airfield acts a forward base for deployment of UK forces in the Middle East|-| Canada ] || RAF aircraft train in low-level tactical flying at CFB Goose Bay, a NATO air force base of the Canadian Forces Air Command.|-| Gibraltar ] || No permanently stationed aircraft. RAF aircraft, e.g. Hercules transports, make regular visits.|}www.raf.mod.uk Deployments

Symbols, flags, emblems and uniform Following the tradition of the other British fighting services, the RAF has adopted symbols to represent it and act as a rallying point for its members.

The Royal Air Force Ensign is flown from the flagstaff on every RAF station during daylight hours. The design was approved by George V of the United Kingdom in 1921, after much opposition from the Admiralty, who have the right to approve or veto any flag flown ashore or on board ship.

British aircraft in the early stages of the First World War carried the Union Flag as an identifying feature, however this was easy to confuse with the German Iron Cross motif. Therefore in October 1914 the French system of three concentric rings was adopted, with the colours reversed to a red disc surrounded by a white ring and an outer blue ring. The relative sizes of the rings have changed over the years and during World War II an outer yellow ring was added. Aircraft serving in the Far East during World War II had the red disc removed to prevent confusion with Japanese aircraft. Since the 1970s, camouflaged aircraft carry low-visibility roundels, either red and blue on dark camouflage, or washed-out pink and light blue on light colours. Most uncamouflaged training and transport aircraft retain the traditional red-white-blue roundel.

The Latin motto of the RAF, "Per ardua ad astra", is usually translated as "Through Adversity to the Stars". The choice of motto is attributed to a junior officer by the name of J S Yule, in response to a request from a Commander of the RFC, Frederick Sykes, for suggestions.

The Badge of the Royal Air Force, shown to the right, is in Heraldry terms: "In front of a circle inscribed with the motto Per Ardua Ad Astra and ensigned by the Imperial Crown an eagle volant and affronty Head lowered and to the sinister." It was approved in 1923 based on a design by a tailor at Gieves & Hawkes of Savile Row, although the original had an albatross rather than the eagle and was surrounded by a garter belt rather than the plain circle.

Since 2006 the RAF has adopted a new official logotype, shown at the top of this article. The logotype is used on all correspondence and publicity material, and aims to provide the Service with a single, universally-recognisable brand identity.

Future In 2006, Colonel Tim Collins (soldier), the former Army officer described as a hero during the Iraq war, prompted controversy by calling for the RAF to be disbanded as a separate arm; allowing the Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps to absorb aircrew and aircraft dedicated to specific sea and ground roles. The Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) responded saying, "There is no question of the RAF being disbanded. The skills and challenges in the air environment are totally different to those faced in maritime or land environments." Disband the RAF, says Iraq war's inspirational colonel, The Daily Telegraph, 13 May 2006.

Additionally, Nick Cook who edits the aviation section of Jane's Defence Weekly, voiced his disagreement with Tim Collins' idea saying:"In an era when money is tight there is a lot of introspection about where scant resources should go, but this doesn't make any sense. You can't do without air power. It's totally unrealistic."

See also :Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy

:Note: In 1968 the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Army to form initially the Canadian Armed Forces, then the Canadian Forces (CF).

References

External links



The Royal Air Force
Official site of the junior military service including aircraft, stations, history, current news and links to associated websites.

RAF - History
History. The Royal Air Force History section at present is under re-development. If you do wish to access the old ...

Royal Air Force Club: Home
The Royal Air Force Club, London offers Members and their guests comfortable and stylish accommodation, a la carte dining in the restaurant plus conference and banqueting ...

Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises
Official website of the Royal International Air Tattoo, the world s largest military airshow and a great family day out! The air show held annually at RAF Fairford is organised by ...

Royal Air Force Community Support
Support website for RAF personnel including advice on a range of issues, email accounts, helplines and regularly updated new.

Royal Air Force Music
Air Force music site with details of the 4 bands, diary, regularly updated news, booking procedures and CD sales information.

Royal Air Force Gan - Remembered
A forum for those RAF servicemen who served on RAF Gan in the Indian Ocean, 1957 through 1976.

Royal Air Force
On the advice of General Jan Smuts, it was decided in April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force (RAF) by amalgamating the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) with the Royal Flying Corps ...

Royal Air Force Tartan
Houses World War II RAF artefacts, mementos and memorabilia. Includes an overview of the RAFA, details of the collection, photographs and hours.

Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust
The official website for the Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust. Registered Charity No. 1101767 President: Air Chief ...

 

Royal Air Force



 
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