Royal Canadian Air Force

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.^[1][3]

The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of 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, an independent service until 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.^[4] 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.

History

1920–1968

The Canadian Air Force (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.

1968–present

In 1968, under the Liberal 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 UAVs 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.^[5][6]

Aircraft

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.

Fixed wing

Airbus CC-150 Polaris

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

Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer introduced in 2000.

Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III

Four strategic airlifters delivered between 2007 and 2008 and based at 8 Wing Trenton, ON

Boeing ScanEagle

A miniature UAV, one leased for 9 months in 2008 pending a replacement of the CU-161.^[7]

Bombardier CC-144 Challenger

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

Entered service in 1962 as a basic and advanced jet trainer with 190 originally ordered, replaced by the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk in 2000. Twenty-four remain in service used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron "The Snowbirds".

DHC CC-115 Buffalo

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

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, MB

Lockheed CC-130 Hercules

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

Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American Lockheed P-3 Orion; entered service in 1980 and now based at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS

Lockheed CP-140A Arcturus

Four-engined search and rescue and fisheries & Arctic patrol aircraft based on the CP-140 Aurora. Three delivered in 1991.

Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules

Four-engined tactical airlifter on order to replace earlier Hercules variants. 17 to be delivered starting in 2010.^[8] 13 in service with remainder to be delivered by April 2012.^[9]

McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet

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.^[10] 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

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 JetRanger

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 Griffons.

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 206 JetRangers. Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks,armed with 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D Gatling gun on the both doors.^[11][12][13]

Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King

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 Labrador. 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

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.^[14]

Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone

Ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk. 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

• Two aircraft leased from Aero Support Canada Inc. Part of the Multi-Engine Utility Flight(MEUF) based at CFB Trenton. 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 Consulting for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB Bagotville; ex-Luftwaffe trainers

Hawker Hunter F.58

• Twelve civil aircraft are operated by Lortie Aviation, formerly Northern Lights. Based out of CFB Cold Lake;^[15] ex-Swiss Air Force jets

Mil Mi-17

• Medium-lift helicopters are leased from Skylink Aviation for transporting equipment and troops in the Balkans and Afghanistan.

Mil Mi-8

• Medium lift transport helicopters leased from SkyLink Aviation for use in Afghanistan.

IAI Heron

• 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 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-124 Sea King helicopters (to be replaced by the Cyclone).

Retired weapons

Structure in 2011

The Chief of the Air Staff, located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force. The Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, based in Winnipeg, is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 2 Canadian Air Division, established in June 2009, consists of training establishments.

There are 13 Wings across Canada, 11 operational and two used for training. 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 Canadian Air Division

1 Wing Kingston

Headquartered at CFB Kingston, 1 Wing provides airlift support of troops and equipment anywhere in the world. Its six tactical helicopter and training squadrons, operating the CH-146 Griffon helicopter, are spread out across Canada.

• 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Borden, ON)
• 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron (based out of CFB Gagetown, NB)
• 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Edmonton, AB)
• 427 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Petawawa, ON)
• 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of CFB Valcartier, QC)
• 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (based out of Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport, QC)

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.

• 414 Electronic Warfare Support Squadron (based out of Gatineau Airport, Quebec to operate the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet provided by Top Aces Consulting)
• 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron
• 439 Combat Support Squadron

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. Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR), north of the base, is the only tactical bombing range in Canada. The one million hectare (11,600 square km) range includes the Primrose Lake Evaluation Range, 4 Wing's primary test range.^[18]

• 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron
• 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron
• 417 Combat Support Squadron
• 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron

5 Wing Goose Bay

The site of NATO tactical low-level flight training in Canada, 5 Wing, located in Labrador, has permanent detachments of 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 is the home of 444 Combat Support Squadron and 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.

• 444 Combat Support Squadron

8 Wing Trenton

8 Wing is 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 Skyhawks Parachute Team with the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre.

• 8 Air Maintenance Squadron
• 412 Transport Squadron (based out of Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, ON)
• 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron
• 426 Transport Training Squadron
• 429 Transport Squadron
• 436 Transport Squadron
• 437 Transport Squadron
• Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre (CFAWC)

9 Wing Gander

Providing search and rescue (SAR) services to eastern Canada and the western Atlantic Ocean. SAR crews at 9 Wing Gander fly the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and are responsible for a huge area, covering the lower Arctic, Labrador, Newfoundland, the Maritimes and the North Atlantic from the shores of Newfoundland to 30° west.

• 103 Search and Rescue Squadron

12 Wing Shearwater

The centre of naval aviation in Canada, 12 Wing operates CH-124 Sea King helicopters, and supports the Royal Canadian Navy with helicopter air detachments for surface warships in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.

• 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron
• 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron
• 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron (based out of Victoria International Airport in Patricia Bay, BC)

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 SAR capabilities for the Maritimes, eastern Quebec and the eastern Arctic are provided by CH-149 Cormorant helicopters and CC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft.

• 404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron
• 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron
• 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron

17 Wing Winnipeg

Comprising three squadrons and six schools, 17 Wing also provides support to the Central Flying School, as well as headquarters and administration support for NORAD operations.

• 402 City of Winnipeg Squadron
• 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron
• 440 Transport Squadron (based out of Yellowknife, NT)

19 Wing Comox

Located on Vancouver Island, its Aurora crews provide surveillance of the Pacific Ocean and western and Arctic regions. The Buffalo and Cormorant crews are responsible for search and rescue in British Columbia, Yukon and the North Pacific Ocean. The base is also used for training fighter pilots in tactical procedures on nearby ranges.

• 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron
• 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron

22 Wing North Bay

22 Wing represents one of Canada's major contributions to the North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) agreement. Personnel watch over Canada's airspace 24 hours a day, using state-of-the-art sensors, computer and communications equipment.

2 Canadian Air Division

2 Canadian Air Division is commanded by Brigadier-General Martin Galvin.^[19]

15 Wing Moose Jaw

The site of the NATO Flying Training Program in Canada which is supported by 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School or 2CFFTS "The Big 2", 15 Wing is also home to the Snowbirds, the air force's aerobatic team.

• 431 Air Demonstration Squadron

16 Wing Borden

This base is the location of the largest training facility in the Canadian Forces. The airfield is most notably used for the bi-annual airshow. No. 16 Wing's schools offer air force technical training and professional development and is the historic birthplace of the RCAF. 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron is a lodger unit based at Borden's airfield.

Other units

Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing

• Air Wing Kandahar, Afghanistan (stood up 6 December 2008, flew first mission 6 January 2009). The organization is composed of four units:
  • Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan):
    • 6 – CH-147D Chinook heavy-lift helicopters
    • 8 – CH-146 Griffon tactical support helicopters – armed
    • (6 – Mi-8 medium-lift helicopters – see below)
  • Theatre Support Element
    • CC-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft;
  • Canadian Heron UAV Detachment
    • Heron unmanned aerial vehicle

As the tasking authority responsible for the Canadian Contracted Air Transport Unit, the Wing Commander provides advice, co-ordination and supervision over its six leased Mi-8 medium lift helicopters. The Air Wing has about 450 personnel, serving with the Theatre Support Element in the Persian Gulf region and the Tactical UAV Flight at Kandahar Airfield. The wing officially stood down on 18 August 2011.

Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering

The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE), located in Borden, Ontario delivers Aerospace Engineering Officers and conducts apprentice level training for various trades, including Avionics, Aviation, Aircraft Structures and Imagery technicians. The role of CFSATE is to provide the Air Force with qualified personnel to ensure Aircraft serviceability. CFSATE develops and carries out individual aerospace engineering training in accordance with approved doctrine and standards.^[20]

Former units

• 2 Wing Toronto – closed 1996; part of the base is now Land Force Central Area HQ
• 7 Wing Ottawa – closed 1995
• 18 Wing Edmonton: Located in Edmonton, Alberta it was the base for 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, 418 "City of Edmonton" Air Reserve Squadron, 435 Transport Squadron, 440 Transport and Rescue Squadron and 447 Transport Helicopter Squadron. It closed in 1994 and transferred to Land Force Command as army base CFB Edmonton

Rank structure

Commander-in-Chief

Officer rank structure

Non-commissioned member rank structure

Former officer rank structure (to 1968)

See also

• List of aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force
• Future Canadian Forces projects

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Milberry, Larry, ed. Sixty Years – The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. ISBN 0-9690703-4-9.

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
• Official Website of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band
• Official Website of The Central Band of the Canadian Forces