Canadian Forces Air Command
Encyclopedia
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) (French: Aviation Royale Canadienne (ARC)), formerly Canadian Forces Air Command, is one of three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces
. Commanded by Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, Chief of the Air Staff, the RCAF has 14,500 Regular Force
and 2,600 Primary Reserve airmen and airwomen, supported by 2,500 civilians.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations in the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's
airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of Royal Canadian Navy
and Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force
in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to the National Search and Rescue Program
.
The RCAF, as an independent service (to 1968), developed from the Canadian Air Force
(CAF), which was formed in 1920. The CAF 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
to form the Canadian Armed Forces. Air units in the new Canadian Forces were split into several different commands: Air Defence Command (interceptors), Air Transport Command
(airlift, search and rescue), Force Mobile Command
(tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command
(anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command
.
In 1975, all air units were merged and some commands dissolved (ADC, ATC, TC) and placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command
(AIRCOM). Air Command was renamed '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 and several United Nations
peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. The force has also maintained a presence in Europe
through the second half of the 20th century.
(CAF) 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 CAF 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 an air division 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 in support of the Korean War
; however, it did not take part 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 Defence Command (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.
government of Lester B. Pearson
, the Royal Canadian Navy
, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form what is today the Canadian Forces
, a single command structure under the Department of National Defence
, at the time overseen by Defence Minister Paul Hellyer
. The controversial merger saw the Royal Canadian Air Force assets split into several commands : the Air Defence Command, operating the fighter jets and the radar stations, the Air Transport Command
responsible for strategic airlift, the Maritime Command
with the newly formed Maritime Air Group, and Training Command
. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM).
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 UAV
s 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 jets 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. The change was made to better reflect Canada's military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth
countries whose militaries use the royal designation.
The Royal Canadian Air Force has approximately 391 aircraft in the fleet, which is the third largest in the Americas
, after the United States Air Force
and Brazilian Air Force
.
BAe CT-155 Hawk
Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III
Boeing ScanEagle
Bombardier CC-144 Challenger
Canadair CT-114 Tutor
DHC CC-115 Buffalo
DHC CC-138 Twin Otter
DHC CT-142 Dash 8
Lockheed CC-130 Hercules
Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
Lockheed CP-140A Arcturus
Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules
McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet
Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II
Bell CH-146 Griffon
Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King
AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
Boeing CH-147 Chinook
Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone
Beechcraft B200 Super King Air
Dornier Alpha Jet Type A
Hawker Hunter F.58
Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-8
IAI Heron
, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-124 Sea King helicopters (to be replaced by the Cyclone).
Officer rank structure
Former officer rank structure (to 1968)
Non-commissioned member rank structure
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
. Commanded by Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, Chief of the Air Staff, the RCAF has 14,500 Regular Force
Regular Force
In the Canadian Forces, a Regular Force unit or person is part of the full-time military, as opposed to being part of the Primary Reserve.Regular Force personnel are employed full-time, and have usually signed long-term contracts committing them to regular service...
and 2,600 Primary Reserve airmen and airwomen, supported by 2,500 civilians.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations in the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's
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...
airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Canadian Navy
The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
and Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to the National Search and Rescue Program
National Search and Rescue Program
The National Search and Rescue Program is the name given by the Government of Canada to the collective search and rescue activities in Canada...
.
The RCAF, as an independent service (to 1968), developed from the Canadian Air Force
Canadian Air Force (1920–1924)
The Canadian Air Force which was formed in 1920, was one of Canada's early attempts at forming an air force. When the Air Board was formed in 1919 to manage Canadian aviation, one of its responsibilities was air defence; the CAF was formed to meet this responsibility...
(CAF), which was formed in 1920. The CAF was incorporated into the Department of National Defence
Department of National Defence (Canada)
The Department of National Defence , frequently referred to by its acronym DND, is the department within the government of Canada with responsibility for all matters concerning the defence of Canada...
in 1923 and granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V
George V of the United Kingdom
George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 through the First World War until his death in 1936....
.
In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Canadian Navy
The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
and the Canadian Army as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces
Unification of the Canadian Forces
Unification of the Canadian Forces took place in 1968 when the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged to form the Canadian Armed Forces....
to form the Canadian Armed Forces. Air units in the new Canadian Forces were split into several different commands: Air Defence Command (interceptors), Air Transport Command
Canadian Forces Air Transport Command
Air Transport Command was a command of the Canadian Armed Forces created in 1968 and eliminated in 1975.ATC was responsible to provide air transport forces and to command primary air search and rescue forces for Canada and to support bases and units of other commands as directed. The headquarters...
(airlift, search and rescue), Force Mobile Command
Canadian Forces Land Force Command
The Canadian Army , previously called Land Force Command, is responsible for army operations within the Canadian Forces. The current size of the Army is 19,500 regular soldiers and 16,000 reserve soldiers, for a total of around 35,500 soldiers...
(tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command
Canadian Forces Maritime Command
The Royal Canadian Navy , is the naval force of Canada. The RCN is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Forces. Operating 33 warships and several auxiliary vessels, the Royal Canadian Navy consists of 8,500 Regular Force and 5,100 Primary Reserve sailors, supported by...
(anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command
Canadian Forces Training Command
Canadian Forces Training Command was an early component of the Canadian Forces after unifications of the military in 1968.This command was charged with training of pilots for the entire Canadian Forces after unification. It was eliminated in the simplification of the CF structure in 1975 and now...
.
In 1975, all air units were merged and some commands dissolved (ADC, ATC, TC) and placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command
Canadian Forces Air Command
The Royal Canadian Air Force , formerly Canadian Forces Air Command, is one of three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
(AIRCOM). Air Command was renamed 'Royal Canadian Air Force' in August 2011. The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War, the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, the First Gulf War and several United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. The force has also maintained a presence in Europe
Western Europe
Western Europe is a loose term for the collection of countries in the western most region of the European continents, though this definition is context-dependent and carries cultural and political connotations. One definition describes Western Europe as a geographic entity—the region lying in the...
through the second half of the 20th century.
1920–1968
The Canadian Air ForceCanadian Air Force (1920–1924)
The Canadian Air Force which was formed in 1920, was one of Canada's early attempts at forming an air force. When the Air Board was formed in 1919 to manage Canadian aviation, one of its responsibilities was air defence; the CAF was formed to meet this responsibility...
(CAF) 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
Air Board (Canada)
The Air Board was Canada's first governing body for aviation that existed from 1919 to 1923. The Canadian government established the Air Board by act of Parliament on June 6, 1919 with the purpose of controlling all flying within Canada...
, was largely focused on civilian operations such as forestry
Forestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
, surveying
Aerial survey
Aerial survey is a geomatics method of collecting information by using aerial photography, LiDAR or from remote sensing imagery using other bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared, gamma, or ultraviolet. It can also refer to the chart or map made by analysing a region from the air...
and anti-smuggling patrols. In 1923, the Air Board was amalgamated into the Department of National Defence
Department of National Defence (Canada)
The Department of National Defence , frequently referred to by its acronym DND, is the department within the government of Canada with responsibility for all matters concerning the defence of Canada...
, and one year later, the CAF 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
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan , known in some countries as the Empire Air Training Scheme , was a massive, joint military aircrew training program created by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, during the Second World War...
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
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
, northwest Europe, the north Atlantic, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
, Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
, Ceylon, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, 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 an air division consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each, based in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
. In 1950, the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies in support of the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
; however, it did not take part in combat. At the same time, the Pinetree Line
Pinetree Line
The Pinetree Line was a series of radar stations located across the northern United States and southern Canada at about the 50th parallel north, along with a number of other stations located on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Run by NORAD , over half were manned by United States Air Force...
, the Mid-Canada Line
Mid-Canada Line
The Mid-Canada Line, also known as the McGill Fence, was a line of radar stations across the "middle" of Canada to provide early warning of a Soviet bomber attack on North America. It was built to supplement the less-advanced Pinetree Line, which was located further south...
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 Defence Command (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.
1968–present
In 1968, under the LiberalLiberal Party of Canada
The Liberal Party of Canada , colloquially known as the Grits, is the oldest federally registered party in Canada. In the conventional political spectrum, the party sits between the centre and the centre-left. Historically the Liberal Party has positioned itself to the left of the Conservative...
government of Lester B. Pearson
Lester B. Pearson
Lester Bowles "Mike" Pearson, PC, OM, CC, OBE was a Canadian professor, historian, civil servant, statesman, diplomat, and politician, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for organizing the United Nations Emergency Force to resolve the Suez Canal Crisis...
, the Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Canadian Navy
The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form what is today the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
, a single command structure under the Department of National Defence
Department of National Defence (Canada)
The Department of National Defence , frequently referred to by its acronym DND, is the department within the government of Canada with responsibility for all matters concerning the defence of Canada...
, at the time overseen by Defence Minister Paul Hellyer
Paul Hellyer
Paul Theodore Hellyer, PC is a Canadian engineer, politician, writer and commentator who has had a long and varied career. He is the longest serving current member of the Privy Council, just ahead of Prince Philip.-Early life:...
. The controversial merger saw the Royal Canadian Air Force assets split into several commands : the Air Defence Command, operating the fighter jets and the radar stations, the Air Transport Command
Canadian Forces Air Transport Command
Air Transport Command was a command of the Canadian Armed Forces created in 1968 and eliminated in 1975.ATC was responsible to provide air transport forces and to command primary air search and rescue forces for Canada and to support bases and units of other commands as directed. The headquarters...
responsible for strategic airlift, the Maritime Command
Royal Canadian Navy
The history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
with the newly formed Maritime Air Group, and Training Command
Canadian Forces Training Command
Canadian Forces Training Command was an early component of the Canadian Forces after unifications of the military in 1968.This command was charged with training of pilots for the entire Canadian Forces after unification. It was eliminated in the simplification of the CF structure in 1975 and now...
. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM).
In the late 1990s, Air Command's CF-188 Hornets took part in the Operation Allied Force
1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was NATO's military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999...
in Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
, and in the 2000s, AIRCOM was heavily involved in the Afghanistan War
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...
, 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
CH-146 Griffon
The Bell CH-146 Griffon is the Canadian military variant of the Bell 412EP, a multi-use utility helicopter. The CH-146 is used in a wide variety of roles, including aerial firepower, reconnaissance, search and rescue and aero-mobility tasks....
and CH-147 Chinook helicopters, CC-130 Hercules and leased CU-170 Heron UAV
Unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
s in support of the Canadian Forces and ISAF
ISAF
ISAF may refer to:* International Sailing Federation, the world governing body for Olympic and other competitive sailing.* International Security Assistance Force, the NATO-led security mission operating in Afghanistan since 2001....
mission. The wing stood down on 18 August 2011.
From 18 March to 1 November 2011 the RCAF was engaged in Operation Mobile
Operation Mobile
Operation Mobile was the name given to Canadian Forces activities in the 2011 military intervention in Libya. The United States' counterpart to this was Operation Odyssey Dawn, the French counterpart was Opération Harmattan and the British counterpart was Operation Ellamy...
, Canada's contribution to Operation Unified Protector
Operation Unified Protector
Operation Unified Protector was an NATO operation enforcing United Nations Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973 concerning the 2011 Libyan civil war and adopted on 17 February and 17 March respectively...
in Libya. Seven CF-188 Hornet fighter jets 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. The change was made to better reflect Canada's military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
countries whose militaries use the royal designation.
Aircraft
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
, after the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and Brazilian Air Force
Brazilian Air Force
The Brazilian Air Force is the air branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three national uniformed services. The FAB was formed when the Army and Navy air branch were merged into a single military force initially called "National Air Forces"...
.
Fixed wing
Airbus CC-150 PolarisCC-150 Polaris
-External links:* *...
- 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. Based at 8 Wing Trenton, ON
BAe CT-155 Hawk
BAE Hawk
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
- Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer introduced in 2000.
Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III
C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. Developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, the C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout...
- Four strategic airlifters delivered between 2007 and 2008 and based at 8 Wing Trenton, ON
Boeing ScanEagle
- A miniature UAVMiniature UAVsA miniature UAV or Small UAV , is an unmanned aerial vehicle small enough to be man-portable.Miniature UAVs range from micro air vehicles that can be carried by an infantryman, to man-portable UAVs that can be carried and launched like an infantry anti-aircraft missile.-MAVs & mesicopters:The...
, one leased for 9 months in 2008 pending a replacement of the CU-161SAGEM Sperwer-External links:*** Defense Industry Daily - * Defense Industry Daily -...
.
Bombardier CC-144 Challenger
Bombardier Challenger 600
The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets designed by Bill Lear and produced first by Canadair until that company was bought by Bombardier Aerospace in 1986.-Development:...
- 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
Canadair CT-114 Tutor
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Dishlevoy, Roy W. "Hatching the Snowbirds: The Canadair CL-41/CT-114 Tutor, Its Early History Remembered." CAHS Journal, Vol, 45, No. 1, Spring 2007....
- Entered service in 1962 as a basic and advanced jet trainer with 190 originally ordered, replaced by the CT-156 Harvard IIT-6 Texan IIThe Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is a single-engined turboprop aircraft built by the Raytheon Aircraft Company . Based on the Pilatus PC-9, the T-6 is used by the United States Air Force for basic pilot training and by the United States Navy for Primary and Intermediate Joint Naval Flight Officer and...
and CT-155 Hawk in 2000. Twenty-four remain in service used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron "The Snowbirds".
DHC CC-115 Buffalo
De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo
The de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo is a short takeoff and landing utility transport, a turboprop aircraft developed from the earlier piston-powered DHC-4 Caribou...
- 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
De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is a Canadian 19-passenger STOL utility aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada and currently produced by Viking Air. The aircraft's fixed tricycle undercarriage, STOL abilities and high rate of climb have made it a successful cargo, regional passenger airliner and MEDEVAC...
- 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, MBCFB WinnipegCanadian Forces Base Winnipeg , is a Canadian Forces Base located within the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Co-located at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, CFB Winnipeg is home to many flight operations support divisions, as well as several training schools...
Lockheed CC-130 Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
- 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. All 19 CC-130Es are being replaced by 17 CC-130J Super Hercules no later than April 2012.
Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
CP-140 Aurora
The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking...
- Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the AmericanUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Lockheed P-3 OrionP-3 OrionThe Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...
; entered service in 1980 and now based at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS
Lockheed CP-140A Arcturus
CP-140 Aurora
The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking...
- Four-engined search and rescue and fisheries & Arctic patrol aircraft based on the CP-140 AuroraCP-140 AuroraThe Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking...
. Three delivered in 1991.
Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules
C-130J Super Hercules
The Lockheed Martin C-130J "Super" Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any...
- Four-engined tactical airlifter on order to replace earlier Hercules variants. 17 to be delivered starting in 2010. 13 in service with remainder to be delivered by April 2012.
McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet
CF-18 Hornet
The McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet is a Royal Canadian Air Force fighter aircraft, based on the American McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighter. In 1980, the F/A-18 was selected as the winner of the New Fighter Aircraft competition, and a production order was awarded...
- 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, QC and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB; approximately 78 CF-18s remain in active service.
Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II
T-6 Texan II
The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is a single-engined turboprop aircraft built by the Raytheon Aircraft Company . Based on the Pilatus PC-9, the T-6 is used by the United States Air Force for basic pilot training and by the United States Navy for Primary and Intermediate Joint Naval Flight Officer and...
- Single-engined trainer leased from 2000 to replace the Canadair CL-41 Tutor. Based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK
Rotary wing
Bell CH-139 JetRangerBell 206
The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- or twin-engine helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec plant. Originally developed as the Bell YOH-4 for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program, the 206 failed to be selected...
- 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 GriffonCH-146 GriffonThe Bell CH-146 Griffon is the Canadian military variant of the Bell 412EP, a multi-use utility helicopter. The CH-146 is used in a wide variety of roles, including aerial firepower, reconnaissance, search and rescue and aero-mobility tasks....
s
Bell CH-146 Griffon
- A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Based at Bagotville, QC, St. Hubert, QC, Cold Lake, AB, Gagetown, NB, Valcartier, QC, Goose Bay, NL, Edmonton, AB, Petawawa, ON and Borden, ON; also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton; replaced Bell 206Bell 206The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- or twin-engine helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec plant. Originally developed as the Bell YOH-4 for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program, the 206 failed to be selected...
JetRangers. Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks,armed with 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134DMinigunThe Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
Gatling gun on the both doors.
- A ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter that entered service between 1963 and 1969. Based at 12 Wing Shearwater, NS and Patricia Bay, BC and due to be replaced by the CH-148 Cyclone.
AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
- Triple-engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the CH-113 LabradorCH-113 Labrador|-See also:-External links:* * * *...
. Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002. Based at 9 Wing Gander, NL, 14 Wing Greenwood, NS and 19 Wing Comox, BC
Boeing CH-147 Chinook
CH-47 Chinook
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s...
- Twin-rotor medium/heavy lift helicopter. Six D model helicopters entered service in 2008 and a further 15 CH-47F to be delivered starting in 2013–2015.
Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone
- Ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the Sikorsky H-92 SuperhawkSikorsky S-92The Sikorsky S-92 is a four-bladed twin-engine medium-lift helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft for the civil and military helicopter market. The S-92 was developed from the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter and has similar parts such as flight control and rotor systems.The H-92 Superhawk is a military...
. Twenty-eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009
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
Beechcraft Super King Air
The Beechcraft Super King Air family is part of a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beech Aircraft Corporation . The King Air line comprises a number of model series that fall into two families: the Model 90 series, Model 100 series , Model 200 series and Model 300 series...
- Two aircraft leased from Aero Support Canada Inc. Part of the Multi-Engine Utility Flight(MEUF) based at CFB TrentonCFB TrentonCanadian Forces Base Trenton , is a Canadian Forces base located northeast of Trenton, Ontario. It is operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force and is the hub for air transport operations in Canada and abroad...
. Flown by Canadian Force pilots, they are used for light transport of personnel and equipment within North America.
Dornier Alpha Jet Type A
- Four civil aircraft are operated by Top Aces ConsultingTop Aces ConsultingTop Aces Incorporated, a subsidiary of Discovery Air Incorporated, is a defence contractor based in Pointe Claire, Quebec. Working with the Canadian Forces , they train pilots under the Contracted Airborne Training Services program....
for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB BagotvilleCFB BagotvilleCanadian Forces Base Bagotville , commonly referred to as CFB Bagotville, is a Canadian Forces Base located west of Bagotville in the city of Saguenay, Quebec. It is operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force and is one of two bases in the country using the CF-18 Hornet...
; ex-LuftwaffeLuftwaffeLuftwaffe is a generic German term for an air force. It is also the official name for two of the four historic German air forces, the Wehrmacht air arm founded in 1935 and disbanded in 1946; and the current Bundeswehr air arm founded in 1956....
trainers
Hawker Hunter F.58
Hawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a subsonic British jet aircraft developed in the 1950s. The single-seat Hunter entered service as a manoeuvrable fighter aircraft, and later operated in fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles in numerous conflicts. Two-seat variants remained in use for training and secondary...
- Twelve civil aircraft are operated by Lortie Aviation, formerly Northern Lights. Based out of CFB Cold LakeCFB Cold LakeCanadian Forces Base Cold Lake , commonly referred to as CFB Cold Lake, is a Canadian Forces Base located within the City of Cold Lake, Alberta. It is operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force and is one of two bases in the country using the CF-18 Hornet fighter/interceptor...
; ex-Swiss Air ForceSwiss Air ForceThe Swiss Air Force is the air component of the Swiss Armed Forces, established on July 31, 1914, as part of the Army and as of January 1966 an independent service.In peacetime, Dübendorf is the operational Air Force HQ...
jets
Mil Mi-17
Mil Mi-17
The Mil Mi-17 is a Russian helicopter currently in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude...
- Medium-lift helicopters are leased from Skylink AviationSkyLink AviationSkyLink Aviation Inc. is a Canadian based international aviation group that specializes in Project Management, Air Charters, Aviation Support, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Courier, Executive Air Charters as well as Flight Planning and Clearance Services....
for transporting equipment and troops in the Balkans and Afghanistan.
Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
- Medium lift transport helicopters leased from SkyLink AviationSkyLink AviationSkyLink Aviation Inc. is a Canadian based international aviation group that specializes in Project Management, Air Charters, Aviation Support, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Courier, Executive Air Charters as well as Flight Planning and Clearance Services....
for use in Afghanistan.
IAI Heron
IAI Heron
The IAI Heron is a Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Malat division of Israel Aerospace Industries. It is capable of Medium Altitude Long Endurance operations of up to 52 hours' duration at up to 35,000 feet...
- Five Heron unmanned aerial reconnaissance aircraft are leased for use in Afghanistan from Israel Aerospace Industries.
Weapons and other equipment
Weapons systems are used by the CF-188 Hornet, CP-140 AuroraCP-140 Aurora
The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking...
, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-124 Sea King helicopters (to be replaced by the Cyclone).
| Canada | Commander-in-Chief | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insignia | |||||||
| Title | Commander-in-Chief | ||||||
| Abbreviation | C-in-C | ||||||
Officer rank structure
| NATO Code | Student Officer | OF-1 | OF-1 | OF-2 | OF-3 | OF-4 | OF-5 | OF-6 | OF-7 | OF-8 | OF-9 | OF-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insignia | No Equivalent | ||||||||||||
| Title | Officer Cadet |
Second Lieutenant |
Lieutenant | Captain | Major Major (Canada) Major is a rank of the Canadian Forces. The rank insignia of a major is two half-inch stripes with a quarter-inch stripe between. Majors fill the positions of Company/Squadron/Battery Commanders, or Deputy Commanders of a Battalion/Regiment; in the Air Force they are typically squadron... |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Colonel Colonel (Canada) In the Canadian Forces, the rank of colonel is an Army or Air Force rank equal to a captain of the Navy. A colonel is the highest rank of senior officer... |
Brigadier General |
Major General |
Lieutenant General |
General General (Canada) The military rank of General in Canada is typically held by only one officer whose position is Chief of the Defence Staff and the senior uniformed officer of the Canadian Forces. The rank is referred to as 'four-star', despite the use of maple leaves in the insignia. It is the equivalent of the... |
||
| Abbreviation | OCdt | 2Lt | Lt | Capt | Maj | LCol | Col | BGen | MGen | LGen | Gen | ||
Former officer rank structure (to 1968)
| NATO Code | Student Officer | OF-1 | OF-1 | OF-2 | OF-3 | OF-4 | OF-5 | OF-6 | OF-7 | OF-8 | OF-9 | OF-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insignia |  |
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| Title | Flight Cadet Officer Cadet Officer cadet is a rank held by military and merchant navy cadets during their training to become commissioned officers and merchant navy officers, respectively. The term officer trainee is used interchangeably in some countries... |
Pilot Officer Pilot Officer Pilot officer is the lowest commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks immediately below flying officer... |
Flying Officer Flying Officer Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence... |
Flight Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"... |
Squadron Leader Squadron Leader Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these... |
Wing Commander Wing Commander (rank) Wing commander is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries... |
Group Captain Group Captain Group captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore... |
Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... |
Air Vice-Marshal Air Vice-Marshal Air vice-marshal is a two-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force. The rank is also used by the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence and it is sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in... |
Air Marshal | Air Chief Marshal | Marshal of the RCAF (never filled) |
Non-commissioned member rank structure
| NATO Code | OR-1 | OR-2 | OR-3 | OR-4 | OR-5 | OR-6 | OR-7 | OR-8 | OR-9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insignia |  |
|||||||||
| Title | Private (Recruit) |
Private (Basic) |
Private (Trained) |
Corporal | Master Corporal Master Corporal Master Corporal , in the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Army Cadets is an appointment of the rank of Corporal in the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Airforce... |
Sergeant | Warrant Officer | Master Warrant Officer Master Warrant Officer Master warrant officer is a senior military rank in the Canadian Forces, Singapore Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces.-Canadian Forces:... |
Chief Warrant Officer Chief Warrant Officer Chief warrant officer is a military rank used by the Canadian Forces and the Israel Defence Forces.-Canada:In the Canadian Forces, a chief warrant officer or CWO is the most senior non-commissioned member rank in the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force... |
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| Abbreviation | Pte(R) | Pte(B) | Pte(T) | Cpl | MCpl | Sgt | WO | MWO | CWO |
See also
- List of aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force
- Future Canadian Forces projectsFuture Canadian Forces projects-Canadian Army:-Royal Canadian Air Force:-Royal Canadian Navy:...
Further reading
- Pigott, Peter. Flying Canucks: Famous Canadian Aviators. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1996. ISBN 0-88882-175-1.
- Pigott, Peter. Flying Canucks II: Pioneers of Canadian Aviation. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1997. ISBN 0-8888-2193-X.
External links
- Official Website of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band
- Official Website of The Central Band of the Canadian Forces
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