Army Air Corps

Army Air Corps
Unit name	Army Air Corps
Caption	The cap badge of the Army Air Corps, featuring a swift in flight.
Dates	1942–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Role	Aviation, Close air support, Aerial reconnaissance
Size	2,000 personnel
Garrison	Middle Wallop
Garrison label	Headquarters
Motto	Fear Naught
Equipment	See "Aircraft" section
Battles	Second World War, Korean War, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, The Troubles, Falklands War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Current commander	Colonel-in-Chief: The Princess of Wales
Notable commanders	Sir John Stanier

Army Air Corps. The Army Air Corps is the aviation arm of the British Army, responsible for providing direct battlefield support through reconnaissance, firepower, and mobility. First formed in 1942 during the Second World War, it was disbanded after the war but reformed in 1957 to meet the demands of modern warfare. Today, it operates a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from its headquarters at Middle Wallop in Hampshire.

History

The corps was first established in 1942, drawing on the experiences of units like the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Parachute Regiment during operations such as the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of Arnhem. Disbanded in 1950, its functions were absorbed by the Royal Air Force. The need for organic aviation support for ground forces led to its reformation in 1957, a decision influenced by conflicts like the Malayan Emergency and the evolving tactics of the Cold War. Its modern history has been defined by continuous deployment in conflicts including the Falklands War, where it conducted operations from RFA Sir Galahad, and sustained service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Organization

The Army Air Corps is organized into regiments and independent squadrons integrated within the wider British Army structure. Key formations include 1st Aviation Brigade, which commands most front-line units. Major regiments include 3 Regiment AAC and 4 Regiment AAC, which are attack helicopter units operating the Apache AH1. Support and training units are based at Middle Wallop and RAF Shawbury, working closely with the Joint Helicopter Command and the Royal Air Force for joint operational planning and logistics.

Aircraft

The primary attack helicopter is the Apache AH-64E, a cornerstone of the corps' firepower. The Westland Lynx, now largely retired, was a versatile mainstay for decades, seeing action in the Falklands War and the Gulf War. The AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat serves in reconnaissance and light utility roles. For training, the corps uses the Airbus H135 Juno and the Airbus H145 Jupiter. Historically, it has operated fixed-wing aircraft like the Britten-Norman Islander for surveillance and the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk for pilot training.

Training

All aircrew are commissioned officers or warrant officers from the British Army. Initial flying training is conducted on the Airbus H135 at RAF Shawbury under the UK Military Flying Training System, a tri-service program with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Subsequent conversion to operational aircraft like the Apache AH1 occurs at units such as RAF Wattisham. Ground crew and technicians undergo specialist training at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, learning maintenance for complex systems like the M230 chain gun and Hellfire missiles.

Notable operations

During the Falklands War, the corps saw intense action, with Westland Scout helicopters engaging the ARA *Santa Fe* and conducting critical logistics under fire. In the Gulf War, Lynx AH7 helicopters equipped with TOW missiles destroyed numerous Iraqi Army armored vehicles. Throughout the War in Afghanistan, Apache units provided persistent close air support for ISAF troops in provinces like Helmand. The corps also played a vital, long-term role during Operation Banner in Northern Ireland, conducting surveillance and transport across the region.

Insignia and uniforms

The corps' cap badge features a swift in flight, symbolizing speed, with the motto "Fear Naught". Personnel wear the standard Combat Soldier 95 uniform but are distinguished by a unique light blue beret, a tradition established upon reformation in 1957. Aviation pilots and crew members wear specialized flight suits and survival equipment. The corps maintains strong ties with the Royal Air Force, reflected in shared ceremonial traditions, but its insignia and dress firmly denote its identity as soldiers within the British Army.

Category:Aviation units and formations of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1942