The Army Air Corps

The Army Air Corps. It is the aviation arm of the British Army, first formed in 1942 during the Second World War to provide aerial observation and liaison for ground forces. Re-formed in its modern guise in 1957, it has evolved into a key component of the British Army's deployable combat power, operating a fleet of attack and reconnaissance helicopters. Its personnel, known as "air soldiers," are trained at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop in Hampshire.

History

The corps traces its origins to the Second World War, when it was established to unify various Air observation post units flying light aircraft like the Auster AOP. It saw extensive service in campaigns including the Normandy landings and the Burma campaign. Disbanded after the war, it was re-constituted in 1957 following the transfer of RAF light aircraft units to the army. Key operational deployments since include the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, where it operated Westland Scout helicopters, and the Falklands War, where its Westland Gazelle and Westland Lynx helicopters performed vital roles. More recently, it has been heavily committed to operations in the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), often operating the AgustaWestland Apache.

Organization

The corps is commanded by a Major-General as the Commander Army Aviation and Reconnaissance Force. Its operational units are primarily grouped under the 1st Aviation Brigade, headquartered at Tern Hill. Key regiments include the 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, which operate attack helicopters, and the 1 Regiment Army Air Corps and 5 Regiment Army Air Corps, focused on surveillance and light utility roles. The Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing includes the elite 658 Squadron AAC, which supports the Special Air Service and Special Boat Service.

Aircraft

The primary attack platform is the AgustaWestland Apache, a variant of the Boeing AH-64 Apache. The Westland Lynx, long a mainstay for anti-submarine and utility tasks, has been largely replaced by the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat for Armed reconnaissance duties. Light observation and liaison roles are fulfilled by the Aérospatiale Gazelle, while the Bell 212 serves in training and support. Future capability is centered on the new AgustaWestland AW-149, known in British service as the New Medium Helicopter.

Training

All aircrew and ground crew training is conducted at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, under the auspices of the Defence Helicopter Flying School. Pilots, all of whom are commissioned officers from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, undergo rigorous flying instruction on the Airbus H135 helicopter. Specialist courses for aircraft like the AgustaWestland Apache are delivered by 7 Regiment AAC at RAF Benson. Ground crew are trained in trades such as Avionics and Aircraft maintenance at Defence College of Technical Training facilities including MOD St Athan.

Roles and capabilities

Its principal role is to provide integral aviation support to British Army formations. This includes Armed reconnaissance and Close air support using the AgustaWestland Apache, often in coordination with Royal Artillery forward air controllers. Battlefield mobility is provided through the transport of troops and equipment via utility helicopters. Other critical tasks include command and control, Electronic warfare, and Casualty evacuation, particularly in support of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Units regularly deploy on exercises such as Exercise Joint Warrior and train with allies like the United States Army Aviation Branch.

Insignia and uniform

Personnel wear a beret coloured Cambridge blue, with a distinctive cap badge featuring a swift in flight. The beret flash is a rectangle divided into blue and scarlet segments. The Stable belt is blue with scarlet and yellow stripes. The corps shares the British Army's universal Multi-Terrain Pattern combat uniform but is identified by its unique sleeve badge and Tactical recognition flash. Its colours were presented by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970 and are housed at the Army Aviation Centre. The corps march is "Recce Flight."