Royal Air Force
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{{redirect|RAF}}
{{Infobox Military Unit
|unit_name= Royal Air Force
|image= [[Image:RAF logo.svg|275px|RAF logotype]]
|caption= <br>
|start_date= [[1 April]] [[1918]]
|country= [[United Kingdom]]
|allegiance=
|branch=
|type=
|role=
|size= 41,440 personnel<br>947 aircraft
|command_structure= [[British Armed Forces]]
|garrison= MOD Main Building, [[Whitehall]]
|garrison_label= Air Staff Offices
|equipment=
|equipment_label=
|nickname=
|motto= ''[[Per ardua ad astra|Per Ardua ad Astra]]'' <br> [[Latin]]:"Through struggle to the Stars" <ref>http://www.raf.mod.uk/links/faqs.cfm </ref>
|colors=
|colors_label=
|march= [[Royal Air Force March Past]]
|mascot=
|battles=
|anniversaries=
|decorations=
|battle_honours=
<!-- Commanders -->
|commander1= [[Glenn Torpy|Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy]]
|commander1_label= Chief of the Air Staff
|ceremonial_chief=
|ceremonial_chief_label=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|colonel_of_the_regiment_label=
|notable_commanders= [[Hugh Trenchard|Lord Trenchard]]<br>[[Charles Portal, 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford|Lord Portal]]
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol= [[Image:RAF Lowvis Army roundel.svg|75px]] [[Image:RAF roundel.svg|75px]]
|identification_symbol_label= Roundels
|identification_symbol_2= [[Image:RAF-Finflash-Noncombat.svg|50px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label= Fin flash
<!-- Aircraft -->
|aircraft_attack= [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado GR.4]], [[RAF Harrier II|Harrier]]
|aircraft_bomber=
|aircraft_electronic= [[E-3 Sentry]]
|aircraft_fighter= [[Panavia Tornado F3|Tornado F3]], [[Eurofighter Typhoon|Typhoon]]
|aircraft_interceptor= [[Eurofighter Typhoon|Typhoon]]
|aircraft_recon= [[Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|Nimrod R.1]], [[Raytheon Sentinel|Sentinel R1]], [[Britten-Norman Islander|Islander]], [[MQ-9 Reaper]]
|aircraft_patrol= [[Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|Nimrod MR.2]]
|aircraft_trainer= [[Grob G 115E|Tutor]], [[Shorts Tucano|Tucano]], [[BAe Hawk|Hawk]], [[Grob Vigilant|Vigilant]], [[G103 Twin II|Viking]], [[Eurocopter Ecureuil|Squirrel]], [[BAe 125|Dominie]], [[Beechcraft Super King Air|King Air]]
|aircraft_transport= [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]], [[C-130 Hercules|Hercules]], [[Vickers VC-10|VC-10]], [[Lockheed L-1011|Tristar]],
|aircraft_helicopter= [[AugustaWestland EH101|Merlin]], [[CH-47 Chinook|Chinook]], [[Westland Puma|Puma]], [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]]
}}
The '''Royal Air Force''' ('''RAF''') is the [[air force|air arm]] of the [[British Armed Forces]]. Formed on [[1 April]] [[1918]]<ref>[http://www.thehistorychannel.co.uk/site/this_day_in_history/this_day_April_1.php the.historychannel.co.uk] History Channel - 1st April founding of RAF</ref> the RAF has taken a significant role in [[British military history]] ever since, playing a large part in [[World War II]] and in more recent conflicts. The RAF operates 853 aircraft and, as of [[31 March]] [[2008]], has a projected trained strength of 41,440 regular personnel.<ref>http://www.raf.mod.uk/currentoperations/newstructure.cfm RAF new structure as of 31 March 2008</ref>The majority of the RAF's aircraft and personnel are based in the [[United Kingdom]] with many others serving on operations (principally [[Operation Telic|Iraq]], Middle East, Balkans and [[Operation Herrick|Afghanistan]]) or at long-established overseas bases (notably the [[Military of the Falkland Islands|Falkland Islands]], Qatar, Germany and [[British Forces Cyprus|Cyprus]]).
The RAF celebrated its 90th birthday with a [[flypast]] of the [[Red Arrows]] and four [[Eurofighter Typhoon|Typhoon]]s over many RAF Stations and Central London on [[1 April]] [[2008]].<ref>[[BBC]], [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7324754.stm Your Pictures: RAF Flypast]</ref>
==Mission==
The RAF's mission is to support the objectives of the British [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence (MoD)]], which are to "provide the capabilities needed: to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and overseas territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government’s foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security."<ref>Defence Analytical Services Agency [http://www.dasa.mod.uk/natstats/ukds/2005/glossary.html The MOD Mission]</ref>
==History==
{{main|History of the Royal Air Force}}
[[Image:raf.memorial.london.arp.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Royal Air Force Memorial]] on the [[Victoria Embankment]], London, commemorating RAF personnel killed in the two world wars]]While the British were not the first to make use of heavier-than-air military aircraft, the RAF is the world's oldest air force of any significant size to become independent of army or navy control. It was founded on [[1 April]] [[1918]], during the [[First World War]], by the amalgamation of the [[Royal Flying Corps]] and the [[Royal Naval Air Service]]. After the war, the service was cut drastically and its inter-war years were relatively quiet, with the RAF taking responsibility for [[RAF Iraq Command|the control of Iraq]] and executing a number of minor actions in other parts of the [[British Empire]].
[[Image:Spitfire banks.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Supermarine Spitfire]] was vital towards the RAF's victory during [[Battle of Britain]].]]
The RAF underwent rapid expansion prior to and during the [[Second World War]]. Under the [[British Commonwealth Air Training Plan]] of December 1939, the air forces of [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]] countries trained and formed "[[Article XV squadrons]]" for service with RAF formations. Many individual personnel from these countries, and exiles from [[occupied Europe]], also served with RAF squadrons.
In the [[Battle of Britain]], in the late summer of 1940, the RAF defended the skies over Britain against the German [[Luftwaffe]], helping foil [[Hitler]]'s [[Operation Sealion|plans for an invasion]] of the [[United Kingdom]], and prompting Prime Minister [[Winston Churchill]] to say in the House of Commons on [[August 20]], "[[Never was so much owed by so many to so few|Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"]].<ref>[http://www.winstonchurchill.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=420 The Churchill Centre - Speeches & Quotes]</ref>
The largest RAF effort during the war was the [[strategic bombing]] campaign against Germany by [[RAF Bomber Command|Bomber Command]]. While RAF bombing of Germany began almost immediately upon the outbreak of war, under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal [[Arthur Travers Harris|Harris]], these attacks became increasingly devastating from 1942 onward as new technology and greater numbers of superior aircraft became available. Controversially, the RAF adopted a policy of night-time [[area bombing]] that saw raids on German cities such as [[Bombing of Hamburg in World War II|Hamburg]] and [[Bombing of Dresden|Dresden]]. Other units, however, developed precision bombing techniques for specific operations, such as the [[Operation Chastise|"Dambusters" raid]] by [[No. 617 Squadron RAF|No. 617 Squadron]] <ref> Paul Brickhill ''"The Dambusters"'' </ref>
During the [[Cold War]] years the main role of the RAF was the defence of the continent of [[Europe]] against potential attack by the [[Soviet Union]], including holding the [[Nuclear weapons and the United Kingdom|UK's nuclear deterrent]] for a number of years. Since the end of the Cold War, several large scale operations have been undertaken by the RAF, including the [[Kosovo War]], the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|2001 invasion of Afghanistan]] and the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]].
==Structure of the RAF==
{{command structure
|name= Royal Air Force
|subordinate=
<br>
* [[Air Force Board]]
** [[RAF Air Command|Air Command]]
*** [[No. 1 Group RAF|1 Group]]
*** [[No. 2 Group RAF|2 Group]]
*** [[No. 22 Group RAF|22 Group]]
}}
The professional head of the RAF is the [[Chief of the Air Staff (United Kingdom)|Chief of the Air Staff]] (CAS), [[Air Chief Marshal]] Sir [[Glenn Torpy]]. The CAS heads the [[Air Force Board]], which is a committee of the [[Defence Council of the United Kingdom|Defence Council]]. The Air Force Board is the management board of the RAF and consists of the Commander-in-Chief of [[RAF Air Command|Air Command]], together with several other high ranking officers. The CAS also has a deputy known as the [[Assistant Chief of the Air Staff]] (ACAS); this post is held by [[Air Vice-Marshal]] [[Timo Anderson|T M Anderson]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/structure/acas.cfm |title=Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (ACAS) |accessdate=2008-03-18 |date=2008 |work=Royal Air Force web site |publisher=Royal Air Force}}</ref>
===Commands===
{{main|List of Royal Air Force commands}}
Authority is delegated from the Air Force Board to the RAF's [[Command (military formation)|commands]]. While there were once individual commands responsible for bombers, fighters, training, etc, only one command now exists:
* [[RAF Air Command|Air Command]] — Headquarters at [[RAF High Wycombe]] — responsible for the operation of all of the RAF.
{{RAF}}
===Groups===
{{main|List of Royal Air Force groups}}
[[Group (air force)|Groups]] are the subdivisions of operational commands; these are responsible for certain types of operation or for operations in limited geographical areas. As from [[1 April]] [[2007]], three groups exist:
*[[No. 1 Group RAF|1 Group]] — the Air Combat Group — controls the RAF's combat fast jet aircraft, including [[Joint Force Harrier]], and has seven airfields in the UK in addition to [[RAF Unit Goose Bay]] in Canada, which is used extensively as an operational training base.
*[[No. 2 Group RAF|2 Group]] — the Air Combat Support Group — controls the strategic and tactical air transport aircraft, the [[RAF Regiment]], the RAF's [[Aerial refueling|air-to-air refuelling]] aircraft as well as [[Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance|ISTAR]] and [[search and rescue]] assets.
*[[No. 22 Group RAF|22 Group]] — responsible for personnel selection, training and management.
In addition, [[No. 83 Group RAF]] is active in the Middle East, supporting operations over Iraq and Afghanistan.
===Stations===
{{main|RAF station}}
An [[RAF station]] is ordinarily subordinate to a group and it is administratively sub-divided into wings. Since the mid to late 1930s RAF stations have controlled a number of flying squadrons or other units at one location by means of a station headquarters.
===Wings===
{{main|List of Royal Air Force Wings}}
A [[Wing (air force unit)|wing]] is either a sub-division of a group acting independently or an administrative sub-division of an RAF station.
Independent Wings are a grouping of two or more squadrons, either flying squadrons or ground support squadrons. In former times, numbered flying wings have existed, but more recently they have only been created when required. For example during [[Operation Telic]], [[Tornado GR4|Tornado]] wings were formed to operate from [[Ali Al Salem Air Base|Ali Al Salem]] and [[Al Udeid Air Base|Al Udeid]] air bases; each of these were made up of aircraft and crews from several squadrons.
On [[31 March]] [[2006]], the RAF formed nine [[Expeditionary Air Wing]]s (EAWs) in order to support operations. They have been established at the nine main operating bases; [[RAF Coningsby]], [[RAF Cottesmore]], [[RAF Kinloss]], [[RAF Leeming]], [[RAF Leuchars]], [[RAF Lossiemouth]], [[RAF Lyneham]], [[RAF Marham]] and [[RAF Waddington]] numbered 121,122,325,135,125,140,38,138 and 34 eaw respectively. These units are commanded by a [[group captain]] who is also the parent unit's Station Commander. The EAW comprises the non-formed unit elements of the station that are required to support a deployed operating base, i.e. the command and control, logistics and administration functions amongst others. They are designed to be flexible and quickly adaptable for differing operations. They are independent of flying squadrons, Air Combat Support Units (ACSU) and Air Combat Service Support Units (ACSSU) who are attached to the EAW depending on the task it has been assigned. <ref>www.raf.mod.uk 31 March 2006. [http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/org_grpsnstns.html Command Structure].</ref>
A wing is also an administrative sub-division of an RAF station. Historically, for a flying station these were normally Operations Wing, Engineering Wing and Administration Wing and each wing was commanded by an officer of [[wing commander (rank)|wing commander]] rank.
===Squadrons===
{{main|List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons}}
A flying squadron is an aircraft unit which carries out the primary tasks of the RAF. RAF squadrons are somewhat analogous to the regiments of the British Army in that they have histories and traditions going back to their formation, regardless of where they are based, which aircraft they are operating, etc. They can be awarded [[flag|standards]] and [[RAF battle honours|battle honours]] for meritorious service. Whilst every squadron is different, most flying squadrons are commanded by a [[Wing Commander (rank)|wing commander]] and, for a fast-jet squadron, have an establishment of around 100 personnel and 12 aircraft, but 16 aircraft for Tornado F3 Squadrons.
The term [[squadron]] can be used to refer to a sub-unit of an administrative wing or small RAF station, e.g. Air Traffic Control Squadron, Personnel Management Squadron etc. There are also Ground Support Squadrons, e.g. 2 (Mechanical Transport) Squadron. Administrative squadrons are normally commanded by a [[squadron leader]].
===Flights===
A [[Flight (military unit)|flight]] is a sub-division of a squadron. Flying squadrons are often divided into two flights, each under the command of a [[squadron leader]]; administrative squadrons on a station are also divided into flights and these flights are commanded by a [[junior officer]], often a [[flight lieutenant]].
There are several flying units formed as flights rather than squadrons, due to their small size.
{{seealso|List of Royal Air Force independent flights}}
==RAF Personnel==
In 2007 the RAF employed 40,370 active duty personnel , 1,450 [[RAF Volunteer Reserve]]s and 3,400 regular reservists <ref>{{cite web|title= rmedforces.co|url=http://www.armedforces.co.uk/mod/listings/l0013.html}}</ref>. At its height during the Second World War, in excess of 1,000,000 personnel were serving at any one time. The only founding member of the RAF still living is [[Henry Allingham]] at age 112. <ref>BBC News [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/5044206.stm Fly-past for Britain's oldest man]</ref>
{{seealso|List of Royal Air Force members|Comparative military ranks}}
===Officers===
{{main|RAF officer ranks}}
Officers hold a [[commissioned officer|commission]] from the [[British monarchy|Sovereign]], which provides the legal authority for them to issue orders to subordinates. The commission of a regular officer is granted after successfully completing the 32-week-long Initial Officer Training course at the [[RAF College Cranwell|RAF College, Cranwell]], [[Lincolnshire]]. Other officers also train at RAF Cranwell, but on different courses, such as professionally qualified officers.
The titles and insignia of RAF officers were chiefly derived from those used by the [[Royal Navy]], specifically the [[Royal Naval Air Service]] (RNAS) during [[World War I]]. For example, the rank of [[Squadron Leader]] derived its name from the RNAS rank of Squadron Commander. RAF officers fall into three categories: [[Air Officer|air officers]], senior officers and [[junior officer]]s.
===Other ranks===
{{main|RAF other ranks}}
Other ranks attend the Recruit Training Squadron at [[RAF Halton]] for basic training, with the exception of the [[RAF Regiment]], which trains its recruits at [[RAF Honington]].
The titles and insignia of other ranks in the RAF was based on that of the [[British Army|Army]], with some alterations in terminology. Over the years, this structure has seen significant changes, for example there was once a separate system for those in technical trades and the ranks of [[Chief Technician]] and [[Junior Technician]] continue to be held only by personnel in technical trades. RAF other ranks fall into four categories: Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and Airmen.
===Branches and Trades===
* All [[aviator|pilots]] and weapon systems officers (formerly known as [[flight officer|navigator]]s) in the RAF are commissioned officers on the General Duties List.
* Non-commissioned aircrew fulfil the specialist roles of air engineer (E), air electronics operator (AEOp), air loadmaster (ALM) and air signaller (S). Though they are now known collectively as weapon systems operators, individual trade specialisations remain.
The majority of the members of the RAF serve in support roles on the ground.
* Officers and Gunners in the [[RAF Regiment]] defend RAF airfields from attack. They have [[infantry]] and light armoured units to protect against ground attack.
* The [[Royal Air Force Police|RAF Police]] are the [[military police]] of the RAF and are located wherever the RAF is located. Unlike the UK [[British Police|Civil Police]], the RAF Police are armed as needed.
* [[Intelligence Officers]] and Analysts of the [[RAF Intelligence]] Branch support all operational activities by providing timely and accurate indicators and warnings. They conduct [[military intelligence]] fusion and analysis by conducting imagery and communications analysis, targeting, and assessment of the enemies' capabilities and intent.
* [[Engineering Officer]]s and technicians are employed to maintain and repair the equipment used by the RAF. This includes routine preparation for flight and maintenance on aircraft, as well as deeper level repair work on aircraft systems, IT systems, ground based radar, vehicles, ground support equipment, etc.
* [[Fighter Controller]]s (FC) and [[Air traffic controllers|Air Traffic Controllers]] (ATC) control RAF and NATO aircraft from the ground. The FC control the interception of enemy aircraft while the ATC provide air traffic services at RAF stations and to the majority of en-route military aircraft in UK airspace.
* Administrative officers and associated trades are involved with training management, physical education, catering, infrastructure management, accounts, dress and discipline, personnel and recruitment.
* Royal Air Force chaplains are trained by the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre at [[Amport House]].
* The Royal Air Force Medical Branch provides healthcare at home and on deployed operations, including aeromedical evacuation services. Medical officers are the doctors of the RAF and have specialist expertise in aviation medicine to support aircrew and their protective equipment. Medical officers can go on aeromedical evacuations, providing vital assistance on search-and-rescue missions or emergency relief flights worldwide.
*The [[RAF Legal Branch]] provides legal advice on discipline / criminal law and operations law.
===Specialist Training and Education===
The Royal Air Force operates several units and centers for the provision of non-generic training and education. These include the Royal Air Force Leadership Centre and the [[Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies]], both based at RAF Cranwell, and the [[Air Warfare Centre]], based at RAF Waddington and [[RAF Cranwell]]. NCO training and developmental courses occur at [[RAF Halton]] and officer courses occur at the [[Joint Services Command and Staff College]] at Shrivenham.
==Aircraft==
{{see|List of aircraft of the RAF}}
{{see|List of active United Kingdom military aircraft}}
The [[British military aircraft designation systems|code]] which follows each aircraft's name describes the role of the variant. For example, the Tornado F3 is designated as a fighter by the 'F', and is the third variant of the type to be produced.
===Strike, attack and offensive support aircraft===
The mainstay of the offensive support fleet is the [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado GR4]]. This supersonic aircraft can carry a wide range of weaponry, including [[Storm Shadow]] cruise missiles, laser-guided bombs and the [[ALARM missile|ALARM anti-radar missile]].
The Tornado is supplemented by the [[BAE Harrier II|Harrier GR7/GR7A]] which is used in the strike and [[close air support]] roles, and to counter enemy air defences. The Harrier is being upgraded to GR9/GR9A standard with newer systems and more powerful engines. The Harrier GR9 was formally accepted into RAF service in late September 2006.
The [[Eurofighter Typhoon variants#Typhoon F2|Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4]], has from June 2008 achieved the required standard for multi-role operational deployment. <ref>AirForcesMonthly.August 2008.p9</ref>
===Air defence and airborne early warning aircraft===
The [[Panavia Tornado ADV|Tornado F3]] and [[Eurofighter Typhoon variants#Typhoon F2|Eurofighter Typhoon F2]] are the RAF's air defence fighter aircraft, based at [[RAF Leuchars]], [[RAF Leeming]] and [[RAF Coningsby]] respectively. Their task is to defend the UK’s airspace. In October 2007 it was announced that [[MoD Boscombe Down| RAF Boscombe Down]] will become a quick reaction alert airbase from early 2008, offering around the clock fighter coverage for the South and South West of UK airspace. <ref>''[http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/display.var.1792468.0.air_base_in_front_line_fullyarmed.php Air base in front line fully-armed]'' - ''[[Salisbury Journal]]'', Monday 29 October 2007</ref>
The Tornado, in service in the air defence role since the late 1980s, is being replaced by the [[Eurofighter Typhoon variants#Typhoon F2|Eurofighter Typhoon F2]], based at [[RAF Coningsby]]. The RAF's second operational Typhoon unit, [[No. 11 Squadron RAF|11 Sqn]], reformed on [[29 March]] [[2007]], joining [[No. 3 Squadron RAF|3 Sqn]], also based at [[RAF Coningsby]].
The [[E-3 Sentry|Sentry AEW1]] provides airborne early warning to detect incoming enemy aircraft and to co-ordinate the aerial battlefield. Both the Sentry and the Tornado F3 have been involved in recent operations including over [[Iraq]] and the [[Balkans]].
===Reconnaissance aircraft===
The [[RAF Tornado GR4A|Tornado GR4A]] is fitted with cameras and sensors in the visual, infra-red and radar ranges of the spectrum.
The [[Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|Nimrod R1]] provides electronic and signals intelligence.
The new [[Raytheon Sentinel|Sentinel R1]] (also know as ASTOR - Airborne STand-Off Radar) provides a ground radar-surveillance platform based on the Bombardier Global Express long range business jet.
A pair of [[MQ-9 Reaper]] [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]s have been purchased to support operations in Iraq and [[Afghanistan]]. They are operated by [[No. 39 Squadron RAF]]. A third MQ-9 is in the process of being purchased.<ref>[[Air Forces Monthly]], [[December 2007]] issue, p.6.</ref>
===Search and rescue aircraft===
Three squadrons of helicopters exist with the primary role of military search and rescue; the rescuing of aircrew who have ejected or crash-landed their aircraft. These are [[No. 22 Squadron RAF|22 Sqn]] and [[No. 202 Squadron RAF|202 Sqn]] with the [[Westland Sea King|Sea King HAR.3/HAR3A]] in the UK and [[No. 84 Squadron RAF|84 Sqn]] with the [[Bell 412| Griffin HAR2]] in [[Cyprus]].
Although established with a primary role of military search and rescue, most of their operational missions are spent in their secondary role of conducting civil search and rescue; that is, the rescue of civilians from at sea, on mountains and other locations.
Both rescue roles are shared with the Sea King helicopters of the Royal Navy's [[Fleet Air Arm]], while the civil search and rescue role is also shared with the helicopters of [[Her Majesty's Coastguard|HM Coastguard]].
The [[Operational Conversion Unit]] is 203(Reserve) Squadron RAF based at [[RAF St. Mawgan]], equipped with the Sea King HAR3.
The related [[Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service (United Kingdom)|Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Service]] comprises four teams of trained mountaineers stationed in the mainland United Kingdom, first established in 1943.
===Maritime patrol===
The [[Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|Nimrod MR2]]'s primary role is that of [[Anti-Submarine Warfare]] and [[Anti-Surface Warfare|Anti-Surface Unit Warfare]].
The [[Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|Nimrod MR2]] is additionally used in a [[Search and Rescue]] role, where its long range and communications facilities allow it to co-ordinate rescues by acting as a link between rescue helicopters, ships and shore bases. It can also drop pods containing life rafts and survival supplies to people in the sea.
The Nimrod MR2 will be replaced from 2009 by 12 Nimrod MRA4 aircraft.
===Support helicopters===
An important part of the work of the RAF is to support the [[British Army]] by ferrying troops and equipment at the battlefield. However, RAF helicopters are also used in a variety of other roles, including support of RAF ground units and heavy-lift support for the [[Royal Marines]]. The support helicopters are organised into the tri-service [[Joint Helicopter Command]] (JHC), along with helicopters of the [[British Army]] and [[Royal Navy]].
The large twin-rotor [[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Chinook HC2/HC2A]], based at [[RAF Odiham]] provides heavy-lift support and is supported by the [[AgustaWestland EH101|Merlin HC3]] and the smaller [[Westland Puma|Puma HC1]] medium-lift helicopters, based at [[RAF Benson]] and [[RAF Aldergrove]].
It was announced in March 2007 that the RAF will take delivery of six additional [[AgustaWestland EH101|Merlins]]. The aircraft were originally ordered by [[Denmark]] and six new aircraft will be built for Denmark. It was also announced that eight [[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Chinook HC3s]], that are in storage, will be modified for the battlefield support role.
===Transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft===
Having replaced the former Queen's Flight in 1995, [[No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron RAF|32 (The Royal) Squadron]] uses the [[BAe 125|BAe 125 CC3]], [[Agusta A109]] and [[BAe 146|BAe 146 CC2]] in the VIP transport role, based at [[RAF Northolt]], just west of [[London]].
More routine, strategic airlift transport tasks are carried out by the [[Lockheed L-1011|Tristar]]s and [[Vickers VC10|VC10]]s based at [[RAF Brize Norton]], for passengers and cargo, and for air-to-air refuelling of other aircraft.
Shorter range, tactical-airlift transport is provided by the [[C-130 Hercules]], the fleet including both older K-model and new J-model aircraft, based at [[RAF Lyneham]] in [[Wiltshire]].
The RAF has leased four [[C-17 Globemaster III]]s from [[Boeing]] to provide a heavy, strategic airlift capability. These will be purchased, as well a fifth C-17 delivered on [[April 7]], [[2008]]. A sixth aircraft, which the MoD announced would bolster operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, [http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-18433174.htm]
is due to be delivered on [[3 June]], [[2008]]. The new aircraft will enter frontline use within days rather than weeks. The MoD has said "there is a stated departmental requirement for eight" C-17s which means the next two would be delivered before mid-2009 when the Globemaster production line may be closed.
===Training aircraft===
Elementary flying training is conducted on the [[Grob Tutor|Tutor T1]]. The Tutor is also used, along with the [[Grob|Viking T1]] and [[Grob|Vigilant T1]] gliders, to provide air experience training and basic pilot training for [[Air Cadet Organisation|air cadets]].
Basic pilot training for fixed-wing and helicopter pilots is provided on the [[Short Tucano|Tucano T1]] and [[Eurocopter Ecureuil|Squirrel HT1]], while weapon systems officer and weapon systems operator training is conducted in the [[British Aerospace BAe 125|Dominie T1]].
Advanced flying training for fast-jet, helicopter and multi-engine pilots is provided using the [[BAE Hawk|Hawk T1]], [[Bell 412|Griffin HT1]] and [[Beechcraft Super King Air|B200 King Air]] respectively. At the more advanced stage in training, variants of front-line aircraft have been adapted for operational conversion of trained pilots; these include the [[BAE Harrier II|Harrier T10]] and [[Eurofighter Typhoon|Typhoon T1]].
===Future aircraft===
{{seealso|Future of the Royal Air Force}}
[[Image:F35test edit.jpg|thumb|right|The RAF is planning to order 138 [[F-35]]s]]
The RAF is planning for the introduction of new aircraft. These include:
*The [[Airbus A400M]], of which 25 are to be used to replace the remaining Hercules C-130Ks.<ref>[http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/a400m.cfm Royal Air Force - A400M]</ref>
*An enhanced version of the [[CH-47 Chinook|Chinook]], the [[RAF Chinook#HC.3|HC3]], with improved avionics and increased range for [[special forces]] missions, was ordered in 1995. Due to technical and [[project management]] problems, these aircraft have not yet entered service, but are now due to be downgraded to Support Helicopter configuration and deployed by 2009.
*The [[Hawker Siddeley Hawk|Hawk 128]] will replace the existing Hawks in service; the newer model being more similar in equipment and performance to modern front line aircraft.
*The ageing aerial refuelling fleet of VC10s and Tristars will be replaced with the [[Airbus A330 MRTT]] under the [[Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft]] programme.
*The [[F-35 Joint Strike Fighter|Joint Combat Aircraft]] (the British designation for the [[F-35 Lightning II]]) will replace the Harrier GR7 and GR9.
==Gallery of current Royal Air Force aircraft==
<Gallery>
Image:Eurofighter-1.jpg|[[Eurofighter Typhoon|Typhoon T1]]
Image:Tornado GR4s, 617 Squadron 2006.jpg|[[Panavia Tornado ADV|Tornado GR4]]
Image:Limage f3amraam leuchars.jpg|[[Panavia Tornado|Tornado F3]]
Image:Harrier.gr7a.zd431.arp.jpg|[[Harrier GR7]]
Image:Boeing.e3-d.sentry.takeoff.arp.jpg|[[E-3 Sentry]]
Image:ZJ517.jpg|[[Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod|BAE Nimrod MRA4]]
Image:RAYTHEON ASTOR.jpg|[[Raytheon Sentinel|Raytheon Sentinel R1]]
Image:MQ-9 Reaper in flight (2007).jpg|[[MQ-9 Reaper]]
Image:Zj128-merlin.jpg|[[AgustaWestland Merlin]]
Image:Chinook.hc2.za677.arp.jpg|[[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Boeing Chinook HC2]]
Image:Aerospatiale.puma.hc1.fairford.arp.jpg|[[Aerospatiale Puma]]
Image:Sea.king.northdevon.arp.750pix.jpg|[[Westland Sea King|Westland Sea King HAR3A]]
Image:RAF RAAF USAF C-17s 2007.jpg|[[C-17 Globemaster III]]
Image:Raf.hercules.c-130k.c3.arp.jpg|[[C-130 Hercules]]
Image:Tristar threequarters arp.jpg|[[Lockheed L-1011|Lockheed Tristar K1]]
Image:VC10 Royal Air Force.jpg|[[Vickers VC-10]]
</gallery>
==RAF deployments==
{| border=1 style="border-collapse: collapse;"
|- bgcolor=cccccc
!Country!!Dates!!Deployment!!Details
|-[[iraq & Afganistan]] || 2001-ongoing08 || war on terror ||
| [[Indonesia]] || 2005 || Support and transport || RAF dispatched to South East Asia following the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]] disaster to provide aid relief support
|-
| [[Lithuania]] || 2004 || [[Baltic Air Policing]] || 4 Tornado F3 for a 3 months rotation under NATO monitoring mission
|-
| [[Afghanistan]] || 2001– || [[Operation Veritas]] || Chinooks provided airlift support to coalition forces. Since late 2004 six Harriers have provided reconnaissance and close air support to the [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]].
|-
| [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] || 1995– || Various helicopters || RAF enforced no-fly zones over the Balkans in the late 1990s and participated in the NATO interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo. Today, RAF helicopters remain to provide support to the [[United Nations]].
|-
| [[Middle East]] || 1990– || Various || RAF fighters based in [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Kuwait]] prior to and during the 1990 [[Gulf War]], and later to enforce no-fly zones over [[Iraq]]. Following the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]] and the occupation of southern Iraq by British Forces, the RAF is deployed at [[Basra]]. [[Support Helicopter|SH]] is provided in Iraq by [[AgustaWestland EH101|Merlin]], [[Puma]] and [[Chinook]]
|-
| [[Falkland Islands]] || 1984– || [[RAF Mount Pleasant]] || Built after the [[Falklands War]] to allow a fighter and transport facility on the islands, and to strengthen the defence capacity of the British Forces. A detachment of RAF Regiment provides anti-aircraft support.
|-
| [[Ascension Island]] || 1981– || [[Ascension Island Base]]
||Used as an air bridge between the UK and the [[Falkland Islands]]. [[United States Air Force]] also stationed at this base.
|-
| [[Norway]] || 1960s– || [[Bardufoss Air Station]] || RAF fighter and/or helicopter squadrons undergo winter-training here most years.
|-
| [[Cyprus]] <br> [[Malta]] || 1956 || [[RAF Akrotiri]]<br>[[RAF Nicosia]]<br>[[RAF Luqa]]<br>[[RAF Hal Far]] || [[Operation Musketeer (1956)|Operation Musketeer]] also known as the [[Suez crisis]].
|-
| [[Kenya]] || 1953-1955 || [[RAF Eastleigh]] || Anti-[[Mau Mau]] operations by Avro Lincoln squadrons
|-
| [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]] || 1948-1960 || [[RAF Tengah]]<br>[[RAF Butterworth]] || Operation ''Firedog''
|-
| [[West Germany]] || 1948-1949 || Various || Originally Operation Knicker and Carter-Paterson became ''Operation Plainfare'' (supporting the [[Berlin Airlift]])
|-
| [[Canada]] || 1940s– || [[RAF Unit Goose Bay, Canada]] || RAF aircraft train in low-level tactical flying at [[CFB Goose Bay]], a [[NATO]] air force base of the [[Canadian Forces Air Command|Canadian Air Force]].
|-
| [[Gibraltar]] || 1940s– || [[RAF Gibraltar]] || No permanently stationed aircraft. RAF aircraft, e.g. Hercules transports, make regular visits.
|}
<ref>www.raf.mod.uk [http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/deplex.html Deployments]</ref>
==Symbols, flags, emblems and uniform==
[[Image:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|thumb|right|[[Royal Air Force Ensign]]]]
{{see|Royal Air Force roundels}}
{{see|Royal Air Force uniform}}
Following the tradition of the other British fighting services, the RAF has adopted symbols to represent it and act as a rallying point for its members.
The [[Royal Air Force Ensign|RAF Ensign]] is flown from the flagstaff on every RAF station during daylight hours. The design was approved by [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] in 1921, after much opposition from the [[Admiralty]], who have the right to approve or veto any flag flown ashore or on board ship.
British aircraft in the early stages of the [[First World War]] carried the [[Union Flag]] as an identifying feature, however this was easy to confuse with Germany's [[Iron Cross]] motif. Therefore in October 1914 the French system of three concentric rings was adopted, with the colours reversed to a red disc surrounded by a white ring and an outer blue ring. The relative sizes of the rings have changed over the years and during World War II an outer yellow ring was added. Aircraft serving in the [[Far East]] during World War II had the red disc removed to prevent confusion with [[Japan]]ese aircraft. Since the 1970s, camouflaged aircraft carry low-visibility roundels, either red and blue on dark camouflage, or washed-out pink and light blue on light colours. Most uncamouflaged training and transport aircraft retain the traditional red-white-blue roundel.
[[Image:Raf-600.jpg||thumb|175px|left|Badge of the Royal Air Force]]
The [[Latin]] motto of the RAF, "[[Per ardua ad astra|Per Ardua ad Astra]]", is usually translated as "Through Adversity to the Stars"<ref>''[http://www.theheraldrysociety.com/publications/gazette/2005-Sep.pdf Cranwell Heraldry Part One: The Royal Air Force Badge]'' - ''[[The Heraldry Gazette|The Heraldry Society]]'', September 2005</ref><ref>Air Ministry Orders A.666/49, 15 September 1949</ref>. The choice of motto is attributed to a junior officer by the name of J S Yule, in response to a request from a Commander of the [[Royal Flying Corps|RFC]], [[Frederick Sykes|Colonel Sykes]], for suggestions.
The [[Heraldic badge|Badge]] of the Royal Air Force was first used in August 1918. In [[Heraldry|heraldic]] terms it is: "In front of a circle inscribed with the motto Per Ardua Ad Astra and ensigned by the Imperial Crown an eagle volant and affronty Head lowered and to the sinister."<ref>Air Ministry Orders A.666/49, 15 September 1949</ref> It was registered at the [[College of Arms]] on 26 January 1923.<ref>''[http://www.theheraldrysociety.com/publications/gazette/2005-Sep.pdf Cranwell Heraldry Part One: The Royal Air Force Badge]'' - ''[[The Heraldry Gazette|The Heraldry Society]]'', September 2005</ref> It was based on a design by a [[tailor]] at [[Gieves & Hawkes|Gieves Ltd]] of [[Savile Row]], although the original had an albatross rather than the eagle.{{Fact|date=November 2007}}
Since 2006 the RAF has adopted a new official [[logotype]], shown at the top of this article. The logotype is used on all correspondence and publicity material, and aims to provide the service with a single, universally-recognizable brand identity.
==See also==
{{commonscat|Royal Air Force}}
{{commonscat|Aircraft of the air force of the United Kingdom}}
{{Portal|Royal Air Force|Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|65}}
* [[List of RAF stations]]
* [[Air Training Corps]] (Air Cadets)
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
::[[Fleet Air Arm]] of the [[Royal Navy]]
* Royal Air Forces of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]]:
** The [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) began as '''Australian Flying Corps''', then '''Australian Air Force'''
** The [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] (RMAF)
** The [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] (RNZAF) - began as '''New Zealand Permanent Air Force'''
** The [[Royal Brunei Air Force]] (RBAF) - began as Air Wing of the [[Royal Brunei Armed Forces|Royal Brunei Malay Regiment]]
** The [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF) - started as '''Royal Flying Corps of Canada''', then as '''Canadian Air Force'''
::''Note: In 1968 the RCAF was amalgamated with the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] (RCN) and [[Canadian Army]] to form initially the Canadian Armed Forces, then the [[Canadian Forces]] (CF) as the [[Canadian Forces Air Command]]''
*Non-Commonwealth Royal Air Forces
** The [[Royal Danish Air Force]] (RDAF)
** The [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]] (RNlAF)
** The [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] (RNoAF)
** The [[Royal Saudi Air Force]] (RSAF)
** The [[Royal Thai Air Force]] (RTAF)
** The [[Royal Air Force of Oman]] (RAFO)
==References==
<!--See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref(erences/)> tags-->
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://www.raf.mod.uk/ RAF Homepage]
** [http://www.raf.mod.uk/history RAF History]
** [http://www.raf.mod.uk/links.cfm RAF Links]
** [http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers RAF Careers Homepage]
* [http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/ RAF Museum]
* [http://www.rafweb.org/ Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation]
{{Royal Air Force}}
{{United Kingdom Ministry of Defence}}
{{European topic
|title = Air Forces in Europe
|suffix = _Air_Force
|countries_only=yes |UK_only=yes
}}
[[Category:Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)| ]]
[[Category:Military of the United Kingdom| ]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force| ]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1918]]
[[Category:Air forces by country|United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Organisations based in the United Kingdom with royal patronage]]
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