Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) (French: Aviation royale canadienne (ARC)), formerly Air Command (AIRCOM), is the air force of Canada. The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Forces. As of 2013, operating 258 manned aircraft and 9 UAVs, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 14,500 Regular Force and 2,600 Primary Reserve personnel, supported by 2,500 civilians. Lieutenant-general Yvan Blondin,, is the current Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program.

The RCAF traces its history to the Canadian Air Force which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was incorporated into the Department of National Defence in 1923 and granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V.

In 1968 the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Canadian Army, as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands: Air Defence Command (interceptors), Air Transport Command (airlift, search and rescue), Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command.

In 1975 some commands were dissolved (ADC, ATC, TC), and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command (AIRCOM). Air Command was renamed the "Royal Canadian Air Force" in August 2011. The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War, the Korean War, the First Gulf War as well as several United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.

1920–1968
The Canadian Air Force was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron air force formed during the First World War in Europe, also named the Canadian Air Force. The new air force, managed by the Air Board, was largely focused on civilian operations such as forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols. In 1923, the Air Board was amalgamated into the Department of National Defence, and one year later, the Canadian Air Force was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). In the late 1920s, the air force evolved into more of a military organization. The RCAF suffered budget cuts in early 1930s, but began to rebuild throughout the latter part of the decade. However, by the end of the 1930s the RCAF was not considered a major military force. With the implementation of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War, the RCAF was significantly expanded to become the fourth largest allied air force. During the war the RCAF was involved in operations in Great Britain, northwest Europe, the north Atlantic, Egypt, Italy, Sicily, Malta, Ceylon, India, Burma, and with home defence.

After the war, the RCAF reduced its strength. Because of the rising Soviet threat to the security of Europe, Canada joined NATO in 1949, and the RCAF established No. 1 Air Division RCAF consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each, based in France and West Germany. In 1950, the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies to the Korean War; however, it did not provide RCAF combat units. Members of the RCAF served in USAF units as exchange officers and several flew in combat. At the same time, the Pinetree Line, the Mid-Canada Line and the DEW Line radar stations, largely operated by the RCAF, were built across Canada because of the growing Soviet nuclear threat. In 1957, Canada and the United States created the joint North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.

1968–present
In 1968 the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form the Canadian Forces, a single command structure under the Department of National Defence, at the time overseen by Liberal Defence Minister Paul Hellyer. The controversial merger maintained several existing organizations and created some new ones: In Europe, No. 1 Air Division, operated Canadair CF-104 Starfighter nuclear strike/attack and reconnaissance under NATO's 4 ATAF; Air Defence Command: operated McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo interceptors, CIM-10 Bomarc missiles and the SAGE radar system within NORAD; Air Transport Command: provided strategic airlift for the NATO and UN Peacekeeping missions; and Training Command. Aviation assets of the Royal Canadian Navy were combined with the RCAF Canadair CP-107 Argus long-range patrol aircraft under the new Maritime Air Group of Maritime Command. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM).

In the early 1990s, Canada provided a detachment of CF-18 Hornets for the air defence mission in Operation Desert Shield. The force performed combat air patrols over operations in Kuwait and Iraq, undertook a number of air-to-ground bombing missions, and, on one occasion, attacked an Iraqi patrol boat in the Persian Gulf.

In the late 1990s, Air Command's CF-188 Hornets took part in the Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia, and in the 2000s, AIRCOM was heavily involved in the Afghanistan War, transporting troops and assets to Kandahar. Later in the decade-long war, AIRCOM set up a purpose-specific air wing, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, equipped with several CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook helicopters, CC-130 Hercules and leased CU-170 Heron UAVs in support of the Canadian Forces and ISAF mission. The wing stood down on 18 August 2011.

From 18 March to 1 November 2011 the RCAF was engaged in Operation Mobile, Canada's contribution to Operation Unified Protector in Libya. Seven CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft and several other aircraft served under Task Force Libeccio as part of the military intervention.

On 16 August 2011, the Government of Canada announced that the name "Air Command" was being changed to the air force's original historic name: Royal Canadian Air Force (along with the change of name of Maritime Command to Royal Canadian Navy). The change was made to better reflect Canada's military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth countries whose military units use the royal designation. The new RCAF continues to use Air Command's badge and Latin motto, which are different from the original RCAF's. There has been no restoration of the traditional uniforms or rank structure of the historical service yet.

Aircraft


The Royal Canadian Air Force has approximately 391 aircraft in service, which is the sixth largest air force in the Americas, after the United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Army, United States Marine Corps and Brazilian Air Force.

Fixed-wing

 * Airbus CC-150 Polaris
 * Second-hand Airbus A310 transports purchased in 1992 for use as a strategic transports and air-to-air tankers to replace the Boeing CC-137. Two have been converted to tankers and are designated the CC-150T. One is permanently configured for VIP transport; operated by 437 Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.


 * BAe CT-155 Hawk
 * Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer introduced in 2000.


 * Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III
 * Four strategic airlifters delivered between 2007 and 2008, operated by 429 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.


 * Bombardier CC-144 Challenger
 * Canadian business jet first delivered in 1982 as utility and VIP transport. Early Challenger 600 and 601 models were supplemented by 604 models in 2002. Six based operated by 412(T) Sqn and based in Ottawa, but belong to 8 Wing Trenton.


 * Canadair CT-114 Tutor
 * Entered service in 1962 as a basic and advanced jet trainer with 190 originally ordered, replaced by the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk in 2000. A total of 24 remain in service used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, "The Snowbirds".


 * DHC CC-115 Buffalo
 * A Twin-engined utility/cargo transport now used for search and rescue. Six used by 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn. at 19 Wing Comox, BC.


 * DHC CC-138 Twin Otter
 * A twin-engined utility transport operated since the 1970s, Four remain based at Yellowknife, NT.


 * DHC CT-142 Dash 8
 * Twin-engined converted regional airliner entered service in 1987 as an aerial navigation and tactics trainer, Four are operated by 402 "City of Winnipeg" Sqn and stationed at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB


 * Lockheed CC-130E/H Hercules
 * Four-engined tactical transport, the Hercules has been used in a number of different variants since 1960. Five are operated as air-to-air tankers. Based with 14 Wing Greenwood, NS, 8 Wing Trenton, ON and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB.


 * Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
 * Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American Lockheed P-3 Orion; entered service in 1980 and now based at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS


 * Lockheed CP-140A Arcturus
 * Four-engined search and rescue and fisheries & Arctic patrol aircraft based on the CP-140 Aurora. Three delivered in 1991. No longer in active service.


 * Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules
 * Four-engined tactical airlifter recently replaced some earlier Hercules variants. A total of 17 are in service operated by 436 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton.


 * McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet
 * Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single-seat CF-18As and 40 two-seat CF-18Bs were ordered. Seventeen have been lost since 1984. Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; 77 CF-18s remain in active service.


 * Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II
 * Single-engined trainer leased from 2000 to replace the Canadair CT-114 Tutor. Based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK

Rotary wing

 * Bell CH-139 JetRanger
 * Single-engined utility and training helicopter. Ordered for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie, MB; used by Regular Forces in CFB Lahr in Germany and in Canada during the 1980s; now back at 3 CFFTS; replaced by CH-146 Griffons.


 * Bell CH-146 Griffon
 * A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Based at Bagotville, Quebec (439 Squadron), St. Hubert, Quebec (438 Squadron), Cold Lake, Alberta (417 Squadron), Gagetown, New Brunswick (403 Squadron), Valcartier, Quebec (430 Squadron), Goose Bay, Newfoundland (444 Squadron), Edmonton, Alberta (408 Squadron), Petawawa, Ontario (427 Squadron) and Borden, Ontario (400 Squadron); also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton (424 Squadron); replaced Bell 206 JetRangers. Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks, armed with 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D Gatling gun on the both doors.




 * Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King
 * A ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter that entered service between 1963 and 1969. Based at 12 Wing Shearwater (406 & 423 Squadrons), NS and Patricia Bay (443 Squadron), BC and due to be replaced by the Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone.


 * AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
 * Triple-engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the CH-113 Labrador. Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002. Based at (103 Squadron) 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland, (413 Squadron) 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia and (442 Squadron) 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. One aircraft has been lost in a training accident.


 * Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone
 * Ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk. Twenty-eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009. They have still not yet been delivered by April 2012, and the first batch will be lacking mission critical capabilities.  However, Sikorsky has managed to complete two cycles of testing with the Royal Canadian Navy.


 * Boeing CH-147F Chinook
 * The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission, medium to heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary mission is the tactical transport of equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations. 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, under the command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ont., and based in CFB Petawawa, Ont., was re-established as the home of Canadaʼs fleet of 15 CH-147F Chinooks. The first two airframes underwent intensive operational test and evaluation in the United States for several months before Canada received the first airframe 147303 at an official acceptance ceremony at the Ottawa International Airport on 27 June 2013.

Leased and contractor aircraft
The Canadian Forces have leased aircraft from vendors to help transport troops and equipment from Canada and other locations in the past decade. Transport aircraft have been leased as required.


 * Beechcraft B200 Super King Air
 * Two aircraft leased from Aero Support Canada Inc.. Used by the Multi-Engine Utility Flight (MEUF) out of CFB Trenton. Flown by RCAF pilots, they are used for light transport of personnel and equipment within North America.


 * Dornier Alpha Jet Type A
 * Twelve civil aircraft are operated by Discovery Air Defence Services for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB Bagotville; ex-Luftwaffe trainers


 * Hawker Hunter F.58
 * Twelve civil aircraft are operated by Lortie Aviation, formerly Northern Lights International Airlines Ltd.. Based out of CFB Cold Lake; ex-Swiss Air Force jets


 * Mil Mi-17
 * Medium-lift helicopters are leased from Skylink Aviation for transporting equipment and troops in the Balkans and Afghanistan.


 * Mil Mi-8
 * Medium lift transport helicopters leased from SkyLink Aviation for use in Afghanistan.

Weapons and other equipment
Weapons systems are used by the CF-188 Hornet, CP-140 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-124 Sea King helicopters (the latter to be replaced by CH-148 Cyclone).

Current structure
The Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force. The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, based in Winnipeg, is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 2 Canadian Air Division, established in June 2009, consists of training establishments.

There are 13 wings across Canada, 11 operational and two used for training. Wings represent the grouping of various squadrons, both operational and support, under a single tactical commander reporting to the operational commander. Ten wings also include a Canadian Forces base along with other operational and support units.

The rank of General is held by an air officer serving as Chief of the Defence Staff. The Chief of the Air Force Staff holds the rank of Lieutenant-General. Divisions are commanded by Major-Generals. Brigadier-Generals are typically second-in-command of a Division. Wings are commanded by Colonels. Squadrons are commanded by Lieutenant-Colonels. Majors are typically second-in-command of squadrons, or flight commanders. Captains, Lieutenants and Second Lieutenants are the junior level leaders in RCAF squadrons and headquarters.

1 Canadian Air Division

 * 1 Wing Kingston
 * Headquartered at CFB Kingston, 1 Wing provides airlift support of troops and equipment anywhere in the world. Its six tactical helicopter and training squadrons, operating the CH-146 Griffon helicopter, are spread out across Canada.


 * 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Borden, Ontario)
 * 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron (based out of CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick)
 * 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Edmonton, Alberta)
 * 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (based out of CFB Petawawa, Ontario)
 * 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Valcartier, Quebec)
 * 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport, Quebec)
 * 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Petawawa, Ontario)


 * 3 Wing Bagotville
 * Located in Quebec's Saguenay region, 3 Wing provides general purpose, multi-role, combat-capable forces in support of domestic and international roles of Canada's air force. It also provides search and rescue missions.


 * 3 Air Maintenance Squadron
 * 414 Electronic Warfare Support Squadron (based out of Gatineau Airport, Quebec, to operate the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet provided by Discovery Air Defence Services)
 * 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron
 * 439 Combat Support Squadron


 * 4 Wing Cold Lake
 * The busiest fighter base in Canada, 4 Wing provides general purpose, multi-role, combat-capable forces in support of domestic and international roles of Canada's air force. Home of fighter pilot training for the Canadian Forces, 4 Wing attracts top gun crews from all over the world to its annual air combat exercise, Maple Flag. Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR), north of the base, is the only tactical bombing range in western Canada. The one million hectare (11,600 square km) range includes the Primrose Lake Evaluation Range, 4 Wing's primary test range.


 * 1 Air Maintenance Squadron
 * 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron
 * 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron
 * 417 Combat Support Squadron
 * 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron


 * 5 Wing Goose Bay
 * The site of NATO tactical ultra-low-level flight training in Canada, 5 Wing, located in Labrador, hosts temporary detachments from several NATO nations. Goose Bay Weapons Range is the only tactical bombing range in eastern Canada. The thirteen million hectare (130,000 square km) range includes ultra-low-level flying training to 100 feet above ground level, supersonic flight areas, and an inert conventional and precision guided (laser) munitions bombing range. 5 Wing is the home of 444 Combat Support Squadron and serves as a NORAD CF-18 Hornet deployed operating base and airfield supporting a mix of aviation activities, military and civilian, in eastern Canada.


 * 444 Combat Support Squadron


 * 8 Wing Trenton
 * 8 Wing is the heart of Canada's air mobility forces, from delivering supplies to the high Arctic (CFS Alert) to airlifting troops and equipment worldwide. It is also responsible for search and rescue in central Canada and home to the Skyhawks Parachute Team with the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre.


 * 8 Air Maintenance Squadron
 * 412 Transport Squadron (based out of Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Ontario)
 * 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron
 * 426 Transport Training Squadron
 * 429 Transport Squadron
 * 436 Transport Squadron
 * 437 Transport Squadron
 * Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre (CFAWC)


 * 9 Wing Gander
 * Providing search and rescue (SAR) services to eastern Canada and the western Atlantic Ocean. SAR crews at 9 Wing Gander fly the AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and are responsible for a huge area, covering the lower Arctic, Labrador, Newfoundland, the Maritimes and the North Atlantic from the shores of Newfoundland to 30° west.


 * 103 Search and Rescue Squadron


 * 12 Wing Shearwater
 * The centre of naval aviation in Canada, 12 Wing operates CH-124 Sea King helicopters, and supports the Royal Canadian Navy with helicopter air detachments for surface warships in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.


 * 12 Air Maintenance Squadron
 * 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron
 * 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron
 * 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron (based out of Victoria International Airport in Patricia Bay, BC)


 * 14 Wing Greenwood
 * Located in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, 14 Wing's CP-140 Aurora crews conduct sovereignty and surveillance missions over the Atlantic Ocean routinely, while SAR capabilities for the Maritimes, eastern Quebec and the eastern Arctic are provided by CH-149 Cormorant helicopters and CC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft.


 * 14 Air Maintenance Squadron
 * 404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron
 * 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron
 * 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron


 * 17 Wing Winnipeg
 * Comprising three squadrons and six schools, 17 Wing also provides support to the Central Flying School, as well as headquarters and administration support for NORAD operations.


 * 402 City of Winnipeg Squadron
 * 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron
 * 440 Transport Squadron (based out of Yellowknife, NT)


 * 19 Wing Comox
 * Located on Vancouver Island, its Aurora crews provide surveillance of the Pacific Ocean and western and Arctic regions. The Buffalo and Cormorant crews are responsible for search and rescue in British Columbia, Yukon and the North Pacific Ocean.  The base is also used for training fighter pilots in tactical procedures on nearby ranges.


 * 19 Air Maintenance Squadron
 * 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron
 * 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron


 * 22 Wing North Bay
 * 22 Wing represents one of Canada's major contributions to the North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) agreement. Personnel watch over Canada's airspace 24 hours a day, using state-of-the-art sensors, computer and communications equipment.

2 Canadian Air Division
2 Canadian Air Division is commanded by Brigadier-General Bruce Ploughman. From 2011 to 2013 the commanding officer was Brigadier-General Martin Galvin. The initial announcement of the Division, published after it was created on June 25, 2009, said: "Brigadier-General Rick Pitre assumed command of the Canadian Force’s most recent formation, the newly established 2 Canadian Air Division/Air Force Doctrine and Training Division in a formal ceremony at 17 Wing, Winnipeg on Thursday, June 25. The Air Force has embarked on what Brig. Gen. Pitre calls “a new and exciting chapter in our rich air force history.” Commander 2 Canadian Air Division is now responsible for all Air Force doctrine, individual training and education. In addition to the Canadian Aerospace Warfare Centre located at 8 Wing Trenton, Brigadier General Pitre will oversee the conduct and management of training establishments at:15 Wing Moose Jaw, 16 Wing Borden, and a new Air Force Training Centre comprising several Air Force schools and training institutions In addition, he will have oversight of training conducted by the Prairie Cadet Region."


 * 15 Wing Moose Jaw
 * The site of the NATO Flying Training Program in Canada which is supported by 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2CFFTS), 15 Wing is also home to the Snowbirds, the air force's aerobatic team.
 * 431 Air Demonstration Squadron


 * 16 Wing Borden
 * This base is the location of the largest training facility in the Canadian Forces. 16 Wing's schools provide air force technical training and professional development and is the historic birthplace of the RCAF. 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron is a lodger unit based at Borden's airfield.

Other units
The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE), located in Borden, Ontario, delivers Aerospace Engineering Officers and conducts apprentice level training for various trades, including Avionics, Aviation, Aircraft Structures and Imagery technicians. The role of CFSATE is to provide the Air Force with qualified personnel to ensure Aircraft serviceability. CFSATE develops and carries out individual aerospace engineering training in accordance with approved doctrine and standards.
 * Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering

Former units

 * 2 Wing Toronto – closed 1996; part of the base is now 4th Canadian Division HQ
 * 7 Wing Ottawa – closed 1995
 * 18 Wing Edmonton: Located in Edmonton, Alberta, it was the base for 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, 418 "City of Edmonton" Air Reserve Squadron, 435 Transport Squadron, 440 Transport and Rescue Squadron and 447 Transport Helicopter Squadron. It closed in 1994 and transferred to Land Force Command as army base CFB Edmonton

Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing

 * Air Wing Kandahar, Afghanistan (stood up 6 December 2008, flew first mission 6 January 2009). The organization was composed of four units:
 * Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan):
 * Six – CH-147D Chinook heavy-lift helicopters
 * Eight – CH-146 Griffon tactical support helicopters – armed
 * (Six – Mi-8 medium-lift helicopters – see below)
 * Theatre Support Element
 * CC-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft;
 * Canadian Heron UAV Detachment
 * Heron unmanned aerial vehicle

As the tasking authority responsible for the Canadian Contracted Air Transport Unit, the wing commander provided advice, co-ordination and supervision over its six leased Mi-8 medium lift helicopters. The air wing had about 450 personnel, serving with the Theatre Support Element in the Persian Gulf region and the Tactical UAV Flight at Kandahar Airfield. The wing officially stood down on 18 August 2011.



Rank structure
Commander-in-Chief

Officer rank structure

Non-commissioned member rank structure

Recognition
On 9 November 1984, Canada Post issued "Air Force" as part of the Canadian Forces series. The stamps were designed by Ralph Tibbles, based on an illustration by William Southern. The 32¢ stamps are perforated 12 x 12.5 and were printed by Ashton-Potter Limited.