No. 7 Squadron SLAF
Encyclopedia
No. 7 Helicopter Squadron is a squadron
of the Sri Lanka Air Force. It currently operates Bell 212s, Bell 206
s from SLAF Hingurakgoda
for troop transport, MEDEVAC
and training helicopter pilots.
was split into two Squadrons namely 401 and 402. No. 401 Squadron took charge of operational flying requirements and pilot training, and was located at SLAF Hingurakgoda with Bell 212 and Bell Jet Ranger helicopters in its fleet. It was later renamed as the No. 7 Squadron. No. 402 Squadron remained at SLAF Katunayake and flew Bell 412 and Bell Jet Rangers, largely catering to VIP movement. In 1995 Mil Mi-24
were temporarily attached to this squadron before forming their own No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron
.
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...
of the Sri Lanka Air Force. It currently operates Bell 212s, Bell 206
Bell 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...
s from SLAF Hingurakgoda
SLAF Hingurakgoda
SLAF Hingurakgoda is a Sri Lanka Air Force station located in Hingurakgoda, Sri Lanka.This base was an RAF airfield, RAF Minneriya during the World War II from 1942 to 1946, which was renovated and re-established by the Sri Lanka Air Force in 1978. It is also the fourth largest airport in Sri Lanka...
for troop transport, MEDEVAC
MEDEVAC
Medical evacuation, often termed Medevac or Medivac, is the timely and efficient movement and en route care provided by medical personnel to the wounded being evacuated from the battlefield or to injured patients being evacuated from the scene of an accident to receiving medical facilities using...
and training helicopter pilots.
History
In 1994, No. 4 Helicopter WingNo. 4 Squadron SLAF
No. 4 Helicopter Squadron is a squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force. It currently operates Bell 412s from SLAF Katunayake for VIP Air transport.-History:...
was split into two Squadrons namely 401 and 402. No. 401 Squadron took charge of operational flying requirements and pilot training, and was located at SLAF Hingurakgoda with Bell 212 and Bell Jet Ranger helicopters in its fleet. It was later renamed as the No. 7 Squadron. No. 402 Squadron remained at SLAF Katunayake and flew Bell 412 and Bell Jet Rangers, largely catering to VIP movement. In 1995 Mil Mi-24
Mil Mi-24
The Mil Mi-24 is a large helicopter gunship and attack helicopter and low-capacity troop transport with room for 8 passengers. It is produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and operated since 1972 by the Soviet Air Force, its successors, and by over thirty other nations.In NATO circles the export...
were temporarily attached to this squadron before forming their own No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron
No. 9 Squadron SLAF
No. 9 "Attack Helicopter" Squadron is a squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force. It currently operates the air force's fleet of Attack Helicopter of Mil Mi-24s & Mil Mi-35s from SLAF Hingurakgoda for Close Air Support...
.
Notable members
- Wg Cdr Wasantha Jayawardhane RSP,psc,qhi Commanding Officer
- Sqn Ldr Senarath Weerasekara BSc (Def Stu) Officer Commanding Maintenance
- Sqn Ldr Dhammika Dias WWV, RSP, qhi Officer Commanding Operations
- Sqn Ldr Dulip Hewawitharana BSc (Def Stu) Officer Commanding Training