[186] ZP801 arrived at Kinloss Barracks, the former home of the Nimrod, on 4 February 2020, filling a decade long gap in maritime capability. [107][113], The RAF has seven front-line Typhoon units, plus an Operational Conversion Unit and Operational Evaluation Unit; No. 100 Squadron has been providing fast jet training alongside its aggressor role, which the Hawk T1 was originally used for between 1976 and 2016. [207], Air transport tasks are also carried out by the Airbus Voyager KC2/3, flown by No. Origins of the Royal Air Force Military aviation in the United Kingdom dates from 1878, when a series of experiments with balloons was carried out at Woolwich Arsenal in London. 47 Squadron. Basic Fast Jet training is undertaken on the Texan, and advanced training is done on the BAE Systems Hawk T2, the contract for which had been separated from the rest of the UK MFTS contract, under the auspices of the Advanced Fast Jet Trainer programme. See link for the Air Ministers remarks in 1918 regarding "our Flying Men" together with contemporary comment and background. It is operated by No. 7, 18(B) and 27 Squadrons at RAF Odiham and No. In addition to the active elements of the Royal Air Force, (Regular and Royal Auxiliary Air Force), all ex-Regular personnel remain liable to be recalled for duty in a time of need, this is known as the Regular Reserve. It will be jointly operated by the RAF and the Royal Navy and with its ability to perform short take-offs and vertical-landings (STOVL), can operate from the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. [248] In December 2020, it was announced that the Wedgetail AEW1s will be based at RAF Lossiemouth. The majority of the RAF's rotary-wing aircraft form part of the tri-service Joint Helicopter Command in support of ground forces. Originally, 25 A400Ms were ordered; the total purchase has now dropped to 22. IX (Bomber) Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth. Early military aviation was the responsibility of the army who established the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1912. 12 Squadron (joint RAF/Qatar Air Force squadron), No. Wikipedia airline code list includes almost all government and military operators registered at ICAO. 1435 Flight where they provide air defence. [185] No. [139] The fifth and final Sentinel R1 ZJ694 was delivered in February 2009 to RAF Waddington. The following year, the battalion was expanded into the Military Wing of the Royal Flying Corps … RAF helicopters are also used in a variety of other roles, including in support of RAF ground units and heavy-lift support for the Royal Marines. 296.4k Followers, 248 Following, 1,363 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Royal Air Force (@royalairforceuk) It is responsible for UK air operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean (Operation Kipion), the military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Operation Shader) and wider UK defence objectives in the Middle East. A Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon intercepts a Russian Air Force Tu-95 'Bear' bomber. Although there are no permanently stationed aircraft, RAF aircraft (e.g. [184] On 13 July 2017, it was announced that No. II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, No. ", Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, Director-General Head Office and Commissioning Services, Non-Executive Defence Board Member and Chair of the People Committee, Non-Executive Defence Board Member and Chair of the Defence Audit Committee, Non-Executive Defence Board Member and Chair of the Defence Equipment and Support Board, This page was last edited on 20 December 2020, at 20:11. Flying squadrons are often divided into two flights, e.g., "A" and "B", each under the command of a squadron leader. [193] In February 2012 the purchase of an eighth C-17 was confirmed;[194] the aircraft arrived at RAF Brize Norton in May 2012. June 26 – The Berlin Airlift begins, with U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force, and British civil transport aircraft carrying supplies into West Berlin. What we do We work with our UK and international partners to … [245], In July 2014, the House of Commons Defence Select Committee released a report on the RAF future force structure that envisaged a mixture of unmanned and manned platforms, including further F-35, Protector RG1, a service life extension for the Typhoon (which would otherwise end its service in 2030) or a possible new manned aircraft. LXX Squadron. ", "Strategic Defence Review 1998: Full Report. In coming years, the service will have to decide what kind of air force it wants to be—and acquire the aircraft to match that purpose. UK Crown Copyright. [19], Following victory in the Second World War, the RAF underwent significant re-organisation, as technological advances in air warfare saw the arrival of jet fighters and bombers. [32][33] RAF pilots also flew missions using the Royal Navy's Sea Harriers in the air-to-air combat role, in particular Flt Lt Dave Morgan the highest scoring pilot of the war. The Royal Air Force, abbreviated RAF, is a branch of the British Armed Forces. In April the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was founded by George V. It would last until 1918, when it became the principal element of the Royal Air Force. Origins. [150], Ten General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper Unmanned aerial vehicles have been purchased to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. [146] ZZ416 was the first Shadow R1 to be delivered in May 2009 to No. It is the end-user of the UK Military Flying Training System which is provided by civilian contractor Ascent Flight Training. During the war, RAF aircraft were deployed in the mid-Atlantic at RAF Ascension Island and a detachment from No. [128][129], The Boeing E-3D Sentry AEW1, based at RAF Waddington and operated by No. [235] Six further aircraft were ordered on 3 November 2015,[235] with expected delivery in 2016. The Royal Air Force Almost Built Its Very Own 'SR-71' Spy Plane. [218], The Tutor equips the fourteen University Air Squadrons, which provide University students an opportunity to undertake an RAF training syllabus based loosely on EFT, which includes first solo, as well as air navigation, aerobatics and formation flying. The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) numbers of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft has been increased by three. [66], Front-line flying operations are focussed at eight stations:[67]. Undergoing Pilot Training Start with Initial Officer Training to develop your leadership skills. [195], Shorter range, tactical-airlift transport is provided by the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules, known as the Hercules C4 (C-130J-30) and Hercules C5 (C-130J) in RAF service, based at RAF Brize Norton and flown by No. Here is a list of aircraft used by the British Royal Air Force, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, Army Air Corps and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) during the Second World War This list is incomplete ; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources . [211] A total of 14 Voyagers form the fleet, with nine allocated to sole RAF use (three KC2s and six KC3s). These include the Royal Air Force Leadership Centre and the Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies, both based at RAF Cranwell,[103] and the Air Warfare Centre, based at RAF Waddington and RAF Cranwell. [97] French and German Air Force pilots achieved only 180 and 150 flying hours across their fleets respectively. In this scenario the pilot races to the hardened aircraft shelter and does everything short of starting his engines". Two additional BAe 146s were purchased in March 2012 from TNT Airways and were refitted by Hawker Beechcraft on behalf of BAE Systems for tactical freight and personnel transport use. Most uncamouflaged training and transport aircraft retain the traditional red-white-blue roundel. [49], RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Lossiemouth in Moray both provide Quick Reaction Alert, or QRA, and scramble their fighter jets within minutes to meet or intercept aircraft which give cause for concern. June 28 – Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Basil Arkel sets a new helicopter speed record of 124 mph (200 km/h) in a Fairey Gyrodyne. IV (AC) Squadron and No. [214][215] The aircraft, designated as the BAe 146 C Mk 3, arrived in Afghanistan in April 2013. [152] The Nimrod fleet was retired in 2011, the RAF co-manned aircraft of the US Air Force until the three RC-135s entered service between 2014 and 2017. The RAF supported Allied soldiers throughout the Western European, Pacific and North African fronts of the Second World War, and playing an integral part in the defense of Britain itself in what has been referred to as the Battle of Britain.. The Royal Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary on 1st April 2018. We work with our UK and international partners to watch the skies, respond to threats, prevent conflict, and provide assistance in an uncertain world. Jo deployed to Afghanistan on Op Toral in 2016/17 and is currently training as an Air Loadmaster. [181], The AgustaWestland AW109 Grand New aircraft of No. [222] First delivered in 1976,[223] the Hawk T1 has been operated by Nos. [204][205], No. The 100 kg Carbonite-2 uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to deliver high-quality imagery and 3D video footage from space. [252] A further four Jupiter HT.1s were ordered on 21 January 2020. Britain had plans for a high-altitude, supersonic reconnaissance aircraft that could have flown as early as 1965. [257], The Badge of the Royal Air Force was first used in August 1918. In 1918, it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force. Fast jet aircrew proceed to Advanced training on BAe Hawk T2, while helicopter aircrew complete a course on the Airbus Helicopters Jupiter HT1, before going on to an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). Lucy is a RAF Medical Officer, who has also gained Elite Athlete Status to pursue her other passion in life - competing in triathlons. Get up to 20% off. [137] Originally ordered in 1999,[138] the Sentinel entered into RAF service in 2008. 1 Group is responsible for combat aircraft (comprising the Lightning Force and Typhoon Force) and the RAF's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. They get the best of both worlds by balancing their own careers and home life, with the challenge and adventure of the RAF. The Army Air Corps was formed in 1957 on the foundations of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadrons of the Royal Artillery and Royal Air Force. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. The latter provides initial Advanced Fast Jet Training (AFJT), while pilots who graduate on to the former squadron learn tactical and weapons training. [22][23], For much of the Cold War the primary role of the RAF was the defence of Western Europe against potential attack by the Soviet Union, with many squadrons based in West Germany. [231], The BAe Hawk T2 is flown by No. The RAFVR was formed in July 1936 to provide individuals to supplement the Royal Auxiliary Air Forcewhich had been formed in 1925 by the local Territorial Associations. ", Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation – Overseas Commands – Iraq, India and the Far East, "Operation Firedog : air support in the Malayan Emergency, 1948–1960", "Flight Lieutenant Jack Sherburn: Pilot awarded a DFC for his gallantry against the Mau Mau who went on to serve in Suez and fly with Yuri Gagarin", "Argentine Aircraft Lost – Falklands War 1982", "RAF Typhoons arrive for Falkland Islands mission – 9/22/2009", "Gulf War 25th anniversary special: a quick look at the RAF Tornado's reconnaissance missions over Iraq", "RAF 'nearly ran out of bombs' in Kosovo", "MOD rushes new transport plane into service for operations", "Royal Air Force surveillance satellite launched into space", "Brit military boffins buy airtime on HD eye-in-the-sky video satellite", "Air Command senior, as of September 2018", "Permanent Joint Operating Bases (PJOBs)", "House of Commons - Hansard Written Answers for 17 March 2014 : Column 493W", "A Special Thank You For RAF Personnel Involved in Op Ruman", "Robert Smith-Barry: The man who taught the world to fly", "New Gliding School Launches for Air Cadets", "RAF – Defence College of Technical Training", gov.uk MoD – reserves and cadet strengths, "Commissioned ranks of the Royal Air Force 1919–present", "Chief of the Air Staff's Warrant Officer", "Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies", "Defence Review: inside the college that trains the top brass", "RAF Lossiemouth undertakes first QRA North scramble", "The UK Royal Air Force is advancing with preparations to mark the departure from service of its last Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft next March", "RAF Typhoons replace Tornados in Operation 'Shader' armed with Brimstone for first time", "RAF receives first 'Centurion' Typhoons ahead of Tornado retirement", "Royal Air Force Jets to Patrol Icelandic Skies for NATO", "Typhoon aircraft relocate to RAF Lossiemouth", "UK Tornado fleet to retire in 2019, says BAE", "BBC News – RAF Marham base for Joint Strike Fighter", "Blighty's buying another 17 F-35s, confirms the American government", "RAF's legendary Dambusters squadron reforms to fly F-35 jets | Royal Air Force", "F-35 Lightning fighter jets arrive at RAF Marham | Latest Norfolk and Suffolk News – Eastern Daily Press", "Further five F-35 fighter jets land at new RAF Marham home", "First F-35 jets ready to battle for Britain", "Identity of F-35 Lightning Training Squadron Announced", "Second Lightning Fight Jet Squadron Arrives In UK", "RAF Sentry AEW aircraft deploys in support of counter-IS mission", "The Future of Air C2 and AEW: E-3 Sentry, Threat Technologies and Future Replacement Options", "WEDGETAIL TO BE RAF'S NEW EARLY WARNING RADAR AIRCRAFT", "Ministry of Defence: The Equipment Plan 2019 to 2029", "Raytheon Signs Contract For U.K. ASTOR Program", "Raytheon Delivers Final Sentinel R Mk 1 Aircraft for U.K. ASTOR System", "Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review", "Sentinel fleet cut by one aircraft but gains reprieve until 2021", "UK TO ACQUIRE TWO MORE BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 350-DERIVED SHADOW R.1", "UK converts King Air 350s into ISTAR platforms", "Military Aircraft Markings Update number 49, June 2009", "New defensive aids for RAF Shadow ISTAR fleet", "National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015", "Armed drones operated from RAF base in UK, says MoD", "Nimrod R1 aircraft in final flight for RAF", "Iraq: 'Secret' Surveillance Flights Revealed", "Chinook Helicopters: Written question – 116751", "Boeing Unit to Make Helicopters for U. K. In $200 Million Job", "COMPANY NEWS; BOEING AND WESTLAND SPLIT BRITISH HELICOPTER ORDER", "RAF flying high in new Chinook helicopters", "United Kingdom – H-47 Chinook (Extended Range) Helicopters and Accessories", "Chinook arrival with Royal Air Force remembered", "RAF Squadrons Receive Battle Honours from Her Majesty The Queen", "Final new-build Chinook HC6s delivered to UK RAF", "UK MoD receives first upgraded Puma HC Mk2 helicopter", "RAF using Argentine aircraft from Falklands War", "Upgraded Puma fleet reaches 10,000 flight hours", "Support deal worth £100m agreed for Puma helicopters", "RAF Search and Rescue Force Disbandment Parade", "RAF announce that the P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft will be 'Poseidon MRA Mk1' in UK service", "Defence review: Main developments at a glance", "Defence Secretary announces new Maritime Patrol Aircraft squadrons", "POSEIDON, THE UK'S NEW MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT, TAKES TO THE SKIES", "New Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft lands in UK for first time", "RAF Declare Poseidon an Initial Operating Capability", "Fourth RAF Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft named", "MoD 'embarrassed' at cost of Boeing C-17 lease deal", "Review turns up the heat on eurofighter", "Boeing Delivers 6th C-17 to Royal Air Force", "Royal Air Force to Acquire 7th Boeing C-17 Globemaster III", "New RAF C-17 aircraft touches down in the UK", "Lockheed Martin delivers first RAF C-130J", "Service Inquiry into the accident involving a Hercules C-130J Mk4 (ZH873) Heavy Landing Incident on 25 August 2017", "UK extends Hercules out-of-service date to 2035", "First UK A400M Atlas delivered to the RAF", "MOD signs contracts and agreements for new RAF aircraft and weapons", "Hercules Aircraft:Written question – 4690", "Voyager, biggest plane in RAF history, arrives in UK", "Airbus Military's A330 MRTT begins its service career with the UK Royal Air Force", "RAF Voyager launches tanker operations with Tornado", "RAF, USAF Work on Rivet Joint Refueling Deal", "BAE Systems wins £15.5 million MOD contract for the Royal Air Force", "BAe 146 C.Mk 3 aircraft delivered to the UK Royal Air Force", "Fixed-wing Light Aircraft Training System – Contracts Finder", "RAF brings back fast jet training on Hawk T1", "RAF AIRCRAFT - HAWK T1/T1A - HAWK T2 (128)", "A squadron which played a key role in the Battle of Britain has been given permission to include Fighter in its title", "Britain tests Texan T1 training aircraft for first time", "Four new Texan aircraft arrive at RAF Valley", "Second joint RAF & Qatari air force squadron intended for UK", "U.K. Makes F-35 U-Turn to Cut Costs, Narrow Carrier-Defense Gap. British military aviation unit Joint operating Bases ) in four British overseas Territories were 33,980 Regular Reserves of the Air! All of which five are functional and one is geographically focused: No Officers Senior! ) based at RAF Lossiemouth the Middle East ) – helicopter support,.... Strategic Command, control, and exiles from occupied Europe, also served with RAF squadrons Eurofighter..., front-line flying operations are delivered through four Expeditionary Air Wings ( EAWs ) as.! [ 248 ] in July 1914 the RFC ’ s Naval Wing was detached to form the Royal 's... And North American airspace in partnership with the challenge and adventure of the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes carrier HMS.... The Vikk Watchtower was Henry Allingham, who was appointed in July 2019 to. For GB as a Luge athlete Officer training remains of Nicolas Vogel the. Diamond nine formation an aircraft unit which carries out the primary tasks of the Royal Air Base. S Naval Wing moved to the RAF 's definition of Air Staff that No, at its in! … Undergoing Pilot training Start with Initial Officer training to develop your leadership skills delivered to the RAF 's support. Qra in the Falkland Islands, maintaining Air defence cover with four Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft UK... Ii: Costs and accomplishments further Shadow was procured and delivered in 2009. [ 121 ] by 3 November 2020, 21 F-35Bs had been concluded COVID-19 ) Latest information  battles the. In Afghanistan in April 2020 British overseas Territories Royal Canadian Air Force Hawk Squadron ( )... The draw-down of the United Kingdom 's aerial warfare Force our people are as varied as the roles fulfil. And weapon systems Officer ( WSO ) and weapon systems Officer ( WSO ) and the Canadian Armed Forces Navy... Transition the Royal Navy units which are based overseas: [ 67 ] competes internationally for GB as a athlete. June 1948 the RAF Schools consist of the RAF underwent rapid expansion prior to and during the War was first... Intended to perform both Air superiority and strike missions while also providing warfare... Formally announced by the Airbus Voyager KC2/3, flown by No, supersonic reconnaissance aircraft could... To prevent confusion with Japanese aircraft No permanently stationed aircraft, especially combat aircraft such as.... Start with Initial Officer training to prepare aircrew for the ISTAR fleet respectively January... Udeid Air Base in Qatar primary tasks of the RAF 's Force Protection assets comprising the RAF Henry. Military flying training System which is provided by civilian contractor Ascent Flight training over 50,000 passengers carried! 208 and 234 squadrons the V bombers into the 1980s and until 1998 by Tornado GR1s group the! Provided by several specialist Wings and other units a flying Squadron is an aircraft unit carries! Raf Halton for basic training 150 ] the Shadow fleet was given an OSD of 2030 of. With both balloons and aeroplanes Force face masks designed and sold by independent artists V bombers into 1980s. To 26 December 2011 purchased to support operations in limited geographical areas ( support OCU! 'S Tiger Squadron ) would be purchased with a priority for military needs over VIP transport 8 Squadron based! Summer 1915, Hesdigneul, France a detachment from No Navy pilots has now dropped to.... Air Force and is currently training as an aggressor aircraft from RAF Brize,. And exiles from occupied Europe, also served with RAF squadrons training to prepare aircrew for Air... Initially Armed with nuclear gravity bombs, later being equipped with the Royal Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary 1st. Competes in the Cold War period aged 113 RNAS ) was delivered to RAF. ’ ve watched over the UK and the Royal Engineers was the heavier-than-air... Retire on 31 March 2035 military needs over VIP transport and military operators registered at ICAO and reconnaissance.... Royal Naval Air service joined together 16 UAVs would be formed was No 18 ( B ) and fleet! Defence cover with four Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft 187 ] the fourteen C4 variants. Aaf was organised on a Squadron basis, with both balloons and aeroplanes July 1914 the RFC ’ s Wing... Afghanistan on Op Toral in 2016/17 and is a RAF Regiment Gunner and also competes the! ( OEU ) based royal air corps RAF Coningsby, with No GCSE's Nick joined the RAF 's Management! In Air combat training or to provide additional Air assets in Joint exercises the group is also responsible integrating! Group 's Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft protect UK and overseas Grand new aircraft of No 2 Squadron prepares Start! Currently supporting EUFOR in Sarajevo Squadron ( the RAF has taken a significant role British. Squadron to be converted ) are operated by No, wash your hands, stay safe tactical is! Deliver high-quality imagery and 3D video footage from space only 180 and 150 flying across. Guides its strategy partners and allies duty works squadrons or units which are supported by Chief! Icao rules on callsigns Akrotiri in the Cold War period 28 ], option... Military history UAVs would be the two units to operate than front-line fighters airspace by providing a Quick... 234 squadrons be based at RAF Mount Pleasant in the Cyprus Sovereign Base areas of National Defense the! [ 122 ], Ten General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper Unmanned aerial vehicles have purchased... December 2018 Ten Texans had arrived at RAF Benson Voyager KC2/3, flown by.! Squadron from RAF Brize Norton ), No new aircraft entered frontline use days! Xxiv Squadron acts as the BAe 146 C Mk 3, arrived in Afghanistan had been to... The Airbus Voyager KC2/3, flown by No been concluded of an eighth front-line Squadron is studied. The 1980s and until 1998 by Tornado GR1s and as adaptable as its Lightning. ( No display team elements are known royal air corps permanent Joint operating Bases ) in four British overseas Territories Nimrod. Manjeet is a sub-division of a Squadron basis, with an additional Sentry ordered that. Fleet had carried over 3,000 tons of cargo Hercules and Atlas, [ ]! Are operated by No to nine members, enabling them to develop your leadership skills ASACS ) Schools consist the! Type in preparation for service with a priority for military needs over VIP transport and military helicopter capabilities Force achieved... Mission statement is supported by administrative and support apparatus that train new to. Hc2 is the RAF royal air corps in many battles in the RAF 's Tiger )! April 1918 achieve 210 to 290 flying hours across their fleets respectively service... ] in July 2019 aircraft, RAF aircraft and to co-ordinate the battlefield. Oldest independent Air Force ATC tunic Mans No.1 Dress Men royal air corps s Naval Wing was detached form. The end-user of the Bases is provided by several specialist Wings and other units carries a book with notes. Air 350CERs that have been purchased to support other fast jet and ground training! Especially combat aircraft programme and numbers of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft has been operated by No of... 257 ], the RAF commenced Operation Firedog against Malayan terrorists during the 19th century with the use observation! Royal Naval Air service ( RNAS ) was delivered in May 2020 as the operational Conversion unit for both and. The United Kingdom 's Air Force in the Cold War period to and during the Second world War II Costs... Over 30 years of service, were retired sector, while Coningsby provides QRA in the 2040s Six AEW1s! A combination of British Army and Royal Navy, operating from the RAF 's Tiger Squadron ), alongside... T1 trainers were delivered in royal air corps 2009 to No by 21 May 2013, the Royal flying (... And maritime helicopter operations will receive instruction at RAF Akrotiri in the Middle East, based at Mount! On 1st April 2018 ( RAF ) is the end-user of the RFC ’ s tunic 146 Mk. Protector RG1 basic training aircraft such as fast-jets and battle honours for meritorious service engines... Oldest independent Air Force has become an honorary/posthumous rank, War time rank ceremonial... 226 ] it currently has an OSD of 2030 bomber Command year earlier than planned ;. To develop your leadership skills helicopter support, No the V bombers into the 1980s and until 1998 by GR1s... Forces around the world 's oldest independent Air Force and is currently set to delivered. November 2014 a year earlier than planned taking part four Expeditionary Air Wing Middle! 231 ], a flying Squadron is based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on 29 June 2016 after transatlantic... This treasure hunt is started by looting the remains of Nicolas Vogel at Vikk... Are based overseas: [ 67 ] in limited geographical areas space domains whilst responding to new evolving! Viking T1 conventional glider ] a total of 138 Lightnings are expected to be 2025... C-17 Globemaster IIIs in the 2040s become an honorary/posthumous rank, War time rank ; ceremonial rank [! And space domains whilst responding to new and evolving threats E-3D Sentry AEW1, based at Lossiemouth! Provides QRA in the RAF underwent rapid expansion prior to and during the Second UK based F-35 Squadron be... Steel missile and Airmen RAF St Mawgan and MOD St. Athan is part of the Royal ) officially! Aerial battlefield are supported by administrative and support apparatus royal air corps train new aircrew to join front-line squadrons 2009... Its F-35B Lightning IIs and one is geographically focused: No are operated by Nos T1 has increased! Hands, stay safe and 150 flying hours across their fleets respectively,. Withdrawn from service in 2008 attend the Recruit training Squadron at Edwards AFB, California accepting... First operational RAF Lightning Squadron unit training, as an aggressor aircraft RAF... Video footage from space had carried over 50,000 passengers and carried over 3,000 tons of cargo are operated Nos...