Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)

Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)
Unit name	Army Air Corps
Caption	Cap badge of the Army Air Corps
Dates	1942–1949; 1957–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Aviation
Role	Reconnaissance, battlefield support, transportation
Size	2,500 personnel
Command structure	1st Aviation Brigade
Garrison	Middle Wallop
Garrison label	Headquarters
Motto	Fear Naught
March	Quick: Recce Flight, Slow: Blue Max
Equipment	See Aircraft
Battles	Second World War, Korean War, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, The Troubles, Falklands War, Gulf War, Bosnian War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Notable commanders	Sir Alan Brooke, Sir John Hackett
Identification symbol label	Tactical Recognition Flash
Aircraft attack	Boeing AH-64 Apache
Aircraft helicopter	Bell 212, Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat
Aircraft trainer	Airbus Helicopters H135
Aircraft transport	Boeing Chinook (UK variants)

Army Air Corps (United Kingdom). The Army Air Corps (AAC) is a component of the British Army responsible for battlefield aviation. Formed during the Second World War, it provides crucial Reconnaissance, fire support, and mobility to ground forces. Its personnel, known as "air soldiers," operate a fleet of rotary-wing aircraft from bases such as Wattisham Airfield and RAF Odiham.

History

The corps was first formed in 1942, absorbing the Glider Pilot Regiment and Parachute Regiment's air assets to support Airborne forces in operations like the Battle of Normandy and Operation Market Garden. Disbanded in 1949, its functions were transferred to the Royal Air Force. Reconstituted in 1957 following experiences in the Korean War, the modern AAC expanded rapidly, seeing action in the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation and becoming integral to British Army of the Rhine operations. Key historical moments include the deployment of Westland Scout helicopters during the Falklands War and the introduction of the Boeing AH-64 Apache for the Gulf War and subsequent conflicts in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Organisation

The AAC is commanded by a Major-General and headquartered at Middle Wallop. Its primary operational formation is the 1st Aviation Brigade, which commands several regiments. These include 3 Regiment AAC and 4 Regiment AAC, which operate attack helicopters, and 1 Regiment AAC for Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Key support units include the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing and the Defence Helicopter Flying School, which works in partnership with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Aircraft

The corps operates a mixed fleet, primarily of helicopters. The principal attack platform is the Boeing AH-64 Apache, operated in both AH1 and upgraded AgustaWestland Apache AH2 variants. The AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat serves in the battlefield reconnaissance and utility roles, replacing the Westland Lynx. Light utility and training are conducted using the Airbus Helicopters H135 (Juncal), while special forces support utilizes the Bell 212 and Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. Heavy-lift support is provided by Boeing Chinook (UK variants) crews from the Royal Air Force.

Training

All aircrew are commissioned officers or Warrant Officers who begin with initial officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Specialist flying training is conducted at the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury, using the Airbus Helicopters H135. After earning their "wings," pilots undergo type-conversion on operational aircraft like the Apache at units such as 673 Squadron Army Air Corps. Ground crew and technicians are trained at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop and the Defence College of Technical Training at MOD Lyneham.

Operations

The AAC provides direct support to British Army manoeuvre units. Its core roles include Armed reconnaissance and Close air support using Apache helicopters, often in coordination with Royal Artillery forward observers. Surveillance and Target acquisition are performed by Wildcat helicopters equipped with advanced sensors. The corps also executes tactical air manoeuvre, transporting troops via Chinook and inserting Special Air Service units. Recent major deployments include sustained operations in Helmand Province and providing support to NATO missions in Eastern Europe.

Insignia and uniform

Personnel wear the standard British Army combat uniform with the distinctive AAC Beret in Cambridge blue, a tradition originating from the Royal Flying Corps. The corps' Cap badge features a Eagle volant, derived from the badge of the Glider Pilot Regiment. The Tactical Recognition Flash is a blue and red horizontal rectangle worn on the sleeves of the Personal Load Carrying Equipment. Qualified pilots wear a flying badge ("wings") above the right breast pocket, while Aircrew members wear a similar but distinct badge.

Category:Aviation units and formations of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1957