Air Command (Canada)

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Canadian Forces Air Command

History

Royal Canadian Air Force
Military History of Canada
Aircraft
CF-18 Hornet
CC-115 Buffalo
CH-124 Sea King
CC-130 Hercules
CP-140 Aurora
CH-146 Griffon
CH-148 Cyclone
CH-149 Cormorant
CC-150 Polaris
List of aircraft of the Canadian Air Force
Bases
List of Canadian Air Force bases

CF-18 off Hawaii

CH-124 Sea King

CC-115 Buffalo

Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM) is the air force element of the Canadian Forces. AIRCOM is the descendant of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), which was Canada's air force from its foundation in 1924 until February 1, 1968. Prior to 1924, the Royal Air Force provided air defence for Canada. After 1968, the RCAF was merged with the Army and the Royal Canadian Navy to form the Canadian Forces.

1 Mission
2 History
3 Aircraft inventory
- 3.1 Proposed Future Aircraft
4 Wings
5 Squadrons
6 Aircraft deployments
7 Command and Control
8 Personnel
9 References
10 External links
11 See also

[edit] Mission

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

[edit] History

For history before 1968, see Royal Canadian Air Force

The Air Force Roundel is based on that of the British Royal Air Force, with the central circle replaced by a maple leaf

Following unification on February 1, 1968, aircraft and bases of the RCAF and the Royal Canadian Navy (the Royal Canadian Naval Aviation Service), were scattered across several different commands of the newly unified forces.

Air Defence Command consisted primarily of former RCAF CF-101 Voodoo fighter-interceptor aircraft, as well as the radar networks of DEW Line, Mid-Canada Line and Pinetree Line early warning stations. Air Transport Command was responsible for strategic airlift and refueling aircraft, namely the CC-137 Husky, with the primary role being to transport ground troops from Mobile Command to and from distant conflict zones in Europe. Mobile Command itself was composed of former Canadian Army ground forces, as well as the army's tactical helicopters (CH-135 Twin Huey, CH-136 Kiowa, CH-147 Chinook, CH-113A Voyageur) and the RCAF's tactical and ground attack aircraft (CF-104 Starfighter). Maritime Command was transferred responsibility for the newly-formed Maritime Air Group, which operated aircraft in support of former RCN vessels, including CH-124 Sea King, CP-107 Argus, and the CP-121 Tracker, some of which operated from HMCS Bonaventure until that vessel's retirement in the early 1970s. Pilot and aircrew training were taken over by Training Command, which was responsible for trades training across all other commands in the armed forces.

On August 9, 1974 a CC-115 Buffalo of No. 116 Transport Unit operating on UN duties was shot down by a Syrian Surface-to-air missile killing all nine CF personnel on board. This represents the single biggest loss of Canadian lives on a UN mission as well as the last Canadian military aircraft to be shot down.

On September 2, 1975, the Canadian Forces saw a reorganization that merged all aircraft across all commands into a newly formed Air Command (AIRCOM). At this time, Air Defence Command and Air Transport Command were eliminated, and Training Command, Maritime Command, and Mobile Command (renamed Force Mobile Command) were realigned to reflect the new structure. AIRCOM was in-effect the modern rebirth of the RCAF as the new command would handle all the aviation requirements of Canada's military.

Duplication saw several base closings through the 1970s-1990s, largely as aircraft changes took place. The acquisition of the CF-18A/B Hornet tactical fighter bomber saw CF-104 Starfighter and CF-101 Voodoo fighter aircraft retired in the early-mid 1980s, along with a corresponding downturn in several bases which had been exclusively dedicated to these aircraft. The closures of CFB Chatham and CFB Baden Soellingen along with various bombing ranges and the retirement of the CF-116 fighter aircraft and Boeing 707 transport/refuelling aircraft saw AIRCOM retract to its present base and force structure.

AIRCOM also underwent significant changes in the late 1970s when the CP-107 Argus and CP-121 Tracker were replaced with the CP-140 Aurora/CP-140A Arcturus maritime patrol aircraft. The shift of east coast maritime patrol aircraft at the time of the Argus retirement to CFB Greenwood eventually saw CFB Summerside closed in the late 1980s.

After unification, all personnel in the Canadian Forces wore a dark-green uniform with only cap and collar badges (a modified version of the former RCAF crest) as distinguishing marks for pilots and aircrew. This uniform continued under the newly-formed AIRCOM from 1975 until the mid-1980s, when AIRCOM returned to blue-grey uniforms broadly similar to those of the former to the RCAF, though the army-derived ranks adopted upon unification were retained.

In the early 1990s, AIRCOM transport and utility helicopters in support of army operations were cut back and consolidated with the purchase of the CH-146 Griffon, replacing the CH-135 Twin Huey, CH-136 Kiowa, and CH-147 Chinook. The army continues to consider this a loss of capability, particularly with the loss of the heavy lift Chinooks.

Search and rescue squadrons have also seen new aircraft when the CH-149 Cormorant replaced the CH-113 Labrador beginning in 2002. The CC-115 Buffalo short takeoff and landing fixed wing aircraft are also being replaced in the 2000s with a dedicated STOL search and rescue aircraft.

Ship-borne anti-submarine helicopter squadrons are currently operating the 40-year old CH-124 Sea King with the new Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone beginning in 2008. The Cyclone is the proposed maritime version of the Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk.

In 2007 and 2008, 4 C-17 Globemaster III will be added to the inventory of the CAF.

[edit] Aircraft inventory

Aircraft	Country of Manufacture	Type	Canadian Designation	In Service Since^[1]	Notes
AgustaWestland EH101	United Kingdom Italy	Search and Rescue Helicopter	CH-149 Cormorant	15 - 1 aircraft lost in crash	Entered service in 2002; stationed at 9 Wing Gander, NL, 8 Wing Trenton, ON, 14 Wing Greenwood, NS and 19 Wing Comox, BC
Airbus A310	France Germany	Strategic Transport Tanker/Transport	CC-150 Polaris A310-300 MRTT	3 2	Originally ordered by Wardair, sold to Canadian Airlines and purchased by the military in 1992-1993; stationed at 8 Wing Trenton, ON
BAE Hawk	United Kingdom	Fighter Lead-in Trainer	CT-155 (Hawk 115)	12	Leased since 2000; stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB
Raytheon T-6 Texan II	United States	Trainer	CT-156 Harvard II	24	Leased since 2000; stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK
Bell 206	Canada	Utility Helicopter / Helicopter Trainer	CH-139 Jet Ranger	14	Ordered in 1981 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
Bell 412EP	Canada	Utility Transport Tactical Helicopter (UTTH)	CH-149 Griffon	85 - 2 lost in crashes	Order between 1995 to 1997; stationed at Bagotville, QC, Cold Lake, AB, Gagetown, NB, Valcartier, QC, Goose Bay, NL, Edmonton, AB, Petawawa, ON and Borden, ON; Also perform search and rescue duties
Boeing F/A-18 Hornet	United States	Fighter Fighter/Attack Fighter Lead-in Trainer	CF-188 total CF-188A CF-188B (2 seater)	80 62 18	138 total delivered between 1982-1988; stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, QC and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III	United States	Strategic Airlift	CC-177		4 to be delivered from 2007-2008
Bombardier Challenger 600, 601 & 604	Canada	Utility Transport VIP transport	CC-144	2 4	Ordered in 1982-1985 and 2002; Operated by 412(T) Sqn and based in Ottawa, but belong to 8 Wing Trenton (Utility Aircraft are Blue CL601's and VIP Aircraft are White: 1 CL600, 1 CL601 and 2 newer CL604's)
Canadair CT-114 Tutor	Canada	Jet Demostration Aircraft		25; 20 remaining	Entered service in 1962 as a basic and advanced jet trainer, replaced by the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk in 2000. Now used almost exclusively by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron "The Snowbirds"
de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo	Canada	Fixed Wing Search and Rescue	CC-115 Buffalo	6	Ordered in 1967 and will be retired once a replacement found; all six fly for 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn. at 19 Wing Comox, BC
de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter	Canada	Utility Transport	CC-138	4	Ordered in 1970; stationed at Yellowknife, NT
de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8	Canada	Aerial Navigation and Tactics Trainer	CT-142	4	Ordered in 1987 and 1989-90; operated by 402 "CIty of Winnepeg" Sqn and stationed at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB
Lockheed C-130 Hercules	United States	Tactical Transport / Fixed Wing Search and Rescue	CC-130 total CC-130E CC-130H CC-130H-30 KC-130H	32 19 4 2 6; 5 configured for air-to-air refueling	Ordered in 1960 to 1997; stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood, NS, 8 Wing Trenton, ON and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB
Lockheed P-3 Orion	United States	Maritime Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue and Fisheries & Arctic Patrol	CP-140A Arcturus	3	Ordered in 1991, were the last 3 P-3's to come off the Lockheed line in California
Lockheed P-3 Orion	United States	Maritime Patrol / Anti-submarine Aircraft	CP-140 Aurora	18	Ordered in 1980; stationed at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS
SAGEM Sperwer	France	Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance	CU-161	19
Sikorsky S-61 Sea King	United States	Ship-based Transport/Anti-submarine Helicopter	CH-124	27	Ordered from 1963 to 1969; to be replaced by Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk; stationed at 12 Wing Shearwater, NS and Patricia Bay, BC
Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk	United States	Ship-based Transport/Anti-submarine Helicopter	CH-148 Cyclone		28 to be delivered starting in 2008

[edit] Proposed Future Aircraft

Number	Builder	Model	Type	Dates
	Lockheed Martin	F-35 Lightning II	strike fighter
17^[2]	Lockheed Martin	C-130J Hercules	short-medium haul tactical lift aircraft	2010
16^[3]	Boeing Integrated Defense Systems	CH-47 Chinook	heavy lift helicopters	2009

Notes:

Canada has contributed $440 Million to the JSF program as a Tier III Partner^[4] but this does not commit Canada to purchasing the F-35 Lightning II.
The replacement for the current C-130E model Hercules is expected to be the C-130J model. Vendors have until August 8, 2006 to submit aircraft they believe meets the operational requirements.

[edit] Wings

5 Wing Goose Bay

3 Wing Bagotville

There are 13 Air Force Wings across Canada. 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.

1 Wing Kingston

The home of the CH-146 Griffon helicopter, 1 Wing provides airlift support of troops and equipment anywhere in the world. Its six tactical helicopter and training squadrons are spread out all across Canada.

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.

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.

5 Wing Goose Bay

The site of NATO tactical low-level flying training in Canada, 5 Wing located in Labrador, is home to permanent detachments from the German Luftwaffe, the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Italian Aeronautica Militare and temporary training deployments from the Royal Air Force (United Kingdom). 5 Wing also serves as a NORAD CF-18 Hornet deployed operating base and airfield supporting a mix of aviation activities, military and civilian, in eastern Canada.

8 Wing Trenton

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 world famous Skyhawks with the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre.

9 Wing Gander

The home of 103 Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadron providing full-time SAR services to eastern Canada. SAR crews at 9 Wing Gander fly the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and are responsible for a massive area, covering the lower Arctic, the Maritimes, Labrador and Newfoundland and all offshore waters in the region.

12 Wing Shearwater

The centre of naval aviation in Canada, 12 Wing is home of the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, and supports the Canadian Navy with up to nine helicopter air detachments for international and domestic operations.

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 search and rescue capabilities are maintained 365 days of the year.

15 Wing Moose Jaw

The site of the NATO Flying Training Program in Canada, 15 Wing is also home to the Snowbirds, the Air Forces' aerobatic team.

16 Wing Borden

The largest training Wing in the Canadian Forces, 16 Wing's schools offer air force technical training and professional development and is the "Birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force".

17 Wing Winnipeg

Comprised of three squadrons and six schools, 17 Wing also provides support to the Central Flying School.

19 Wing Comox

Located on Vancouver Island, its Aurora, Buffalo and Cormorant crews are responsible for surveillance and search and rescue over the Pacific Ocean and for training fighter pilots in tactical procedures.

22 Wing North Bay

Represents one of Canada's major contributions to the North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) agreement. From its underground complex at the Sector Air Operations Centre, technicians watch over Canada's airspace 24 hours a day, using state-of-the-art sensors, computer and communications equipment.

Former units includes:

2 Wing Toronto

6 Wing - information N/A

7 Wing Ottawa

10 Wing - information N/A

11 Wing - information N/A

13 Wing - information N/A

18 Wing Edmonton - information N/A

20 Wing - information N/A

21 Wing - information N/A

[edit] Squadrons

The following squadrons are currently active with the Canadian Forces and their assigned Wing.

12 Radar Squadron/12ième Escadron de radar - 3 Wing Bagotville
103 Search and Rescue Squadron - 9 Wing Gander
400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
402 Squadron Navigation School Squadron - 17 Wing Winnipeg
403 Squadron Helicopter Operational Training Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
404 Squadron Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron - 14 Wing Greenwood
405 Squadron Maritime Patrol Squadron - 14 Wing Greenwood
406 Squadron Maritime Operational Training Squadron - 12 Wing Shearwater
407 Squadron Maritime Patrol Squadron - 19 Wing Comox
408 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
409 Tactical Figther Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
410 Squadron Tactical Fighter Training Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
412 Squadron Transport Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
413 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 14 Wing Greenwood
416 Squadron Tactical Fighter Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
417 Squadron Combat Support Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
419 Squadron Tactical Fighter Training Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
423 Squadron Maritime Helicopter Squadron - 12 Wing Shearwater
424 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
425 Squadron Tactical Fighter Squadron - 3 Wing Bagotville
426 Squadron Transport Training Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
427 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
430 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
431 Squadron Air Demonstration Squadron - 15 Wing Moose Jaw
435 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 17 Wing Winnipeg
436 Squadron Transport Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
437 Squadron Transport Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
438 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
439 Squadron Combat Support Squadron - 3 Wing Bagotville
440 Squadron Transport Squadron - 17 Wing Winnipeg
441 Squadron Tactical Training Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
442 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 19 Wing Comox
443 Squadron Maritime Helicopter Squadron - 12 Wing Shearwater
444 Squadron Combat Support Squadron - 5 Wing Goose Bay

As part of a reorganization in 2005, three squadrons (415,433, and 429) were disbanded. 415 merged with 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron, 429 merged with 436 Transport Squadron and 433 merged with 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Further reorganization in 2006 will merge 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron -- the combined entity will be known as 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron.

[edit] Aircraft deployments

Maritime patrol aircraft are based at:

14 Wing Greenwood on the east coast
19 Wing Comox on the west coast

SAR squadrons are based at:

Transport and utility helicopters are based at:

Transport and VIP aircraft are based at:

Interceptor/tactical aircraft are based at:

with major low-level flying and bombing ranges for interceptor/tactical aircraft supported at 4 Wing Cold Lake and 5 Wing Goose Bay.

Maritime helicopters are based at:

[edit] Command and Control

The Commander of Air Command and the Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction for the Air Force.

The Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, MGen J.J.C. (Charlie) Bouchard, OMM, CD, is based in Winnipeg. He is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and world-wide.