What is the primary flying unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF)?

The primary flying unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF) is the squadron. These units are the fundamental organizational structure for RAF aircraft operations.

When was the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed, and what historical air services were incorporated into it?

The Royal Air Force (RAF) was formed on April 1, 1918, during the First World War. It incorporated squadrons from the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

How do some squadrons indicate their role or tradition in their numbering?

Some squadrons use a tradition of presenting their number in Roman numerals or add a suffix to their squadron number, such as '(F)' for Fighter, '(B)' for Bomber, or '(AC)' for Army Co-operation, to denote a past or present role.

What is the current aircraft operated by No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron and No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron?

Both No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron and No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron currently operate the Typhoon FGR4 aircraft.

Which RAF squadron is equipped with the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft?

No. 8 Squadron is equipped with the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, which is used for airborne early warning and control.

What aircraft are operated by No. 7, No. 18, and No. 27 Squadrons?

No. 7, No. 18, and No. 27 Squadrons all operate the Boeing Chinook helicopter, specifically the HC5, HC6, and HC6A variants.

What is the role of No. 17 and No. 41 squadrons within the RAF?

No. 17 Squadron and No. 41 Squadron both serve as Test and Evaluation Squadrons, operating the F-35B Lightning and Typhoon FGR4/T3 respectively.

What aircraft are used by No. 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron?

No. 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron operates the C-17 Globemaster and the Atlas C1 as an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).

What was the historical significance of the squadron numbers 67 through 71 during World War I?

During World War I, squadron numbers 67, 68, 69, and 71 were administratively used for units of the Australian Flying Corps to avoid confusion with similarly numbered British flying squadrons. Since World War II, these numbers have been used by RAF units, though No. 70 (LXX) Squadron has always been designated for RFC/RAF units.

Which squadrons were formed by volunteers from occupied European countries during World War II?

Squadrons in the 300–352 series were staffed during World War II by volunteers from occupied European countries. These included Polish, Czechoslovak, Dutch, French, Norwegian, Greek, Belgian, and Yugoslavian squadrons.

What were the 'Eagle Squadrons' composed of, and which numbers were they assigned?

The 'Eagle Squadrons' were composed of volunteers from the United States during World War II. They were assigned the numbers No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron, No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron, and No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron.

What was the purpose of Article XV squadrons formed under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan?

Under Article XV of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, air forces from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand formed squadrons for service under RAF operational control. These squadrons often had new formations, though some had existed prior to Article XV and were already operational.

Which Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) squadrons are listed as Article XV squadrons?

The RCAF squadrons listed as Article XV squadrons range from No. 400 to No. 443, including squadrons like 401 (Ram), 408 (Goose), and 410 (Cougar).

Which Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadrons are listed as Article XV squadrons?

The RAAF squadrons listed as Article XV squadrons range from No. 450 to No. 467, including squadrons such as No. 450 Squadron RAAF, No. 451 Squadron RAAF, and No. 466 Squadron RAAF.

Which Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) squadrons are listed as Article XV squadrons?

The RNZAF squadrons listed as Article XV squadrons are No. 485, No. 486, No. 487, No. 488, No. 489, and No. 490.

What is the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF)?

The Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) consists of squadrons that were initially formed as 'Special Reserve' units but were later absorbed into the RAuxAF. These squadrons often have territorial designations.

Which Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) squadrons are currently active?

Currently active RAuxAF squadrons mentioned include No. 501 (County of Gloucester), No. 502 (Ulster), No. 504 (County of Nottingham), and No. 505 (Wessex).

What aircraft does the famous No. 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) currently operate?

No. 617 Squadron, historically known as 'The Dambusters,' currently operates the F-35B Lightning aircraft.

What was the purpose of Air Observation Post (AOP) squadrons?

Air Observation Post (AOP) squadrons were formed during World War II to conduct artillery spotting and liaison roles in cooperation with Army units. Most of their aircrew were provided by the Army.

Which AOP squadrons were transferred to the Army Air Corps?

Nos. 651, 652, and 656 Squadrons were transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1957.

What aircraft do the current Royal Air Force (RAF) University Air Squadrons (UAS) operate?

All current RAF University Air Squadrons (UAS) operate the Tutor T1 training aircraft, having previously used the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1.

What is the function of Air Experience Flights (AEF)?

Air Experience Flights (AEF) are co-located with University Air Squadrons and utilize the Tutor T1 training aircraft. Their purpose is to provide flying experience, often to cadets and potential recruits.

What aircraft do the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) currently operate?

The currently active Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS), under 2 Flying Training School (2FTS), operate the Viking T1, which is a winch-launched sailplane glider.

What is the purpose of Independent Flights within the RAF?

The RAF maintains Independent Flights for various purposes, some on a permanent basis and others on an ad-hoc basis. Historically, some were alphabetically named, and currently active ones include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) and flights operating specialized aircraft like Chinooks and Typhoons.

What happens to Squadron Standards when a squadron is disbanded?

When a squadron disbands, its Standard (a ceremonial flag) may be 'laid up' in a place of worship or at RAF College Cranwell. Standards laid up in places of worship cannot be reactivated, but those at Cranwell have the potential for future reactivation.

What are squadron codes in the Royal Air Force?

Squadron codes are typically two alphabetical characters painted on RAF aircraft, usually on the rear fuselage next to the roundel. They serve as a primary means of identifying a unit's aircraft and are often used in conjunction with a single-letter call sign.

How were squadron numbers in the 200 series established?

Squadrons in the 200 series were primarily formed from former Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) squadrons. Their numbers were typically created by adding 200 to the original RNAS squadron number, and independent RNAS flights were also grouped into these numbered squadrons.

What were Training Depot Stations (TDS) used for in the early RAF?

Training Depot Stations (TDS) were utilized in the early years of the Royal Air Force, following its formation in 1918. They played a role in training new personnel, with various TDS units listed from the period of 1917-1919.

What is the significance of the 700 and 800 series squadron numbers?

The 700 and 800 series squadron numbers were used for Fleet Air Arm (FAA) squadrons while they were under the control of the Royal Air Force. These numbers continued to be used by the Royal Navy for newly formed Royal Naval Air Squadrons after the FAA transferred to the Royal Navy in 1939.

What was the purpose of the 'Operation Saracen' and 'Operation Banquet' plans?

Operation Saracen and Operation Banquet were plans formulated in 1940 to re-form Operational Training Units (OTUs) into squadrons in the event of a German invasion. Some reserve squadron numbers were used by their respective OTUs for operational tasks until at least May 1944.

What is the role of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF)?

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is an independent flight based at RAF Coningsby. It maintains and operates historic Second World War aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, and a Lancaster bomber, for display and commemoration.

What is the typical format of RAF squadron codes?

Historically, RAF squadron codes have generally been two letters of the alphabet, painted on the rear fuselage of aircraft. These codes are used to identify the specific unit operating the aircraft.

How did Commonwealth squadrons' codes differ from RAF squadrons' codes during WWII?

During World War II, when Commonwealth squadrons were attached to the RAF, their squadron codes were often changed to avoid confusion with existing RAF units. This was particularly true for the 'Article XV squadrons' (also known as '400 series squadrons').

What aircraft does No. 13 Squadron operate?

No. 13 Squadron operates the MQ-9A Reaper, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Which squadron is responsible for testing drone swarm technology?

No. 216 Squadron is involved in testing drone swarm technology.

What is the current role of No. 56 Squadron?

No. 56 (Punjab) Squadron is currently involved in Air Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) testing and evaluation.

What aircraft does No. 45 Squadron operate?

No. 45 Squadron operates the Phenom T1 aircraft, which is used for training.

Which squadrons are associated with the training of pilots on the Hawk T2?

No. 4 Squadron and No. 25 (Fighter) Squadron are associated with the training of pilots on the Hawk T2 aircraft.

What is the purpose of the RAF's 'Other Squadrons' category?

The 'Other Squadrons' category in the RAF encompasses units that fulfill special duties, experimental tasks, or one-off assignments, rather than standard operational roles. These squadrons are often not assigned a numerical designation.

What was the 'Air Council Inspection Squadron'?

The 'Air Council Inspection Squadron' operated from 1918 to 1920 and was later re-designated as No. 24 Squadron. It likely served a role in inspecting or evaluating RAF operations and equipment.

What is the significance of the 'Dormant Squadrons' mentioned in the article?

Dormant Squadrons are those whose Standards (ceremonial flags) have been laid up, typically at RAF College Cranwell. These squadrons retain the potential for reactivation in the future, preserving their heritage.

What aircraft did No. 100 Squadron previously operate before its standard was laid up?

Before its standard was laid up, No. 100 Squadron operated the Hawk T1 aircraft.

What aircraft did No. 15 Squadron previously operate?

No. XV Squadron previously operated the Tornado GR4 aircraft.

What is the role of No. 51 Squadron?

No. 51 Squadron operates the RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft, which is used for electronic intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.

Which squadrons are responsible for operating the Voyager KC2/KC3 aircraft?

No. 10 Squadron and No. 101 Squadron are responsible for operating the Voyager KC2/KC3 aircraft, which serves as an air-to-air refuelling and strategic transport aircraft.

What is the purpose of No. 54 Squadron's current role?

No. 54 Squadron currently serves as an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) for the RC-135W Rivet Joint and Shadow R1/R1A aircraft, training aircrew on these platforms.

What aircraft does No. 30 Squadron operate?

No. 30 Squadron operates the Atlas C1 aircraft, which is a large military transport aircraft.

What aircraft does No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron operate?

No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron operates the Envoy IV CC1 (a VIP transport jet) and the AW109SP GrandNew helicopter.

What is the function of No. 78 Squadron?

No. 78 Squadron is associated with the London Area Control Centre, playing a role in air traffic management and control.

What aircraft does No. 120 Squadron operate?

No. 120 Squadron operates the Poseidon MRA1 aircraft, which is a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

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RAF Squadron Overview

The Core Unit

Squadrons represent the fundamental flying units within the Royal Air Force (RAF). This includes units that originated from the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) upon the RAF's formation on 1 April 1918. The structure also encompasses squadrons from Commonwealth air forces that served within the RAF framework, as well as Fleet Air Arm squadrons prior to their transfer to the Royal Navy in 1939.

Numbering Traditions

Some squadrons maintain traditions of presenting their numbers in Roman numerals or using suffixes (e.g., '(F)' for Fighter, '(B)' for Bomber) to denote their historical or current roles. While these practices have been subject to deprecation, they persist in certain long-standing units, particularly those numbered 1 through 20. Disbanded squadrons may 'lay up' their standards at locations like RAF Cranwell or places of worship, preserving their heritage.

Reserve and Training Designations

Flying training units and operational evaluation squadrons have often carried '(Reserve)' designations. The policy for this was rescinded in February 2018. Additionally, some squadron numbers have been historically associated with specific locations or roles, reflecting their origins or primary functions.

Regular Squadrons (Nos. 1–299)

The backbone of the RAF's operational and training capabilities are its numbered squadrons. Many of these units have a long and distinguished history, tracing their lineage back to the early days of military aviation.

Active Frontline Units

The following are examples of currently active squadrons, often equipped with modern frontline aircraft:

No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron – Typhoon FGR4
No. II (Army Cooperation) Squadron – Typhoon FGR4
No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron – Typhoon FGR4
No. 6 Squadron – Typhoon FGR4
No. 7 Squadron – Chinook HC6A
No. 10 Squadron – Voyager KC2/KC3
No. 12 Squadron – Typhoon FGR4/T3
No. 29 Squadron – Typhoon FGR4/T3 (OCU)
No. 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron – Typhoon FGR4/T3

No. 51 Squadron – RC-135W Rivet Joint
No. 54 Squadron – RC-135W Rivet Joint / Shadow R1 (OCU)
No. 56 (Punjab) Squadron – Air Command & Control ISR
No. LVII Squadron – Prefect T1
No. 60 Squadron – Juno HT1
No. 70 Squadron – Atlas C1
No. 72 Squadron – Texan T1
No. 78 Squadron – London Area Control Centre
No. 80 Squadron – Reprogramming Laboratory
No. 84 Squadron – Puma HC2
No. 92 Squadron – Tactics and Training
No. 99 (Madras Presidency) Squadron – C-17 Globemaster
No. 101 Squadron – Voyager KC2/KC3
No. 120 Squadron – Poseidon MRA1
No. 201 Squadron – Poseidon MRA1
No. 207 Squadron – F-35B Lightning (OCU)
No. 216 Squadron – Drone swarm technology testing
No. 230 Squadron – Puma HC2
No. 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) – F-35B Lightning

Historical Significance

Many squadrons, while currently inactive, played pivotal roles in major conflicts and the development of air power. Their history is preserved through standards and unit records, representing a rich heritage within the RAF.

No. 5 Squadron (Army Cooperation) – Sentinel R1
No. 15 Squadron – Tornado GR4
No. 39 Squadron – MQ-9A Reaper
No. 111 Squadron – Tornado F3
No. 50 Squadron – Vulcan B.2/K.2
No. 74 Squadron – Hawk T1
No. 44 Squadron – Vulcan B.2

Commonwealth Squadrons (Article XV)

During World War II, under Article XV of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, air forces from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand formed squadrons that operated under RAF control. These units often retained their national identities while contributing significantly to Allied air operations.

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Numerous RCAF squadrons served with distinction within the RAF structure. Examples include:

400 (City of Toronto)
401 (Ram)
408 (Goose)
410 (Cougar)
427 (Lion)
430 (City of Sudbury)

402 (City of Winnipeg)
403 (Wolf)
404 (Buffalo)
405 (Vancouver)
406 (Lynx)
407 (Demon)
409 (Nighthawk)
412 (Falcon)
413 (Tusker)
414 (Sarnia Imperials)
415 (Swordfish)
416 (City of Oshawa)
417 (City of Windsor)
418 (City of Edmonton)
419 (Moose)
420 (Snowy Owl)
421 (Red Indian)
422 (Flying Yachtsman)
423 (Bald Eagle)
424 (Tiger)
425 (Alouette)
426 (Thunderbird)
428 (Ghost)
429 (Bison)
431 (Iroquois)
432 (Leaside)
433 (Porcupine)
434 (Bluenose)
435 (Chinthe)
436 (Elephant)
437 (Husky)
438 (Wildcat)
439 (Westmount)
440 (City of Ottawa and Beaver)
441 (Silver Fox)
442 (Caribou)
443 (Hornet)

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

RAAF squadrons formed under Article XV included:

No. 450 Squadron RAAF
No. 451 Squadron RAAF
No. 452 Squadron RAAF
No. 453 Squadron RAAF
No. 454 Squadron RAAF
No. 455 Squadron RAAF
No. 456 Squadron RAAF
No. 457 Squadron RAAF
No. 458 Squadron RAAF
No. 459 Squadron RAAF
No. 460 Squadron RAAF
No. 461 Squadron RAAF
No. 462 Squadron RAAF
No. 463 Squadron RAAF
No. 464 Squadron RAAF
No. 466 Squadron RAAF
No. 467 Squadron RAAF

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

RNZAF squadrons attached to the RAF during WWII:

No. 485 Squadron RNZAF
No. 486 Squadron RNZAF
No. 487 Squadron RNZAF
No. 488 Squadron RNZAF
No. 489 Squadron RNZAF
No. 490 Squadron RNZAF

Foreign National Squadrons

During World War II, the RAF also hosted squadrons formed by personnel from various Allied nations, contributing to the collective war effort.

Polish Squadrons

A significant number of Polish squadrons operated under RAF command, flying various aircraft types. Notable examples include:

No. 300 "Land of Masovia" Polish Bomber Squadron
No. 303 "Kosciuszko" Polish Fighter Squadron
No. 307 "City of Lwów" Polish Fighter Squadron
No. 315 "City of Dęblin" Polish Fighter Squadron
No. 316 "City of Warsaw" Polish Fighter Squadron
No. 317 "City of Wilno" Polish Fighter Squadron
No. 318 "City of Gdańsk" Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron

Czechoslovak Squadrons

Czechoslovak pilots and aircrew formed their own squadrons within the RAF:

No. 310 (Czechoslovak) Squadron
No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron
No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron
No. 313 (Czechoslovak) Squadron

Dutch Squadrons

The Royal Netherlands Air Force contributed squadrons to the RAF effort:

No. 320 (Netherlands) Squadron
No. 321 (Netherlands) Squadron
No. 322 (Dutch) Squadron

French Squadrons

Free French Air Force units operated under RAF command:

No. 326 (GC 2/7 Nice)
No. 327 (GC 1/3 Corse)
No. 328 (GC 1/7 Provence)
No. 329 (GC 1/2 Cigognes)
No. 340 (GC 4/2 Ile de France)
No. 341 (GC 3/2 Alsace)
No. 342 (GB 1/20 Lorraine)
No. 346 (GB 2/23 Guyenne)
No. 347 (GB 1/25 Tunisie)

Greek Squadrons

Greek units also served under RAF operational control:

No. 335 Squadron
No. 336 Squadron

Yugoslav Squadrons

Yugoslav personnel formed squadrons within the RAF:

No. 351 (Jugoslav) Squadron
No. 352 (Jugoslav) Squadron

Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF)

The Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) comprises volunteer reserve units that support the RAF's operations. These squadrons often have distinct regional affiliations.

RAuxAF Squadrons

Examples of RAuxAF squadrons include:

No. 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron
No. 502 (Ulster) Squadron
No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron
No. 601 (County of London) Squadron
No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron
No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron
No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron
No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron
No. 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron
No. 612 (County of Aberdeen) Squadron
No. 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron
No. 616 (South Yorkshire) Squadron

Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Squadrons

Historically, the Fleet Air Arm operated squadrons under RAF control before its transfer to the Royal Navy in 1939. These squadrons, numbered in the 700 and 800 ranges, were integral to naval aviation.

Naval Aviation Units

Examples of FAA squadrons that served under the RAF:

No. 712 Squadron
No. 715 Squadron
No. 718 Squadron
No. 800 Squadron
No. 801 Squadron
No. 802 Squadron
No. 803 Squadron
No. 810 Squadron
No. 811 Squadron
No. 812 Squadron
No. 813 Squadron
No. 814 Squadron
No. 820 Squadron
No. 821 Squadron
No. 822 Squadron
No. 823 Squadron
No. 824 Squadron
No. 825 Squadron

Training and Support Units

Beyond operational squadrons, the RAF maintains various units focused on training, evaluation, and specialized support functions.

University Air Squadrons (UAS)

Representing universities across the UK, UAS squadrons provide flight training and RAF experience to undergraduates. They typically operate the Tutor T1 aircraft.

University of Birmingham Air Squadron – RAF Cosford
Bristol University Air Squadron – MOD Boscombe Down
Cambridge University Air Squadron – RAF Wittering
East Midlands Universities Air Squadron – RAF Cranwell
East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron – Glasgow Airport
Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron – Leuchars Station
Liverpool University Air Squadron – RAF Woodvale
University of London Air Squadron – RAF Wittering
Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron – RAF Woodvale
Northern Ireland Universities Air Squadron – Aldergrove Flying Station
Northumbrian Universities Air Squadron – RAF Leeming
Oxford University Air Squadron – RAF Benson
Southampton University Air Squadron – MOD Boscombe Down
Universities of Wales Air Squadron – MOD St Athan
Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron – RAF Linton-on-Ouse

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS)

These squadrons, often retaining historical numbers from their origins as Gliding Schools, operate winch-launched sailplanes. They are part of No. 2 Flying Training School (2FTS).

611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Honington
615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Kenley
621 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Little Rissington
622 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Upavon
631 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Woodvale
632 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Ternhill
644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Syerston
645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Topcliffe
661 Volunteer Gliding Squadron – RAF Kirknewton

Air Experience Flights (AEF)

Co-located with UAS, AEFs provide introductory flying experiences using Tutor T1 training aircraft, fostering aviation interest.

No. 1 Air Experience Flight
No. 2 Air Experience Flight
No. 3 Air Experience Flight
No. 4 Air Experience Flight
No. 5 Air Experience Flight
No. 6 Air Experience Flight
No. 7 Air Experience Flight
No. 8 Air Experience Flight
No. 9 Air Experience Flight
No. 10 Air Experience Flight
No. 11 Air Experience Flight
No. 12 Air Experience Flight
No. 13 Air Experience Flight

Independent Flights

The RAF also operates independent flights for specialized roles, including ceremonial duties, transport, and operational testing.

Memorial Flights and Special Duties

These flights maintain historical aircraft or perform unique operational tasks:

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) – At RAF Coningsby, operates historic aircraft including Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Lancaster, and Dakotas.
No. 1310 Flight – Operates Chinook helicopters.
No. 1312 Flight – Based at RAF Mount Pleasant, operates Voyager KC2 and Atlas C1.
No. 1435 Flight – Based at RAF Mount Pleasant, operates Typhoon FGR4.

Dormant Squadrons

The heritage of many disbanded RAF squadrons is preserved through their standards, which are sometimes 'laid up' at RAF College Cranwell or in places of worship. These units remain dormant but retain the potential for future reactivation.

Preserving Heritage

Standards for squadrons such as No. 47, No. V (Army Cooperation), No. 100, No. 39, No. 111, No. XV, No. 203, No. 50, No. 74, No. 44, and No. 3 Squadron RAF Regiment are displayed at College Hall Rotunda, representing a link to the RAF's extensive history.

Squadron Codes

RAF aircraft are typically identified by unique two-letter codes painted on their fuselage, serving as a visual identifier for each squadron. These codes are crucial for operational tracking and unit identification.

Identification System

Historically, these codes were usually two letters, often displayed next to the RAF roundel. They formed part of the aircraft's call sign. When an aircraft was lost or withdrawn, its code was typically reassigned to its replacement. Commonwealth and other Allied squadrons attached to the RAF often had their codes changed to avoid confusion with existing RAF units.

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official Royal Air Force documentation or consultation with military aviation experts. Always refer to official sources for the most current and accurate information regarding RAF squadrons and operations.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Guardians of the Sky

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RAF Squadron Overview ✈️

📜 The Core Unit

🔢 Numbering Traditions

🔄 Reserve and Training Designations

Regular Squadrons (Nos. 1–299) 🇬🇧

🚀 Active Frontline Units

⏳ Historical Significance

Commonwealth Squadrons (Article XV) 🌍

🇨🇦 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

🇦🇺 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

🇳🇿 Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

Foreign National Squadrons 🤝

🇵🇱 Polish Squadrons

🇨🇿 Czechoslovak Squadrons

🇳🇱 Dutch Squadrons

🇫🇷 French Squadrons

🇬🇷 Greek Squadrons

🇷🇸 Yugoslav Squadrons

Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) 🛡️

🇬🇧 RAuxAF Squadrons

Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Squadrons ⚓

🚢 Naval Aviation Units

Training and Support Units 🎓

🏫 University Air Squadrons (UAS)

🪂 Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS)

✈️ Air Experience Flights (AEF)

Independent Flights 🌟

🎖️ Memorial Flights and Special Duties

Dormant Squadrons 🏛️

📜 Preserving Heritage

Squadron Codes 🔢

🏷️ Identification System

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

RAF Squadron Overview

The Core Unit

Numbering Traditions

Reserve and Training Designations

Regular Squadrons (Nos. 1–299)

Active Frontline Units

Historical Significance

Commonwealth Squadrons (Article XV)

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

Foreign National Squadrons

Polish Squadrons

Czechoslovak Squadrons

Dutch Squadrons

French Squadrons

Greek Squadrons

Yugoslav Squadrons

Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF)

RAuxAF Squadrons

Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Squadrons

Naval Aviation Units

Training and Support Units

University Air Squadrons (UAS)

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS)

Air Experience Flights (AEF)

Independent Flights

Memorial Flights and Special Duties

Dormant Squadrons

Preserving Heritage

Squadron Codes

Identification System

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice