Operational Conversion Unit
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An Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) is a unit within an air force whose role is to support preparation for the operational missions of a specific aircraft type by providing trained personnel. OCUs teach pilots how to fly an aircraft and which tactics best exploit the performance of their aircraft and its weapons. The Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force, among others, practice this method of training. The United States Navy calls its units in this role "Fleet Replacement Squadrons."
An example of an OCU is No. 29 Squadron RAF which was the second RAF squadron to receive the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Squadron is currently training pilots in order to establish an initial operational capability with the aircraft around 2006.
The Royal Australian Air Force has a number of OCUs. These include No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No. 6 Squadron and No. 292 Squadron. These units are responsible for converting aircrew to the F/A-18 Hornet, F-111 and P-3C Orion aircraft respectively.
[edit] See also
- Operational Evaluation Unit
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