Squadron (aviation)



A squadron in air force, army aviation, or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force. Land based squadrons equipped with heavier type aircraft such as long-range bombers, or cargo aircraft, or air refueling tankers have around 12 aircraft as a typical authorization, while most fighter equipped units have an authorized number of 18 to 24. Sea-based units rarely have more than 12 aircraft authorized at a time. In most air forces, two or more squadrons form a group or wing.

Some air forces (including the Royal Air Force and United States Air Force) also use the term squadrons for non-flying ground units.

An escadron is the equivalent unit in France's Armée de l'Air.

In the Air Training Corps of the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth nations, a Squadron is a group of cadets who parade regularly.

In the US Civil Air Patrol, a squadron is the basic administrative unit.

In the Swedish Air Force a squadron (helikopterskvadron) is a detachment from the "Helicopter Wing" (Helikopterflottiljen).