Royal Canadian Air Force: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Air and space component of the Canadian Armed Forces}} |
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{{Redirect|Canadian Air Force|the first Canadian air force|Canadian Air Force (1918–1920)|the second Canadian air force|Canadian Air Force (1920–1924)|the Royal Canadian Air Force prior to the unification of the Canadian Forces in 1968|History of the Royal Canadian Air Force|RCAF|}} |
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{{Hatnote group|{{Redirect|RCAF}}{{Redirect|Canadian Air Force|earlier organisations|Canadian Air Force (1918–1920)|and|Canadian Air Force (1920–1924)}}}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}} |
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{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}} |
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{{Infobox military unit |
{{Infobox military unit |
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|unit_name= Royal Canadian Air Force |
| unit_name = Royal Canadian Air Force |
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| native_name = {{lang|fr|Aviation royale canadienne}} |
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|image= [[File:Canada air force command badge.png|centre|126px]] |
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| image = Royal Canadian Air Force Badge.svg |
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|caption= |
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| image_size = 250px |
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|dates=1975 - Present |
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| caption = [[#Badge|Badge of the RCAF]] |
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|country= [[Canada]] |
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| start_date = {{ubl|1 April 1924|({{Age in years and months|1924|04|01}})|(''as Royal Canadian Air Force'')}} |
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|branch= [[Air Force]] |
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---- |
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|role= "To generate and maintain combat capable, multi-purpose, air forces to meet Canada's defence objectives." |
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{{ubl|17 May 1920|({{Age in years and months|1920|05|17}})|(''as [[Canadian Air Force (1920–1924)]]'')}} |
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|size= Regular Force personnel: 14,500<br />Reserve Force: 2,600<br />Civilians: 2,500<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/purpose/today5_e.asp|title=Purpose - General Information|publisher=National Defense|date=2008-04-23|accessdate=09-02-2009}}</ref> |
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---- |
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|command_structure= [[Department of National Defence (Canada)|Department of National Defence]] |
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{{ubl|1 August 1918|({{Age in years and months|1918|08|01}})|(''as [[Canadian Air Force (1918–1920)]]'')}} |
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|garrison= [[Department of National Defence Headquarters|National Defence Headquarters]] |
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---- |
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|garrison_label= Headquarters |
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{{ubl|1 September 1914|({{Age in years and months|1914|09|01}})|(''as [[Canadian Aviation Corps]]'')}} |
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|nickname= |
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---- |
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|patron= |
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| country = Canada |
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|motto= ''[[Sic itur ad astra|"Sic Itur ad Astra"]]'' "Reach for the stars" |
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| branch = |
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|colors= |
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| type = [[Air force|Air]] and [[space force]] |
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|colors_label= |
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| role = {{ubl|[[Aerial warfare]]|[[Space warfare]]|[[Airlift]]}} |
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|march=[[RCAF March Past|''Air Force March Past'']] |
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| size = {{ubl|356 operational aircraft|Personnel:|{{*}}Regular Force: 12,074 Regular force members<ref name="size"/>|{{*}}Reserve Force: 1,969 Reserve force members<ref name="size"/>|{{*}}Civilian members: 1,518 civilian members<ref name="size">{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/transition-materials/defence-101/2020/03/defence-101/rcaf.html|access-date=2021-12-31|date=2021-09-30|title=Key facts}}</ref>}} |
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|mascot= |
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| command_structure = [[Canadian Armed Forces]] |
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|equipment= |
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| garrison = [[National Defence Headquarters (Canada)|National Defence Headquarters]], [[Ottawa]], Ontario, Canada |
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|equipment_label= |
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| garrison_label = Headquarters |
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|battles=[[World War I| First World War]]<br /> [[World War II| Second World War]]<br /> [[Korean War]]<br /> [[Operation Desert Storm]]<br />[[Operation Deliberate Force]]<br />[[Operation Desert Fox]]<br />[[Operation Allied Force]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001-present)|Operation Enduring Freedom]]<br />[[Operation APOLLO]]<br />[[Operation Anaconda]]<br />[[Operation MOBILE]] |
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| nickname = |
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|anniversaries= |
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| patron = |
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|decorations= |
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| motto = {{ubl|{{langnf|la|[[Sic itur ad astra]]|Such is the pathway to the stars}}<ref>[http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/hst/page-eng.asp?id=626 "Sic Itur ad Astra – Traditions Motto/Words"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522205229/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/hst/page-eng.asp?id=626 |date=2013-05-22 }} ''National Defence'', 23 April 2009, Retrieved: 1 April 2013.</ref>|{{langnf|la|[[Per ardua ad astra]]|Through adversity to the stars}} 1924–1968)}} |
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|battle_honours= |
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| colours = |
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|disbanded= |
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| colours_label = |
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<!-- Commanders --> |
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| march = [[RCAF March Past]] |
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|commander1= [[General (Canada)|General]] [[Walter Natynczyk]] CMM, MSC, CD |
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| mascot = |
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|commander1_label= [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] |
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| anniversaries = [[Armed Forces Day#Canada|Armed Forces Day]] (first Sunday of June) |
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|commander2= Lieutenant-General [[André Deschamps (Canadian Forces officer)|André Deschamps]] |
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| equipment = |
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|commander2_label= [[Chief of the Air Staff (Canada)|Chief of the Air Staff]] |
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| equipment_label = |
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|notable_commanders= |
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| battles = * [[Second World War]] <br /> {{*}}[[Battle of Britain]] <br /> {{*}}[[Battle of the Atlantic]] <br /> {{*}}[[Battle of the St. Lawrence]] <br /> {{*}}[[Strategic bombing during World War II|European Bombing campaign]] <br /> {{*}}[[Western Front (World War II)|Western Front]] |
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<!-- Insignia --> |
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* [[Korean War]] |
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|identification_symbol= [[File:Canadian Air Command flag.svg|75px|Canadian Air Command flag]] |
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* [[Gulf War]] <br /> {{*}}[[Operation Friction]] |
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|identification_symbol_label= Flag |
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* [[Operation Deliberate Force]] |
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|identification_symbol_2= [[File:Canada air force command badge.png|50px]] |
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* [[Kosovo War]] <br /> {{*}}[[Operation Echo]] |
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|identification_symbol_2_label= Badge |
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* [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]] |
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|identification_symbol_3=[[File:RCAF-Roundel.svg|50px]] [[File:RCAF-LowVis-Roundel.svg|50px]] |
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* [[2011 military intervention in Libya|Intervention in Libya]] <br /> {{*}}[[Operation Unified Protector]] <br /> {{*}}[[Operation Mobile]] |
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|identification_symbol_3_label= Roundel |
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* [[Military intervention against ISIL]] <br /> {{*}}[[Operation Impact]] |
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|identification_symbol_4= [[File:Flag of Canada.svg|75px|Air Command Fin Flash]] [[File:Fin flash of Canada low visibility.svg|75px|Air Command Fin Flash]] |
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| decorations = |
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|identification_symbol_4_label= [[Fin flashes|Fin flash]] |
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| battle_honours = |
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|identification_symbol_5= |
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| battle_honours_label = |
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|identification_symbol_5_label= |
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| flying_hours = |
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<!-- Aircraft --> |
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| website = {{Official URL}} |
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|aircraft_attack= |
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<!-- Commanders -->| commander1 = [[Charles III]], [[King of Canada]] |
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|aircraft_bomber= |
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| commander1_label = [[Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces|Commander-in-Chief]] |
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|aircraft_electronic= |
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| commander2 = [[Lieutenant-General]] [[Eric Kenny]] |
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|aircraft_fighter= [[CF-188 Hornet]] |
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| commander2_label = [[Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force]] |
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|aircraft_helicopter= [[CH-124 Sea King]], [[Bell 206|CH-139 JetRanger]], [[CH-146 Griffon]], [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-147 Chinook]], [[CH-148 Cyclone]], [[CH-149 Cormorant]] |
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| commander3 = [[Major-General]] [[Jamie Speiser-Blanchet]] |
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|aircraft_helicopter_attack= |
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| commander3_label = Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force |
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|aircraft_helicopter_cargo= |
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| commander4 = [[Chief Warrant Officer]] [[W.J. Hall]] |
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|aircraft_helicopter_multirole= |
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| commander4_label = [[Royal Canadian Air Force Command Chief Warrant Officer]] |
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|aircraft_helicopter_observation= |
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| notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia --> |
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|aircraft_helicopter_transport= |
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| identification_symbol = [[File:Roundel of Canada.svg|80px]] [[File:Roundel of Canada – Low Visibility.svg|80px]] |
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|aircraft_helicopter_utility= |
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| identification_symbol_label = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]] |
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|aircraft_interceptor= |
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| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg|80px]] [[File:Fin Flash of Canada – Low Visibility.svg|80px]] |
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|aircraft_patrol= [[CP-140 Aurora]], [[CP-140 Aurora|CP-140A Arcturus]] |
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| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Fin flash]] |
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|aircraft_recon= [[IAI Heron|CU-170 Heron]] |
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| identification_symbol_3 = [[File:Air Force Ensign of Canada.svg|165px]] |
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|aircraft_trainer= [[Canadair CT-114 Tutor|CT-114 Tutor]], [[de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8|CT-142 Dash-8]], [[BAE Hawk|CT-155 Hawk]], [[T-6 Texan II|CT-156 Harvard II]] |
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| identification_symbol_3_label = [[Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign|Ensign]] |
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|aircraft_transport= [[De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo|CC-115 Buffalo]], [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|CC-130 Hercules]], [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|CC-130J Super Hercules]], [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|CC-138 Twin Otter]], [[Bombardier Challenger 600|CC-144 Challenger]], [[CC-150 Polaris]], [[C-17 Globemaster III|CC-177 Globemaster]] |
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| identification_symbol_4 = [[File:Air Force Ensign of Canada (1941-1968).svg|165px]] |
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| identification_symbol_4_label = [[Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign|Ensign (1940-1965)]] |
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<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_fighter = [[CF-18 Hornet]], [[F/A-18 Hornet]] |
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| aircraft_helicopter = [[Bell 206|CH-139 JetRanger]], [[CH-146 Griffon]], [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-147 Chinook]], [[CH-148 Cyclone]], [[CH-149 Cormorant]] |
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| aircraft_patrol = [[CP-140 Aurora]] |
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| aircraft_recon = [[IAI Heron|CU-170 Heron]], [[CE-145C Vigilance]] |
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| aircraft_trainer = [[Canadair CT-114 Tutor|CT-114 Tutor]], [[de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8|CT-142 Dash-8]], [[Beechcraft T-6 Texan II|CT-156 Harvard II]] |
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| aircraft_transport = [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|CC-130H Hercules]], [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|CC-130J Super Hercules]], [[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|CC-138 Twin Otter]], [[Bombardier Challenger 600|CC-144 Challenger]], [[Airbus CC-150 Polaris|CC-150 Polaris]], [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|CC-177 Globemaster III]], [[EADS CASA C-295|CC-295 Kingfisher]], [[Airbus CC-330 Husky]] |
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}} |
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The '''Royal Canadian Air Force''' ('''RCAF'''; {{langx|fr|Aviation royale canadienne, ARC}}) is the [[air force|air]] and [[space force]] of Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/space/index.page|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022070922/http://rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/space/index.page|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 October 2020|title=DND/CAF Joint and Combined Space Program|publisher=Royal Canadian Air Force|date=18 September 2020}}</ref> Its role is to "provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/overview.page | title=Royal Canadian Air Force - Mission | publisher=Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of National Defence | access-date=19 March 2016 | author=Royal Canadian Air Force | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306114802/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/overview.page | archive-date=6 March 2016 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified [[Canadian Armed Forces]]. As of 2020, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 12,074 [[Regular Force]] and 1,969 [[Primary Reserve]] personnel, supported by 1,518 civilians, and operates 258 manned aircraft and nine [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s.<ref name="size" /><ref>Berthiaume, Lee. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/29/canadian-air-forces-new-name-got-lost-in-translation-documents-show/ "Air force's new name got lost in translation, documents show"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20111130151306/http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/29/canadian%2Dair%2Dforces%2Dnew%2Dname%2Dgot%2Dlost%2Din%2Dtranslation%2Ddocuments%2Dshow/ |date=2011-11-30 }} ''Postmedia News'', 29 November 2011.</ref> Lieutenant-General [[Eric Kenny]] is the current [[Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force]] and Chief of the Air Force Staff.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2022 |title=Royal Canadian Air Force welcomes new Commander |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/08/royal-canadian-air-force-welcomes-new-commander.html |website=National Defence News release |access-date=12 August 2022}}</ref> |
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{{CanWars20thC}} |
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The '''Royal Canadian Air Force''' ('''RCAF''') (known from 1975 until 2011 as ''Canadian Forces Air Command'' ('''AIRCOM''') and informally known as the ''Canadian Air Force''), is the [[air force]] element of the [[Canadian Forces]]. AIRCOM was the descendant of the original [[History of the Royal Canadian Air Force|Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF), which was [[Canada]]'s air force from its foundation in 1924 until 1 February 1968. |
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Prior to 1924, Canada's involvement with air defence consisted of Canadian airmen flying with the [[Royal Flying Corps]] and [[Royal Naval Air Service]], with the short-lived [[Canadian Aviation Corps]], and with a small two-squadron [[Canadian Air Force (1918-1920)|Canadian Air Force]] attached to the [[Royal Air Force]] in |
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England during the [[First World War]]. In 1920 another Canadian Air Force was established in Canada that was concerned mostly with military flight training and civil operations. This Canadian Air Force was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924. |
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The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] and the [[Canadian Army]]. The RCAF is a partner with the [[United States Air Force]] in protecting continental airspace under the [[North American Aerospace Defense Command]] (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the [[National Search and Rescue Program]]. |
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After 1968, the RCAF was merged with the [[Canadian Army]] and the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] to form the Canadian Forces, and air force functions were divided up and placed into several new [[Command (military formation)|command]]s. On 2 September 1975 Canada's military air services was organized into a single command: Canadian Forces Air Command. On 16 August 2011 the government announced that AIRCOM would revert to its former name of '''Royal Canadian Air Force''' with the aim of restoring Canada's military heritage and aligning Canada with other key Commonwealth countries whose militaries use the royal designation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-to-restore-royal-monikers-for-navy-air-force/article2130125/|title=Conservatives to restore ‘royal’ monikers for navy, air force|publisher=The Globe and Mail|last=Galloway|first=Gloria|date=15 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/16/pol-military-renaming.html|title=Peter MacKay hails 'royal' renaming of military|publisher=CBC News|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Meagan|date=16 August 2011}}</ref> |
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The RCAF traces its history to the [[Canadian Air Force (1920–1924)|Canadian Air Force]], which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King [[George V]] to form the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] and the [[Canadian Army]], as part of the [[unification of the Canadian Forces]]. Air units were split between several different commands: [[Canadian Forces Air Defence Command|Air Defence Command]] (ADC; interceptors), [[Canadian Forces Air Transport Command|Air Transport Command]] (ATC; airlift, search and rescue), [[Canadian Forces Land Force Command|Mobile Command]] (tactical fighters, helicopters), [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command|Maritime Command]] (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as [[Canadian Forces Training Command|Training Command]] (TC). |
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In 1975, some commands (ADC, ATC, TC) were dissolved, and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply '''Air Command''' ('''AIRCOM'''; {{Langx|fr|Commandement aérien|links=no}}). Air Command reverted to its historic name of "Royal Canadian Air Force" in August 2011.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/navy-and-air-force-to-be-royal-once-again-1.1034037 "Canadian Forces name"]. [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/navy-and-air-force-to-be-royal-once-again-1.1034037] CBC. Retrieved 26 September 2011.</ref> |
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==Mission== |
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The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the [[Second World War]], the [[Korean War]], the [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]], as well as several [[United Nations]] peacekeeping missions and [[NATO]] operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in [[Western Europe|Europe]] during the second half of the 20th century. |
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The RCAF is responsible for all aircraft operations in the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft for supporting the missions of [[Royal Canadian Navy]] and [[Canadian Army]]. The Royal Canadian Air Force is a partner with the [[United States Air Force]] in protecting continental airspace under the [[North American Aerospace Defense Command]] (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to the [[National Search and Rescue Program]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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{{ |
{{main|History of the Royal Canadian Air Force}} |
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===1920–1945: Pre-unification=== |
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The Canadian Forces Reorganization Act came into effect on 1 February 1968, and the RCAF ceased to exist. All branches of the Canadian Forces were unified into a single service with the aim of improving Canada's military effectiveness and flexibility. |
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The [[Canadian Air Force (1920–1924)|Canadian Air Force]] (CAF) was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron [[Canadian Air Force (1918–1920)|Canadian Air Force]] that was formed during the [[First World War]] in Europe. Wing Commander [[John Scott Williams]] was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF, handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal [[Lindsay Gordon]].<ref>Associated Press, "R.C.A.F. Founder Taken By Death", ''The Spokesman-Review'', Spokane, Washington, Monday 3 January 1944, Volume 64, Number 134, page 2.</ref> The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the [[Air Board (Canada)|Air Board]] and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots.<ref>Roberts, Leslie. ''There Shall Be Wings''. Toronto: Clark, Irwin and Co. Ltd., 1959. No ISBN. p. 33</ref><ref>Milberry, Larry, ed. ''Sixty Years—The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984''. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-9690703-4-9}}. p. 17</ref> Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board's Civil Operations Branch on operations that included [[forestry]], [[Aerial survey|surveying]] and anti-smuggling patrols.<ref>[http://www.canmilair.com/rcafhistory.htm A History of Air Services in Canada] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926002302/http://www.canmilair.com/rcafhistory.htm |date=2014-09-26 }} Retrieved: 21 May 2014</ref> In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada, including civil aviation. In 1924, the Canadian Air Force, was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Most of its work was civil in nature, with forest patrols of the northwest a major part of its operations;<ref name="Wise1994">{{cite book|first1=Sydney F.|last1=Wise|first2=William Alexander Binny|last2=Douglas|title=The Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force: The creation of a national air force|year=1980|publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]]|page=93}}</ref> however, in the late 1920s other agencies took up most civil tasks, with the notable exception of aerial photography surveys, and the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization.<ref name="Shores1984">{{cite book|title=History of the Royal Canadian Air Force|first=Christopher F.|last=Shores|publisher=Royce Publications|year=1984|isbn=9780861241606|page=20}}</ref> After budget cuts in the early 1930s, the air force began to rebuild.<ref name="Milberry1984">{{cite book|first=Larry|last=Milberry|title=Sixty years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984|year=1984|publisher=CANAV Books|isbn=0969070349}}</ref>{{rp|p=47}} |
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[[File:RCAF Typhoon Holland 1944 IWM CL 1598.jpg|thumb|left|Two armourers of [[440 Transport Squadron|No 440 Squadron RCAF]] re-arming a [[Hawker Typhoon]] in the Netherlands, 1944]] |
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====Second World War==== |
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Aircraft and bases of the RCAF and the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] (the Royal Canadian Naval Aviation Service), were scattered across several different commands of the newly unified forces. [[Canadian Forces Air Defence Command|Air Defence Command]] consisted primarily of former RCAF [[CF-101 Voodoo]] fighter-interceptor aircraft, as well as the radar networks of [[DEW Line]], [[Mid-Canada Line]] and [[Pinetree Line]] early warning stations. [[Canadian Forces Air Transport Command|Air Transport Command]] was responsible for strategic airlift and refueling aircraft, namely the [[CC-137 Husky]], with the primary role being to transport [[Canadian Forces Land Force Command|Mobile Command]] ground troops to and from distant conflict zones in Europe. Mobile Command was composed of former Canadian Army ground forces, as well as the army's tactical helicopters ([[CH-135 Twin Huey]], [[CH-136 Kiowa]], [[CH-47 Chinook|CH-147 Chinook]], [[CH-113 Labrador|CH-113A Voyageur]]) and the RCAF's tactical and ground attack aircraft ([[CF-104 Starfighter]]). [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command|Maritime Command]] took on responsibility for the newly formed Maritime Air Group, which operated aircraft in support of former RCN vessels, including [[CH-124 Sea King]], [[CP-107 Argus]], and the [[S-2 Tracker|CP-121 Tracker]], some of which operated from [[HMCS Bonaventure|HMCS ''Bonaventure'']] until that vessel's retirement in the early 1970s. Pilot and aircrew training were taken over by [[Canadian Forces Training Command|Training Command]], which was responsible for trades training across all other commands in the armed forces. |
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During the [[Second World War]], the RCAF was a major contributor to the [[British Commonwealth Air Training Plan#Canada|British Commonwealth Air Training Plan]] and was involved in operations in the [[United Kingdom]], Europe, the north Atlantic, [[North Africa campaign|North Africa]], southern Asia, and with home defence. Eight thousand, eight hundred and sixty-four Americans came north to volunteer for the RCAF and over 850 died in action.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/bomber-command/americans-in-the-rcaf/ | title=Americans in the RCAF | date=27 October 2017 |publisher=Bomber Command Museum of Canada |access-date=July 17, 2023}}</ref> By the end of the war, the RCAF had become the fourth largest Allied air force.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Milberry |editor-first=Larry |title=Sixty Years—The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984 |location=Toronto |publisher=Canav Books |date=1984 |isbn=0-9690703-4-9 |page=97}}</ref> |
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During World War II the RCAF was headquartered at a six-storey office building at 20-23 [[Lincoln's Inn Fields]] (built 1937), London.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buildington.co.uk/buildings/2896/london-wc2/20-23-lincoln-39-s-inn-fields/20-23-lincoln-39-s-inn-fields |title=20-23 Lincoln's Inn Fields |website=Buildington |access-date=July 17, 2023}}</ref> A commemorative plaque can be found on the outside of the building.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://flif.org/the-fields-in-world-war-ii-1939-45/|title=Lincoln's Inn Fields in World War II (1939–45)|website=Friends of Lincoln's Inn Fields|date=29 May 2019 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> |
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====1945–1968==== |
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[[File:DehavillandCC-115Buffalo12.JPG|left|thumb|CC-115 Buffalo]] |
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After the war, the RCAF reduced its strength. Because of the rising [[Soviet Bloc|Soviet]] threat to the security of Europe, Canada joined [[NATO]] in 1949, and the RCAF established [[No. 1 Air Division RCAF]] consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each, based in France and West Germany. In 1950, the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies to the [[Korean War]]; however, it did not provide RCAF combat units. Members of the RCAF served in USAF units as exchange officers and several flew in combat. Both auxiliary and regular air defence squadrons were run by [[Air Defence Command (Canada)|Air Defence Command]]. At the same time, the [[Pinetree Line]], the [[Mid-Canada Line]] and the [[DEW Line]] radar stations, largely operated by the RCAF, were built across Canada because of the growing Soviet nuclear threat. In 1957, Canada and the United States created the joint [[North American Air Defense Command]] (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.{{r|"Milberry1984"|p=245, 377}} |
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[[File:Per Ardua Ad Astra University Avenue.jpg|left|thumb|''[[Per Ardua Ad Astra]]'', a 1984 memorial sculpture by [[Oscar Nemon]] on University Avenue in [[Toronto]], honouring killed Canadian airmen and women]] |
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On August 9, 1974, a [[De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo|CC-115 Buffalo]] of No. 116 Transport Unit operating on UN duties was shot down by a [[Syria]]n [[surface-to-air missile]] killing all nine CF personnel on board. This represents the largest loss of Canadian Forces personnel in a single day since the [[Korean War]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/07/14/f-vp-smol.html|title=Lest we forget the cost of peacekeeping|author=Robert Smol|date=2009-07-14|accessdate=2009-11-22|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> as well as the most recent Canadian military aircraft to be shot down. |
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===1968–present: Unification=== |
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On 2 September 1975, the Canadian Forces reorganization merged aircraft across all commands into a newly formed Air Command (AIRCOM). Air Defence Command and Air Transport Command were eliminated, and Training Command, Maritime Command, and Mobile Command (renamed Force Mobile Command) were realigned to reflect the new structure. AIRCOM closely resembled the old RCAF, as the new command handled all the aviation requirements of Canada's military. |
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[[File:Bomarc on launch erector.jpg|thumb|left|An RCAF [[CIM-10 Bomarc]] missile on a launch erector in [[North Bay, Ontario|North Bay]]. Viewed as an alternative to the scrapped [[Avro Arrow]], the Bomarc's adoption was controversial given its nuclear payload.]] |
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In 1968, the [[Royal Canadian Navy]], Royal Canadian Air Force and [[Canadian Army]] were [[Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces|amalgamated]] to form the unified [[Canadian Forces]]. This initiative was overseen by the Defence Minister, [[Paul Hellyer]]. The controversial merger maintained several existing organizations and created some new ones: In Europe, [[1 Canadian Air Division|No. 1 Canadian Air Group]], operated [[Canadair CF-104 Starfighter]] nuclear strike/attack and reconnaissance under NATO's [[Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force]]; Air Defence Command: operated [[McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo]] interceptors, [[CIM-10 Bomarc]] missiles and the [[SAGE radar stations]] within NORAD; Air Transport Command: provided strategic airlift for the NATO and UN peacekeeping missions; and [[Canadian Forces Training Command|Training Command]]. Aviation assets of the Royal Canadian Navy were combined with the RCAF [[Canadair CP-107 Argus]] long-range patrol aircraft under Maritime Command. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM). |
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[[File:Operation Inherent Resolve 150304-F-MG591-123.jpg|thumb|left|An RCAF [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18 Hornet]] during [[Operation Impact]], 2015. CF-18s have been used by the RCAF since 1983.]] |
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There were several base closings during the 1970s–1990s, as aircraft changes took place. As [[CF-18 Hornet|CF-18A/B Hornet]] tactical fighter bombers were acquired, [[CF-104 Starfighter]] and [[CF-101 Voodoo]] fighter aircraft were retired in the early-mid 1980s and there was a corresponding downturn in several bases that had been exclusively dedicated to these aircraft. The closures of [[CFB Chatham]] and [[CFB Baden Soellingen]] along with various bombing ranges and the retirement of the [[Canadair CF-5|CF-116]] fighter aircraft and [[Boeing 707]] transport/refuelling aircraft brought AIRCOM to its present base and force structure. Also, over the years, the stations of the three radar early warning lines were modernised or closed. |
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In the early 1990s, Canada provided a detachment of CF-18 Hornets for the air defence mission in [[Operation Desert Shield]]. The force performed [[combat air patrol]]s over operations in Kuwait and Iraq, undertook a number of air-to-ground bombing missions, and, on one occasion, attacked an Iraqi patrol boat in the [[Persian Gulf]]. |
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In the late 1990s, Air Command's [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18 Hornet]]s took part in the [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|Operation Allied Force]] in [[Yugoslavia]], and in the 2000s, AIRCOM was heavily involved in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan War]], transporting troops and assets to Kandahar. Later in the decade-long war, AIRCOM set up a purpose-specific air wing, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, equipped with several [[Bell CH-146 Griffon|CH-146 Griffon]] and [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-147 Chinook]] helicopters, CC-130 Hercules, [[SAGEM Sperwer|CU-161 Sperwer]] and leased [[IAI Heron|CU-170 Heron]] [[unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]s in support of the Canadian Forces and [[ISAF]] mission. The wing stood down on 18 August 2011. |
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AIRCOM also underwent significant changes in the late 1970s when the [[CP-107 Argus]] and [[S-2 Tracker|CP-121 Tracker]] were replaced with the [[CP-140 Aurora]]/[[CP-140A Arcturus]] maritime patrol aircraft. The shift of east coast maritime patrol aircraft at the time of the ''Argus'' retirement to [[CFB Greenwood]] led to the closure of [[CFB Summerside]] in the late 1980s. |
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From 18 March to 1 November 2011, the RCAF was engaged in [[Operation Mobile]], Canada's contribution to [[Operation Unified Protector]] in Libya. Seven CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft and several other aircraft served under Task Force Libeccio as part of the military intervention.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-10-20|title=Canada's military contribution in Libya|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/canada-s-military-contribution-in-libya-1.996755|access-date=2021-09-28|website=CBC}}</ref> |
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After unification, all personnel in the Canadian Forces wore a dark-green uniform with only cap and collar badges (a modified version of the former RCAF crest) as distinguishing marks for pilots and aircrew. This uniform continued under the newly formed AIRCOM from 1975 until the mid-1980s, when AIRCOM returned to blue-grey uniforms broadly similar to those of the former to the RCAF, though the army-derived ranks adopted upon unification were retained. |
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On 16 August 2011, the Government of Canada announced that the name "Air Command" was being changed to the air force's original historic name: Royal Canadian Air Force (along with the change of name of Maritime Command to Royal Canadian Navy and Land Force Command to Canadian Army). The change was made to better reflect Canada's military heritage and align Canada with other key [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries whose military units use the royal designation.<ref>Galloway, Gloria. [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-to-restore-royal-moniker-to-canadas-navy-air-force/article590957/ "Conservatives to restore 'royal' monikers for navy, air force."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204231812/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-to-restore-royal-moniker-to-canadas-navy-air-force/article590957/ |date=2017-02-04 }} ''The Globe and Mail,'' 15 August 2011. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.</ref> |
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In the early 1990s, AIRCOM transport and utility helicopters in support of [[Canadian Forces Land Force Command|army]] operations were cut back and consolidated with the purchase of the [[CH-146]] Griffon, replacing the [[CH-135]] Twin Huey, [[CH-136]] Kiowa, and [[CH-147]] Chinook. The army continues to consider this a loss of capability, particularly with the loss of the heavy lift Chinooks.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}} |
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The RCAF adopted a new badge in 2013, which is similar to the pre-unification RCAF badge (although placed in the modern frame used for command badges). The Latin motto of Air Command{{snd}} {{lang|la|Sic itur ad astra}}{{snd}} which was the motto of the Canadian Air Force when first formed after the First World War (before it became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924) was retained. Though traditional insignia for the RCAF was restored in 2015, there has been no restoration of the traditional uniforms or rank structure of the historical service (apart from a rank of "aviator", which replaced that of "private" in 2015).<ref>Fitzpatrick, Meagan. [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/peter-mackay-hails-royal-renaming-of-military-1.1059811 "Peter MacKay hails 'royal' renaming of military."] ''CBC News,'' 16 August 2011. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.</ref> |
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On 17 April 2014, Prime Minister [[Stephen Harper]] announced that Canada was dispatching six [[CF-18]]s and military personnel to assist NATO in operations in Eastern Europe.<ref>[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-sending-frigate-to-nato-security-effort-in-eastern-europe/article18343817/ "Canada sending frigate to join NATO in eastern Europe|."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311034326/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-sending-frigate-to-nato-security-effort-in-eastern-europe/article18343817/ |date=2016-03-11 }} ''The Globe and Mail'', 1 May 2014.</ref> |
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Search and rescue squadrons received new aircraft when the [[CH-149]] Cormorant replaced the [[CH-113]] Labrador beginning in 2002. The [[CC-115]] Buffalo short-takeoff-and-landing, fixed-wing aircraft were also replaced in the 2000s with a dedicated STOL search-and-rescue aircraft. Ship-borne anti-submarine helicopter squadrons are currently operating the 40-year-old [[CH-124]] Sea King. The new Sikorsky [[CH-148 Cyclone]] will begin delivery soon.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}} |
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==Equipment== |
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In 2007 and 2008, four [[C-17 Globemaster III]]s were added to improve strategic airlift capability. They are based at CFB Trenton. New [[CC-130J]] Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft began delivery in early summer 2010, six months ahead of schedule. Seventeen to be acquired by April 2012.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/16/220873/canada-signs-1.4bn-contract-for-17-lockheed-martin.html "Canada signs $1.4bn contract for 17 Lockheed Martin C-130Js."] ''Flight International'', 16 January 2008. Retrieved: 16 April 2011</ref><ref>[http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?crtr.sj1D=&mthd=tp&crtr.mnthndVl=&nid=343689 "PWGSC announces next step in procuring tactical airlift fleet."] ''Public Works and Government Services Canada'', 3 August 2007. Retrieved: 16 April 2011.</ref><ref name=first_delivery_CF>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/8w-8e/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?x=1&id=10624 "New generation of CC-130J Hercules arrives in Canada."] ''Canada's Air Force'', 4 June 2010. Retrieved: 16 April 2011</ref> |
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===Aircraft=== |
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{{Duplication|section=yes|dupe=List of active Canadian military aircraft|date=April 2022}} |
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{{main|List of active Canadian military aircraft|l1=List of aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force (current inventory only)}} |
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{{main|List of aircraft of Canada's air forces|l1=List of aircraft of Canada's air forces (complete inventory including retired types)}} |
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The Royal Canadian Air Force has about 430 aircraft in service, making it the third-largest air force in the [[Americas]], after the [[United States Armed Forces]], and the [[Brazilian Air Force]]. |
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On 25 June 2009, 2 Canadian Air Division (2 CAD) was stood up. This organization is now responsible for airforce training and doctrine. Units forming 2 CAD unclude: 15 Wing Moose Jaw, 16 Wing Borden and the Canadian Aerospace Warfare Centre located at 8 Wing Trenton |
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=== Current inventory === |
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On 16 July 2010, the Canadian government announced that the replacement for the [[CF-188]] (F-18) will be the American [[F-35]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2010/07/16/14735851.html|title=Tories Spend $16billion on Jet Fighters|author=Bryn Weese|date=2010-07-16|accessdate=2010-07-16|publisher=canoe.ca - cnews - Politics}}</ref> 65 would be ordered; they would be based at [[CFB Bagotville]] and [[CFB Cold Lake]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18174/ |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|accessdate=2010-09-13 |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Aircraft |
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|title=defence.professionals | defpro.com |
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! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin |
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}}</ref> |
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! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Type |
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! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;" |Variant |
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! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |In service |
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! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Notes |
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|- |
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! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]] |
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|- |
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| [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18 Hornet (CF-188)]] |
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| United States |
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| [[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]] |
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| [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18A/B Hornet]] |
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| 85 |
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| 98 CF-18A and 40 CF-18B have been delivered for a total of 138. 72 CF-18As and 31 CF-18Bs in inventory, 85 in operational use.<ref name="FI_AirForces_2008">"Directory: World Air Forces". ''[[Flight International]]'', 11–17 November 2008.</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Waldron |first=Greg |date=9 July 2024 |title=Upgraded Canadian CF-18s attain IOC |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/upgraded-canadian-cf-18s-attain-ioc/159065.article |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
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|- |
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|[[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|FA-18A/B Hornet]] |
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|United States |
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|[[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]] |
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|[[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|FA-18A/B Hornet]] |
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|7 |
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|12 F/A-18A and 6 F/A-18B have been delivered from Australia for a total of 18. 7 in operational use.<ref name=":0" /> |
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|- |
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! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |[[Maritime patrol aircraft|Maritime patrol]] |
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|- |
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|[[Lockheed CP-140 Aurora|CP-140 Aurora]] |
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|United States |
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|ASW/Patrol |
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|[[Lockheed CP-140 Aurora|Lockheed CP-140M]] |
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|15<ref name=":0b">{{Cite web |last=Embraer |first=In association with |title=World Air Forces directory 2022 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=Flight Global}}</ref> |
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| Will be replaced by [[Boeing P-8|Boeing P-8A]] |
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|- |
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! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |[[Reconnaissance aircraft|Reconnaissance]] |
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|- |
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|[[Beechcraft Super King Air|CE-145C Vigilance]] |
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|United States |
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|[[Surveillance aircraft|surveillance]]/[[Reconnaissance aircraft|reconnaissance]] |
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|[[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft King Air 350ER]] |
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|3<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=5 June 2024 |title=Yesterday, we welcomed the arrival of our third CE-145C Vigilance aircraft at CFB Trenton, all the way from Greenville, Texas! This marks the final delivery of our new, state-of-the-art fleet of surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft for our Special Forces. Thanks to everyone who helped us reach this exciting milestone! 🎉🎉🎉 📷Photo: CANSOFCOM imaging |last1=Canadian Armed Forces |url=https://www.facebook.com/CanadianForces/photos/yesterday-we-welcomed-the-arrival-of-our-third-ce-145c-vigilance-aircraft-at-cfb/761143039541896/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=Facebook }}</ref> |
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| |
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|- |
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! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport aircraft]] |
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|- |
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|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|CC-130 Hercules]] |
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|United States |
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|Tanker/SAR |
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|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed CC-130E/HR(T)]] |
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|12<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|4 tankers and 8 SAR.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project |publisher=Public Works and Government Services Canada |url=http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/air/arsvf-fwsar/index-eng.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904113420/http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/air/arsvf-fwsar/index-eng.html |archive-date=2016-09-04 |access-date=2016-09-09}}</ref> |
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|- |
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|[[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|CC-130J Super Hercules]] |
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|United States |
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|Tactical airlifter/SAR |
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|[[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|Lockheed Martin C-130J-30]] |
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|17<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|As of 15 May 2023, CC-130J model Hercules aircraft began performing SAR operations based out of [[CFB Trenton]] so CC-130 (non-J model) airframes could be relocated to other squadrons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-09 |title=J-model Hercules now flying the SAR mission in Trenton |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/j-model-hercules-now-flying-sar-mission-trenton/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Skies Mag |last=Thatcher |first=Chris |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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|- |
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|[[CC-138 Twin Otter]] |
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|Canada |
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|SAR |
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| |
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|3<ref name=":0b" /> |
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| |
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|- |
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|[[Bombardier Challenger 600 series|CC-144 Challenger]] |
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|Canada |
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|Transport |
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|[[Bombardier Challenger 600 series|Bombardier Challenger 600]] |
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|4<ref name=":0b" /> |
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| |
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|- |
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|[[Airbus CC-150 Polaris|CC-150 Polaris]] |
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|Multinational |
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|Transport/Tanker |
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|[[Airbus CC-150 Polaris|Airbus CC-150]], [[Airbus A310 MRTT|Airbus CC-150T]] |
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|5<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|2 transport, 2 tanker and 1 VIP |
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|- |
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|[[CC-330 Husky]] |
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|Multinational |
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|Transport/Tanker |
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|[[Airbus A330|A330-200]] |
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|2 |
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|9 new and used aircraft to be converted to MRTT role. Initial units to enter service in fall 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canada finalises acquisition of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft for RCAF |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/canada-acquisition-a330-200-rcaf/|website=Airforce Technology |date=12 July 2022 |access-date=25 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Canada moves forward with the acquisition of aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/07/canada-moves-forward-with-the-acquisition-of-aircraft-for-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html |publisher=Department of National Defence |date=14 July 2022 |access-date=25 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Department of National Defence |date=2023-07-25 |title=The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project and NORAD Modernization |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/07/the-strategic-tanker-transport-capability-project-and-norad-modernization0.html |access-date=2023-07-25 |via=canada.ca}}</ref> First aircraft arrived in Canada on 31 August 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/canada-takes-delivery-first-rcaf-cc-330-husky-aircraft/ |title=Canada takes delivery of first CC-330 Husky aircraft |work=Skies Mag |date=6 September 2023 |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref> Aircraft still has civilian registration 9K-APC and RCAF numbering 30002. |
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|- |
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|[[CC-177 Globemaster III]] |
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|United States |
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|Strategic airlifter |
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|[[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|Boeing C-17A ER]] |
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|5<ref name=":0b" /> |
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| |
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|- |
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! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Helicopter]]s |
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|- |
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|[[Bell 206|CH-139 JetRanger]] |
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|United States |
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|Trainer |
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|[[Bell 206|Bell 206B-3]] |
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|13<ref name=":0b" /> |
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| |
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|- |
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|[[Bell CH-146 Griffon|CH-146 Griffon]] |
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|United States / Canada |
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|Transport/SAR |
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| |
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|85<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|85 tactical helicopters and 15 SAR. Eight armed in 2009 to escort [[CH-147 Chinook]]s in Afghanistan.<ref name="CH-146 Griffon">{{cite web |title=CH-146 Griffon |url=http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/ch-146.page |access-date=21 June 2016 |publisher=Royal Canadian Air Force |date=10 April 2013 |via=Canada.ca |archive-date=28 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728080137/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/ch-146.page |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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|- |
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|[[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-147 Chinook]] |
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|United States |
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|Transport |
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|[[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|Boeing CH-47F]] |
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|14<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|One aircraft crashed July 2023<ref name="auto3">{{cite web |title=Wreckage of Chinook helicopter recovered from Ottawa River |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/wreckage-of-chinook-helicopter-recovered-from-ottawa-river-1.6489500 |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=CTV News |date=21 July 2023 |last=Pringle |first=Josh }}</ref> |
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|- |
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|[[Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone|CH-148 Cyclone]] |
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|United States |
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|ASW |
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| |
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|25 |
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|26 helicopters delivered as of end of 2022.<ref name=":4">{{cite magazine|title=The RCAF's Rotary Fleet|first=James|last=Careless|journal=Canadian Defence Review|volume=28|issue=6|page=78|year=2022}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2013 |title=CH-148 Cyclone procurement project |publisher=Government of Canada |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/ch-148-cyclone.html |via=Canada.ca}}</ref> One airframe lost to crash on operations.<ref name=":5">{{Cite press release |date=April 30, 2020 |title=One Canadian military member killed and five missing in helicopter accident |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2020/04/one-canadian-military-member-killed-and-five-missing-in-helicopter-accident.html |publisher=Department of National Defence |via=Canada.ca}}</ref> |
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|- |
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|[[AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant|CH-149 Cormorant]] |
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|United Kingdom / Italy |
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|SAR |
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| |
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|13<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|13 aircraft to be upgraded plus additional 3 new-build helicopters ordered<ref name=":6">{{cite web |title=Halifax company to upgrade 13 Cormorant helicopters for Canada's military |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9655824/imp-aerospace-halifax-upgrade-cormorant-military/ |access-date=3 August 2023 |website=Global News |date=27 April 2023 |last=Doucette |first=Keith}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Trainer aircraft]] |
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|- |
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|[[CT-114 Tutor]] |
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|Canada |
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|Air Demonstration, proficiency flying |
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|[[Canadair CT-114 Tutor|Canadair CL-41A]] |
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|24<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|Used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (The [[Snowbirds (aerobatic team)|Snowbirds]]). |
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Used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE), [[CFB Cold Lake]] for test support and pilot proficiency.<ref name="aete1">{{Cite web |title=Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) |url=https://cahf.ca/aerospace-engineering-test-establishment-aete/ |website=Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame |date= 15 February 2021|access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref><ref name="aete2">{{Cite web |title=AETE to join testing 'centre of excellence' in Ottawa |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/aete-to-join-testing-centre-of-excellence-in-ottawa/ |website=Skies Magazine |last=Thatcher |first=Chris |date=11 January 2019 |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref> |
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|- |
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In March 2011, Canadian Forces Air Command deployed six CF-188 Hornet fighter jets, two Boeing CC-177 Globemasters, two CP-140 Auroras, and approximately 250 Canadian Forces personnel as part of [[Operation Mobile]], Canada's response to the Libyan uprising.<ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2011/02/updates-misesajour/03-22-2011-eng.asp "Update on CF Operations in Libya"] Canadian Forces website, 22 March 2011</ref> Air Command originally maintained a no-fly zone as part of [[Operation Odyssey Dawn]], but is now under [[NATO]]'s [[Operation Unified Protector]]. Canadian CF-188s have carried out multiple bomb strikes on Libyan military installations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian jets bomb Libyan target in first attack|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/somnia/article1953453/ |publisher=[[The Globe and Mail]]'' |date=23 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian jets target Libyan ammunition depot |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/03/23/libya-costs-us.html |publisher=CBC News |date=23 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Murray Brewster The Canadian Press |url=http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/959258--canadian-cf-18s-bomb-libyan-ammunition-depot |title=Canadian CF-18s bomb Libyan ammunition depot |publisher=thestar.com |date=1932-02-27 |accessdate=2011-03-24}}</ref> |
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|[[De Havilland Canada Dash 8|CT-142 Dash-8]] |
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|Canada |
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|Trainer |
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| |
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|4<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|3 Ordered<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Finnerty2024-05-29T18:04:00+01:00 |first=Ryan |title=Canada announces $8bn acquisition of 71 trainer aircraft for RCAF |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/canada-announces-8bn-acquisition-of-71-trainer-aircraft-for-rcaf/158517.article |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [[Beechcraft T-6 Texan II|CT-156 Harvard II]] |
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| United States |
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| Trainer |
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| |
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| 22<ref name=":0b" /> |
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| 24 leased in 2000, 2 added in 2002.<ref name=":8">{{cite web |url=http://www.ody.ca/~bwalker/CF_CT156.html |title=Canadian Forces CT-156 |publisher=Ody.ca |access-date=2011-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706192223/http://www.ody.ca/~bwalker/CF_CT156.html |archive-date=2011-07-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two lost in crashes.<ref name=":9">{{cite news |date=24 January 2014|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/2-military-pilots-eject-safely-before-crash-at-15-wing-moose-jaw-1.2510345| title=2 military pilots eject safely before crash at 15 Wing Moose Jaw |work=CBC News |access-date=4 April 2015}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{cite news |date=28 March 2017|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/military-pilots-forced-to-eject-while-practising-aerobatics-dnd-report/article34438583/| title=Military pilots forced to eject while practising aerobatics: DND report |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=21 December 2017}}</ref> |
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|- |
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|[[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet]] |
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|France / Germany |
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|Jet Trainer |
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|[[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet|Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet Type A]] |
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|16<ref name="Top Aces">{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Top Aces |url=http://www.topaces.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423224117/https://topaces.com/ |archive-date=2019-04-23 |access-date=2019-06-03}}</ref> |
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|Based in Montreal and operated by Canadian Air Combat and Electronic Warfare Support Services as well as [[414 Squadron]].<ref name="Top Aces" /> |
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|- |
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|[[Grob G 120]] |
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|Germany |
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|Trainer |
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| |
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|14<ref name=":0b" /> |
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|23 Ordered<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Finnerty2024-05-29T18:04:00+01:00 |first=Ryan |title=Canada announces $8bn acquisition of 71 trainer aircraft for RCAF |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/canada-announces-8bn-acquisition-of-71-trainer-aircraft-for-rcaf/158517.article |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] |
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|- |
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| [[IAI Heron]] |
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| [[Israel]] |
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| [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|ISR]] |
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| |
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| 2 |
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| 2 in service, formerly operated 3.<ref name="Flt8">{{cite web|url = http://web.ncf.ca/fn352/flight8/recent.html#UAV|title = Canadian Forces Briefing on UAVs|access-date = 2009-06-30|publisher = [[Canadian Owners and Pilots Association|COPA]] Flight 8|date = June 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120711071859/http://web.ncf.ca/fn352/flight8/recent.html#UAV|archive-date = 11 July 2012|url-status = live}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [[UMS Skeldar V-200]] |
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| [[Sweden]] |
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| [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|ISR]] |
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| [[UMS Skeldar V-200|CU-176 Gargoyle]] |
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| 6 |
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| Known as CU-176 Gargoyle in Canadian Service.<ref name=":16">{{cite web|title=QinetiQ Wins C$51m Contract with the Canadian Armed Forces' Unmanned Aircraft System Service program|url=https://umsskeldar.aero/qinetiq-wins-51m-contract-with-the-canadian-armed-forces-unmanned-aircraft-system-service-program/|website=Umsskeldar.aero|access-date=22 May 2019}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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|- |
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| [[Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack|RQ-21 Blackjack]] |
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| United States |
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| [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|ISR]] |
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| |
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| 10 |
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| |
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|} |
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== |
====Fixed-wing==== |
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{{glossary}} |
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{{Main|List of aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force}} |
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{{term |1=[[Airbus CC-150 Polaris]]}} |
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[[File:Canadian CF-18 2.jpg|right|thumb|CF-18 off Hawaii]] |
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{{defn |1=[[File:CC-150 Polaris tanker refueling two CF-18 Hornets.jpg|thumb|An RCAF [[Airbus CC-150 Polaris|CC-150 Polaris]] refuelling two CF-18 Hornets near [[CFB Borden]]]] |
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[[File:Globemaster 0026.jpg|thumb|right|[[C-17 Globemaster III]]]] |
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Airbus A310 transports purchased in 1992 for use as strategic transports and air-to-air tankers to replace the [[Boeing CC-137]]. Two have been converted to tankers and are designated the CC-150T. One is permanently configured for [[Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft|VIP transport]]; all five aircraft are operated by [[437 Transport Squadron|437 Squadron]] based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.}} |
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{{term |1=[[EADS CASA C-295|Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/canada/new-rcaf-search-and-rescue-aircraft-to-be-named-kingfisher-502130//|title=New RCAF search and rescue aircraft to be named "Kingfisher"|work=Journal Pioneer|access-date=2020-09-25}}</ref>}} |
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The Royal Canadian Air Force has approximately 391 aircraft in the fleet, which is the third largest in the [[Americas]], after the [[United States Air Force]] and [[Brazilian Air Force]]. |
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{{defn |1=Twin-turboprop tactical search and rescue aircraft as replacement for the [[DHC-5 Buffalo|CC-115 Buffalo]] and older-model [[C-130H]] Hercules search and rescue aircraft}} |
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{{term |1=[[Airbus A330 MRTT|Airbus CC-330 Husky (A330-200) MRTT]]}} |
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===Fixed wing=== |
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{{defn |1=In 2022, two ex-[[Kuwait Airways]] [[Airbus A330]]-200 were selected to be converted as [[Airbus A330 MRTT]] to replace the CC-150 Polaris. The two aircraft will arrive in winter 2023 and converted by [[Airbus Defence and Space]] (mainly in Spain and repainted in France).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://skiesmag.com/news/canada-moves-forward-acquisition-first-2-airbus-a330-aircraft-rcaf-future-tanker/|title=Canada moves forward with acquisition of first 2 Airbus A330-200s for RCAF future tanker|author=Rob Kotsopoulos|website=Skiesmag.com|date=15 July 2022 |access-date=27 July 2022}}</ref> On June 19, 2023 a contract was awarded for the acquisition of nine [[Airbus CC-330 Husky|CC-330 Husky]] aircraft (mix of 4 new and 5 used A330-200), associated equipment, integrated logistic support elements, training simulator(s), and sustainment.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/strategic-tanker-transport-capability-project.html | title=Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project | date=18 December 2020 }}</ref>}} |
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{{term |1=[[BAE Systems Hawk|BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk]]}} |
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;[[CC-150 Polaris|Airbus CC-150 Polaris]] |
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{{defn |1=Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer leased in 2000. 17 aircraft in service beginning of 2024, based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, announced 'taken out of service as per April 2024}} |
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:Second-hand Airbus A310 transports purchased in 1992 for use as a strategic transports and air-to-air tankers to replace the [[Boeing CC-137]]. Two have been converted to tankers and are designated the CC-150T. Based at 8 Wing Trenton, ON |
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{{term |1=[[Beechcraft CT-156 Harvard II]]}} |
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;[[BAe Hawk|BAe CT-155 Hawk]] |
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{{defn |1=Single-engined trainer leased from [[CAE Inc.]] to replace the [[Canadair CT-114 Tutor]]. 24 aircraft based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan}} |
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:Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer introduced in 2000. |
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{{term |1=[[Beechcraft King Air|Beechcraft King Air C-90B]]}} |
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;[[C-17 Globemaster III|Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III]] |
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{{defn |1=Multi-engine training aircraft. Leased to RCAF by [[Allied Wings]], 7 aircraft are based at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.}} |
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:Four strategic airlifters delivered between 2007 and 2008 and based at 8 Wing Trenton, ON |
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{{term |1=[[Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III]]}} |
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{{defn |1=[[File:RCAF Boeing C-17 CC177704 (7228848484).jpg|thumb|An RCAF [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster III]] at [[Calgary International Airport]]]] |
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:A [[Miniature UAVs|miniature UAV]], one leased for 9 months in 2008 pending a replacement of the [[SAGEM Sperwer|CU-161]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/08/07/helicopters-military.html | work=CBC News | title=Canadian military acquiring new helicopters, drones | date=2008-08-07}}</ref> |
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Five strategic airlifters operated by [[429 Transport Squadron|429 (T) Squadron]] based at 8 Wing [[Trenton, Ontario]]. Four were delivered from 2007 to 2008, a fifth was delivered in 2015.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=956819&tp=1|title=Government of Canada Welcomes Increased Air Power for the Royal Canadian Air Force - Canada's Fifth CC-177 Globemaster touches down at 8 Wing Trenton |publisher=Department of National Defence |date=30 March 2015|access-date=5 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401143516/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=956819&tp=1|archive-date=1 April 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>}} |
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{{term |1=[[Bombardier Challenger 600|Bombardier CC-144 Challenger]]}} |
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{{defn |1=Utility and VIP transport aircraft first delivered in 1982. Early Challenger 600 and 601 models were supplemented by 604 models in 2002. Four aircraft are operated by [[412 Transport Squadron|412(T) Sqn]] and based in Ottawa, but belong to 8 Wing Trenton.}} |
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{{term |1=[[Canadair CT-114 Tutor]]}} |
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{{defn |1=Entered service in 1962 as a basic and advanced jet trainer with 190 originally ordered, replaced by the [[T-6 Texan II|CT-156 Harvard II]] and [[CT-155 Hawk]] in 2000. A total of 26 aircraft remain in service, 24 of which are used by [[431 Air Demonstration Squadron]], "The [[Snowbirds (aerobatic team)|Snowbirds]]". Five are used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) for test support and pilot proficiency flying.<ref name="aete1"/><ref name="aete2"/>}} |
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{{term |1=[[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|DHC CC-138 Twin Otter]]}} |
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{{defn |1=A twin-engined utility transport operated since the 1970s, four remain based at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, operated by 440 Transport Squadron.}} |
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[[File:Canadian Armed Forces - DHC6 - Twin Otter.jpg|thumb|[[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|DHC CC-138 Twin Otter]] at [[Cambridge Bay Airport]]]] |
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;[[de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter|DHC CC-138 Twin Otter]] |
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:A twin-engined utility transport operated since the 1970s, Four remain based at Yellowknife, NT. |
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{{term |1=[[de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8|DHC CT-142 Dash 8]]}} |
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{{defn |1=Twin-engined converted regional airliner entered service in 1987 as an aerial navigation and tactics trainer, Four are operated by 402 "City of Winnipeg" Sqn and stationed at [[CFB Winnipeg|17 Wing]], Winnipeg, Manitoba.}} |
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{{term |1=[[Grob G 120]]A}} |
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;[[C-130 Hercules|Lockheed CC-130 Hercules]] |
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{{defn |1=Single engine primary trainer used to train pilot candidates before they move onto the [[Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II|Harvard II]]. Leased to RCAF by [[KF Defence Programs]], 14 aircraft are based at [[3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School]] in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.<ref name=":0"/>}} |
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:Four-engined tactical transport, the Hercules has been used in a number of different variants since 1960. Five are operated as air-to-air tankers. Based with 14 Wing Greenwood, NS, 8 Wing Trenton, ON and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB. All 19 CC-130Es are being replaced by 17 [[CC-130J Super Hercules]] no later than April 2012. |
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{{term |1=[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed CC-130H Hercules]]}} |
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{{defn |1=[[File:Lockheed CC-130H Hercules (8111583732) (2).jpg|thumb|An RCAF [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|CC-130H Hercules]] on approach to [[Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport|Winnipeg James Richardson International Airport]]]] |
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:Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the [[United States|American]] [[P-3 Orion|Lockheed P-3 Orion]]. Entererd service in 1980 and now based at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS |
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Four-engined tactical transport. Several versions have been operated since 1960. Remaining CC-130Hs used for search and rescue and air-to-air refuelling. 12 aircraft remain in service,<ref name=":0" /> 4 of which have been converted to air-to-air tankers. Based at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.}} |
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{{term |1=[[Lockheed CP-140 Aurora]]}} |
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{{defn |1=Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American [[P-3 Orion|Lockheed P-3 Orion]]; entered service in 1980, 18 aircraft now based at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia, and 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia.<ref name=":0" />}} |
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{{term |1=[[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules]]}} |
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{{defn |1=Four-engined tactical airlifter replacing earlier Hercules variants in that role.<ref>Warwick, Graham. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/16/220873/canada-signs-1.4bn-contract-for-17-lockheed-martin.html "Canada signs $1.4bn contract for 17 Lockheed Martin C-130Js."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310212039/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/16/220873/canada-signs-1.4bn-contract-for-17-lockheed-martin.html |date=2008-03-10 }} ''Flight International'', 16 January 2008. Retrieved: 17 January 2008.</ref> A total of 17 are in service operated by 436 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton.<ref>[http://www.ody.ca/~bwalker/CF_CC130.html "Canadian Forces CC-130 Hercules."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706192057/http://www.ody.ca/~bwalker/CF_CC130.html |date=2011-07-06 }} ''Ody.ca .'' Retrieved: 20 March 2011.</ref>}} |
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{{term |1=[[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet]]}} |
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{{defn |1=[[File:CF18imp2.jpg|thumb|An RCAF CF-18 Hornet during the Bagotville Air Show]] |
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:Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single-seat CF-18As and 40 two-seat CF-18Bs were ordered. Seventeen have been lost since 1984.<ref name="Ejection history">{{cite web|url=http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Aircraft_by_Type/CF-18/cf_18_hornet.htm|title=CF-18 Hornet in Canadian Service|accessdate=|publisher=www.ejection-history.org.uk}}</ref> Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, QC and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB. Approximately 78 CF-18 remain in active service. |
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Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single-seat CF-18As and 40 two-seat CF-18Bs were ordered. Seventeen have been lost since 1984.<ref name="Ejection history">[http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Aircraft_by_Type/CF-18/cf_18_hornet.htm "CF-18 Hornet in Canadian Service."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928001959/http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/Aircraft_by_Type/CF-18/cf_18_hornet.htm |date=2013-09-28 }} ''ejection-history.org.uk.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2011.</ref> Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; 60 CF-18As and 25 CF-18Bs remain in active service.<ref name=":0" /><ref>[http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/october-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-military-industry-/1196-canadian-cf-18-fighter-jets-kept-in-use-until-2025.html "Canadian CF-18 fighter jets to be kept in use until 2025."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004144925/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/october-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-military-industry-/1196-canadian-cf-18-fighter-jets-kept-in-use-until-2025.html |date=2014-10-04 }} ''airrecognition.com'', 2 October 2014.</ref>}} |
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{{term |1=[[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet in Australian service|McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]] (Ex-RAAF)}} |
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;[[T-6 Texan II|Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II]] |
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{{defn |1= 18 (12 F/A-18A and 6 F/A-18B) have been delivered. Up to seven additional Hornets are also being supplied to be used for spares.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|last=Andrew McLaughlin|date=2021-05-13|title=Canada receives final ex-RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornets|url=https://adbr.com.au/canada-receives-final-ex-raaf-f-a-18a-b-hornets/|access-date=2021-05-14|website=ADBR|language=en-US|archive-date=5 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005190322/https://adbr.com.au/canada-receives-final-ex-raaf-f-a-18a-b-hornets/|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} |
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:Single-engined trainer leased from 2000 to replace the [[Canadair CL-41 Tutor]]. Based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK |
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{{glossary end}} |
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===Rotary wing=== |
====Rotary wing==== |
||
{{glossary}} |
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;[[Bell 206|Bell CH-139 JetRanger]] |
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{{term |1=[[AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant]]}} |
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:Single-engined utility and training helicopter. Ordered for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie, MB; used by Regular Forces in CFB Lahr in Germany and in Canada during the 1980s; now back at 3 CFFTS; replaced by [[CH-146 Griffon]]s |
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{{defn |1=Triple-engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the [[CH-113 Labrador]]. Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002. Based at (103 Squadron) 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland; (413 Squadron) 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia; and (442 Squadron) 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. One aircraft has been lost in a training accident.}} |
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{{term |1=[[Bell 206|Bell CH-139 JetRanger]] (Model C or III)}} |
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{{defn |1=Single-engined utility and training helicopter. Ordered for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie, MB; an older variant (CH-136 - Jetranger A model), was used by Regular Forces in CFB Lahr in Germany and in Canada from 1972 - 1995 which were replaced by [[CH-146 Griffon]]s. 12 aircraft remain, leased from [[Allied Wings]], used for flight training in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.}} |
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:A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Based at Bagotville, QC, St. Hubert, QC, Cold Lake, AB, Gagetown, NB, Valcartier, QC, Goose Bay, NL, Edmonton, AB, Petawawa, ON and Borden, ON; also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton; replaced [[Bell 206]] JetRangers. Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks,armed with 7.62mm [[Minigun|Dillon Aero M134D]] Gatling gun on the both doors.<ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/photo-eng.asp?id=3429 Dillon Aero 7.62 mm M134 Minigun during exercise near Kandahar<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="DND25Nov08">{{cite web|url = http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2816|title = Canada Increases Air Capabilities in Afghanistan|accessdate = 2009-03-13|last = DND/CF News|authorlink = |year = 2008|month = November}}</ref><ref>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/opdocs/docs/JTF-Afg/fs-ft/ch146-griffon-eng.pdf Griffon at Kandahar<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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[[File:CH-124SeaKing.jpg|thumb|right|CH-124 Sea King]] |
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;[[Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King]] |
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:A ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter that entered service between 1963 and 1969. Based at 12 Wing Shearwater, NS and Patricia Bay, BC and due to be replaced by the [[CH-148 Cyclone]]. |
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{{term |1=[[Bell CH-146 Griffon]]}} |
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;[[AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant]] |
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{{defn |1=[[File:CH-146ISAF.jpg|thumb|An RCAF [[Bell CH-146 Griffon|CH-146 Griffon]] providing close air support for units of the [[Afghan Armed Forces]], and [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]]]] |
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:Three-engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the [[CH-113 Labrador]]. Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002. Based at 9 Wing Gander, NL, 14 Wing Greenwood, NS and 19 Wing Comox, BC |
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A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Original purchase of 100 aircraft to replace the CH-136 Kiowa (Bell 206), CH-135 Twin Huey (Bell 212), CH-118 Iroquois (Bell 205), and Boeing C-Model Chinooks CH-47C. Based at Bagotville, Quebec (439 Squadron), St. Hubert, Quebec (438 Squadron), Cold Lake, Alberta (417 Squadron), Gagetown, New Brunswick (403 Squadron), Valcartier, Quebec (430 Squadron), Goose Bay, Newfoundland (444 Squadron), Edmonton, Alberta (408 Squadron), and Borden, Ontario (400 Squadron); also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton (424 Squadron). Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks, armed with a combination of 7.62mm C-6 machine gun, 7.62mm [[Minigun|Dillon Aero M134D]] Gatling gun, and GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun on one or both doors.<ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/photo-eng.asp?id=3429 "Dillon Aero 7.62 mm M134 Minigun during exercise near Kandahar."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609181953/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/photo-eng.asp?id=3429 |date=2011-06-09 }} ''The Maple Leaf'', Vol. 12, No. 9, 4 March 2009. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.</ref><ref name="DND25Nov08">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110609200924/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2816 "Canada Increases Air Capabilities in Afghanistan."] ''DND/CF News,'' November 2008. Retrieved: 13 March 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/opdocs/docs/JTF-Afg/fs-ft/ch146-griffon-eng.pdf] {{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 9 ex-RCAF Griffons, designated CT-146, are leased from [[Allied Wings]] for pilot training at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. CT-146 Griffons are painted all black and have RCAF roundel, RCAF wordmark, Canada wordmark and civilian registration numbers.{{trivia inline|date=December 2023}} }} |
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[[File:CH147Chinook Afghanistan.jpg|right|thumb|CH-147 Chinook]] |
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;[[CH-47 Chinook|Boeing CH-147 Chinook]] |
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:Twin-rotor medium/heavy lift helicopter. Six D model helicopters entered service in 2008 and a further 15 CH-47F to be delivered starting in 2013-2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=784|title=Boeing Receives $1.15B Contract for 15 Canadian Chinooks, Announces Matching Reinvestment in Industry |accessdate=2009-08-11 }}</ref> |
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{{term |1=[[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|Boeing CH-147F Chinook]]}} |
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;[[Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone]] |
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{{defn |1=The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission, medium to heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary mission is the tactical transport of equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations. [[450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron]], under the command of [[1 Wing Kingston]], Ontario, and based in [[CFB Petawawa]], Ontario, was re-established as the home of Canadaʼs fleet of 15 CH-147F Chinooks. The first two airframes underwent intensive operational test and evaluation in the United States for several months before Canada received the first airframe 147303 at an official acceptance ceremony at the [[Ottawa International Airport]] on 27 June 2013.<ref> |
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:Ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the [[Sikorsky S-92|Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk]]. Twenty-eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009 |
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{{cite press release |url=http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=13967 |url-status=dead |title=First CH-147F Chinook helicopter welcomed to Canada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628072034/http://rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=13967 |archive-date=2013-06-28 |publisher=Department of National Defence |access-date=28 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/july-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1068-boeing-completes-delivery-of-canadian-ch-147f-chinooks-transport-helicopter.html |title=Boeing Completes Delivery of Canadian CH-147F Chinooks Transport Helicopter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714191717/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/july-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1068-boeing-completes-delivery-of-canadian-ch-147f-chinooks-transport-helicopter.html |archive-date=2014-07-14 |website=Air Recognition |access-date=2 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1420-boeing-delivered-ch-147f-chinook-maintenance-trainer-to-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html |title=Boeing delivered CH-147F Chinook Maintenance Trainer to the Royal Canadian Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114164606/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1420-boeing-delivered-ch-147f-chinook-maintenance-trainer-to-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html |archive-date=2015-01-14 |work=Air Recognition |access-date=13 January 2015}}</ref> Fifteen aircraft were initially acquired, but one crashed in 2023.<ref name="auto3"/><ref name=":0" /> Full operational capability by June 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=CH-147F Chinook procurement project |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/ch-147f-chinook.html |publisher=Government of Canada |via=Canada.ca |access-date=16 August 2021 |date=13 December 2018}}</ref> The Auditor General criticized National Defence for "underestimated and understated" the complexity of the purchases of the Chinook, "[t]he way the advance contract notification instrument was applied in the directed procurement of the Chinook helicopters did not comply with the letter or intent of the applicable regulations and policies".<ref>{{cite news |title=FAQ: How Canada procured new military helicopters |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/faq-how-canada-procured-new-military-helicopters-1.940250 |access-date=16 August 2021 |website=CBC News |date=26 October 2010}}</ref>}} |
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{{term |1=[[Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone]]}} |
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==Leased and contractor aircraft== |
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{{defn |1=[[File:Halifax DSC08302 - CF Cyclone -811 (36286729876) (cropped).jpg|thumb|A [[CH-148 Cyclone]] in flight]] |
|||
Ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the [[Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk]]. Twenty-eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009. Delays pushed first delivery to 2015.<ref name=":0" /> One aircraft was lost in an accident in April 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RCAF Cyclone helicopter missing, believed to have crashed into the sea off Greek coast |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcaf-cyclone-helicopter-reported-missing-believed-to-have-crashed-into-the-sea-off-greek-coast|access-date=2020-11-03|website=Ottawa Citizen|last=Pugliese |first=David |language=en-CA}}</ref>}} |
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{{glossary end}} |
|||
===Leased and contractor aircraft=== |
|||
The Canadian Forces have leased aircraft from vendors to help transport troops and equipment from Canada and other locations in the past decade. Transport aircraft have been leased as required. |
|||
The Canadian Forces have leased aircraft from vendors to help transport troops and equipment from Canada and other locations in the past decade. Transport aircraft have been leased as required. Despite RCAF marking all aircraft have civilian registration numbers. |
|||
;[[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft |
;[[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft B300 Super King Air]] |
||
* Two aircraft leased from |
* Two aircraft leased from Transwest Air Limited. Used by the Multi-Engine Utility Flight (MEUF) in [[CFB Trenton]]. Flown by RCAF pilots, they are used for light transport of personnel and equipment within North America. |
||
;[[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet|Dornier Alpha Jet Type A]] |
;[[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet|Dornier Alpha Jet Type A]] |
||
* |
* 16 aircraft are operated by [[Top Aces]] for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB Cold Lake and [[CFB Bagotville]].<ref name="Top Aces" /> |
||
===Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)=== |
|||
;[[Hawker Hunter|Hawker Hunter F.58]] |
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====RCAF UAS==== |
|||
* Twelve civil aircraft are operated by [[Lortie Aviation]], formerly [[Northern Lights International Airlines Ltd.|Northern Lights]]. Based out of [[CFB Cold Lake]] <ref name="test">http://www.lortieaviation.com/</ref>; ex-[[Swiss Air Force]] jets |
|||
;[[SAGEM Sperwer]] |
|||
:Designated CU-161; entered service in 2003, retired<ref name="canadianarmytoday.com">{{cite web |url=https://canadianarmytoday.com/blackjack-army-hits-21-with-new-ace-in-the-sky/ |title=Blackjack: Army hits 21 with new ace in the sky |work=Canadian Army Today |date=December 4, 2017 |access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref> |
|||
;[[IAI Heron]] |
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:3 leased in 2009 for use in Afghanistan; turned over to the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] in 2011<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/cf-aerospace-warfare-centre/elibrary/journal/2016-vol5-iss3-04-can-unmanned-aircraft-systems-meet-canadian-air-power-needs.page |title=Can Unmanned Aircraft Systems Meet Canadian Air Power Needs? |last=Orr |first=Conrad Edward |journal=RCAF Journal |volume=5 |issue=3 |date=2016 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-date=19 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419002033/https://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/cf-aerospace-warfare-centre/elibrary/journal/2016-vol5-iss3-04-can-unmanned-aircraft-systems-meet-canadian-air-power-needs.page |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
|||
====Canadian Army/RCN UAS==== |
|||
;[[Mil Mi-17]] |
|||
* Medium-lift helicopters are leased from [[Skylink Aviation]] for transporting equipment and troops in the Balkans and Afghanistan. |
|||
;[[ |
;[[BAE Systems Silver Fox]] |
||
:Acquired in 2004 by the Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/38284/canada-to-buy-silver-fox-mini_uav-%28may-5%29.html |title=Canadian Forces Purchases Mini UAV System |website=Defense-aerospace.com |date=May 4, 2004 |access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref> |
|||
* Medium lift transport helicopters leased from [[SkyLink Aviation]] for use in Afghanistan. |
|||
;[[Boeing Insitu ScanEagle]] |
|||
:Designated CU-165; operated by the [[Canadian Army]] 2008–2014<ref name="canadianarmytoday.com"/> |
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;[[Elbit Skylark]] |
|||
:Designated CU-168; operated by the Canadian Army<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/canada-selects-skylark-as-its-future-miniuav-02689/ |title=Canada Selects Skylark as its Future Mini-UAV |website=Defense Industry Daily |date=October 6, 2006 |access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref> |
|||
;[[AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven]] |
|||
:Operated by the Canadian Army |
|||
;[[AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma]] |
|||
:Acquired in 2018; operated by the [[Royal Canadian Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2018-02-28/royal-canadian-navy-to-field-aerovironment-puma-ii-ae-with-mantis-i45-sensor-aboard-coastal-defence-vessels |title=Royal Canadian Navy to Field AeroVironment Puma II AE with Mantis i45 Sensor Aboard Coastal Defence Vessels |website=Bloomberg.com |date=February 28, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2021}}</ref> |
|||
;[[Prioria Robotics Maveric]] |
|||
:Operated by the Canadian Army<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.suasnews.com/2010/08/prioria-win-canadian-defence-contract-with-maveric-mav/ |title=Prioria win Canadian defence contract with Maveric MAV |work=Suas News |last=Mortimer |first=Gary |date=August 15, 2010 |access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref> |
|||
;[[Saab Skeldar]] |
|||
:Designated CU-176 Gargoyle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canada to Evaluate Skeldar Drone in ASW |url=https://www.helis.com/database/news/canada-skeldar-drone-asw/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Helis.com |language=en}}</ref> Acquired in 2019; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy and [[CANSOFCOM]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 May 2019 |url=https://umsskeldar.aero/qinetiq-wins-51m-contract-with-the-canadian-armed-forces-unmanned-aircraft-system-service-program-2/ |title=QinetiQ Wins C$51m Contract with the Canadian Armed Forces' Unmanned Aircraft System Service program |website=UMS SKELDAR |access-date=2020-11-27 |archive-date=2020-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020025206/https://umsskeldar.aero/qinetiq-wins-51m-contract-with-the-canadian-armed-forces-unmanned-aircraft-system-service-program-2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
|||
;[[Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack]] |
|||
:Designated CU-172; operated by the Canadian Army<ref name="canadianarmytoday.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/canada-surveillance-drones-military-1.3680290 |title=Canada's new $14.1M fixed-wing drones are runway free |work=CBC News |last=Ruskin |first=Brett |date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref> |
|||
;[[Teal Drones, Inc. Teal 2]] |
|||
:Introduced to Army and RCN circa 2024. Fifty acquired.<ref>{{Cite news |title=No plans to buy first person drones for Canadian Armed Forces |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/no-first-person-drones-for-canadian-forces |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241122121019/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/no-first-person-drones-for-canadian-forces |archive-date=2024-11-22 |access-date=2024-12-12 |work=ottawacitizen |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
===Future inventory=== |
|||
;[[IAI Heron]] |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
* Five Heron unmanned aerial reconnaissance aircraft are leased for use in Afghanistan from [[Israel Aerospace Industries]]. |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Aircraft |
|||
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin |
|||
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Type |
|||
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;" |Variant |
|||
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Number on order |
|||
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Notes |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]] |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A Lightning II]] |
|||
| United States |
|||
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]] |
|||
| [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II#Variants|F-35A]] |
|||
|88 |
|||
| Ordered in January 2023. First 4 to arrive in 2026, with all 88 to be delivered by 2032.<ref name="Berthiaume">{{cite web |last=Berthiaume |first=Lee |date=20 December 2022 |title=Defence Department gets OK to spend $7 billion on 16 F-35 fighter jets: CP sources |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/defence-department-gets-ok-to-spend-7-billion-on-16-f-35-fighter-jets-cp-sources-1.6202528 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221221010514/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/defence-department-gets-ok-to-spend-7-billion-on-16-f-35-fighter-jets-cp-sources-1.6202528 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=[[CTV News]]}}</ref><ref name="Brewster090123">{{cite web |last=Brewster |first=Murray |date=9 January 2023 |title=Federal government inks deal to buy fleet of F-35 fighter jets |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-f35-fighter-jet-deal-1.6707769 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230109165109/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-f35-fighter-jet-deal-1.6707769?cmp=rss |archive-date=9 January 2023 |access-date=9 January 2023 |work=[[CBC News]]}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |[[Maritime patrol aircraft|Maritime patrol]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Boeing P-8|Boeing P-8A]] |
|||
|United States |
|||
|ASW/Patrol |
|||
|[[Boeing P-8|Boeing P-8A]] |
|||
|14 |
|||
|Plus 2 options, with delivery starting in 2026.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Canada purchasing up to 16 P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force |date=2023-11-30 |publisher=Department of National Defence |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/11/canada-purchasing-up-to-16-p-8a-poseidon-multi-mission-aircraft-for-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html |via=Canada.ca |access-date=2023-11-30}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport aircraft]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[EADS CASA C-295|CC-295 Kingfisher]] |
|||
|[[Spain]] |
|||
|SAR |
|||
|[[EADS CASA C-295]] |
|||
|16 |
|||
|All 16 aircraft were expected to be delivered by the end of 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fedy-Macdonald |first=Dayna |date=4 May 2022 |title=Initial operational capability of Canada's CC-295 FWSAR aircraft delayed to 2025-26 |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/initial-operational-capability-canadas-cc-295-fwsar-aircraft-delayed-2025/#:~:text=The%2016th%20and%20final%20CC,Greenwood%2C%20and%2017%20Wing%20Winnipeg |access-date=2 January 2024 |work=Skies Mag}}</ref><ref name="CBC New Era">{{Cite news |last=Brewster |first=Murray |date=2020-09-25 |title=A new era for military search-and-rescue begins with the Kingfisher |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/search-rescue-plane-1.5739524 |access-date=2020-09-26 |work=[[CBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=9 October 2019 |title=Canada's first C295 gains air force livery |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/canadas-first-c295-gains-air-force-livery/134740.article |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=Flight Global}}</ref> However, initial operating capability is not anticipated until 2025/26.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 May 2022 |title=Government of Canada provides an update on the operationalization of the CC-295 Kingfisher |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/05/government-of-canada-provides-an-update-on-the-operationalization-of-the-cc-295-kingfisher.html |access-date=26 August 2022 |publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> Additional trainer aircraft for maintenance personnel arrived in 2020 without SAR equipment and not part of the operational fleet. |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Trainer aircraft]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Pilatus PC-21]] |
|||
|Switzerland |
|||
|Trainer |
|||
| |
|||
|19<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Finnerty2024-05-29T18:04:00+01:00 |first=Ryan |title=Canada announces $8bn acquisition of 71 trainer aircraft for RCAF |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/canada-announces-8bn-acquisition-of-71-trainer-aircraft-for-rcaf/158517.article |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
|To operate as part of Canada's ''Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.''<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Public Services and Procurement |date=2024-09-12 |title=Future aircrew training program |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/acquisitions/defence-marine/air/future-aircrew-training-program.html |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=www.canada.ca}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Beechcraft King Air|Beechcraft Super King Air 260]] |
|||
|United States |
|||
|Trainer |
|||
| |
|||
|7<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Finnerty2024-05-29T18:04:00+01:00 |first=Ryan |title=Canada announces $8bn acquisition of 71 trainer aircraft for RCAF |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/canada-announces-8bn-acquisition-of-71-trainer-aircraft-for-rcaf/158517.article |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
|To operate as part of Canada's ''Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.''<ref name=":17" /> |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Eurocopter EC135]] |
|||
|France |
|||
|Trainer |
|||
| |
|||
|19<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Finnerty2024-05-29T18:04:00+01:00 |first=Ryan |title=Canada announces $8bn acquisition of 71 trainer aircraft for RCAF |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/canada-announces-8bn-acquisition-of-71-trainer-aircraft-for-rcaf/158517.article |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
|||
|To operate as part of Canada's ''Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.''<ref name=":17" /> |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9B SkyGuardian]] |
|||
|[[United States]] |
|||
|[[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|ISR]] |
|||
| |
|||
|11 |
|||
|Delivery from 2028.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Department of National Defence |date=19 December 2023 |title=Canada acquiring Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for the Canadian Armed Forces |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/12/canada-acquiring-remotely-piloted-aircraft-systems-for-the-canadian-armed-forces.html |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=Government of Canada News}}</ref> |
|||
|} |
|||
====Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II==== |
|||
==Weapons and other equipment== |
|||
{{Main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Canadian procurement}} |
|||
On 28 March 2022, the Government of Canada announced that the competition had placed the F-35A first and planned to buy 88 aircraft.<ref name="cbc2022">{{cite web|url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/f-35-negotiations-1.6399978|title= Liberals launch negotiations to buy F-35 fighter jets|access-date= 29 March 2022|last= Brewster|first= Murray|work= [[CBC News]]|date= 28 March 2022|archive-url= https://archive.today/20220329000346/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/f-35-negotiations-1.6399978|archive-date= 29 March 2022|url-status= live}}</ref> On 9 January 2023, the Government of Canada officially ordered 88 F-35As.<ref name="Berthiaume" /><ref name="Brewster090123" /> Previously, a unique Canadian [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|CF-35]] variant was proposed that would differ from the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II#Variants|F-35A]] by adding a [[drogue parachute]] and possibly an F-35B/C-style refuelling probe.<ref name="auto" /><ref name="C4Wauto-8740196">{{cite news |last=Daly |first=Brian |date=1 September 2010 |title=Harper, Ignatieff spar over fighter jets |url=http://www.calgarysun.com/news/canada/2010/09/01/15213341.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302043627/http://www.calgarysun.com/news/canada/2010/09/01/15213341.html |archive-date=2 March 2014 |access-date=2 March 2014 |newspaper=Calgary Sun}}</ref> In 2012, it was revealed that the CF-35 would employ the same boom refuelling system as the F-35A.<ref name="oCanada-2012-12-20">{{cite web |last=Berthiaume |first=Lee |date=20 December 2012 |title=Military will contract out air-to-air refuelling if Canada goes with F-35 |url=http://o.canada.com/news/national/military-will-contract-out-air-to-air-refuelling-if-canada-goes-with-f-35/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302041720/http://o.canada.com/news/national/military-will-contract-out-air-to-air-refuelling-if-canada-goes-with-f-35/ |archive-date=2 March 2014 |access-date=2 March 2014 |website=Canada.com |df=dmy}}</ref> Following the [[2015 Canadian federal election|2015 Federal Election]] the [[Liberal Party of Canada|Liberal Party]], whose campaign had included a pledge to cancel the F-35 procurement,<ref name="Liberal2015Platform">{{cite web |date=5 October 2015 |title=A New Plan For a Strong Middle Class |url=https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014055323/https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2015 |access-date=5 October 2015 |website=Liberal Party of Canada}}</ref> formed a new government and commenced an open competition to replace the existing [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18 Hornet]].<ref name="canada_exit">{{cite web |last1=Drew |first1=James |date=21 October 2015 |title=Canadian F-35 exit could signal wider air force review |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/canadian-f-35-exit-could-signal-wider-air-force-revi-418043/ |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> |
|||
====General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian==== |
|||
Weapons systems are used by the [[CF-188 Hornet]], [[CP-140 Aurora]], CH-146 Griffon and the CH-124 Sea King helicopters (to be replaced by the Cyclone). |
|||
On 19 December 2023, the Government of Canada announced that a contract was signed for 11 [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9B]] drones, 219 [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire missiles]], and 12 [[Mark 82 bomb|Mk82 500-pound bombs]] in a deal worth $2.49 billion CAD.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI |url=https://www.ga-asi.com/government-of-canada-orders-the-mq-9b-skyguardian-rpas-from-ga-asi}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Murray |date=19 December 2023 |title=Canadian military buying armed drones for $2.49B |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/armed-drone-canadian-armed-forces-1.7063989 |access-date=7 September 2024 |website=CBC}}</ref> The drones are expected to be first delivered in 2028 with full operation expected in 2033.<ref name=":1" /> The drones are to be stationed in [[CFB Greenwood|14 Wing Greenwood]], N.S. with 55 personnel and with 25 personnel at [[CFB Comox|19 Wing Comox]], B.C. and in Ottawa with 160 staff to control the drones.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Coyne |first=Todd |date=19 December 2023 |title=Canadian military to spend $2.5 billion on armed drones |url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/canadian-military-to-spend-2-5-billion-on-armed-drones-1.6693907 |access-date=7 September 2024 |website=CTV News}}</ref> Personnel will also forward deploy to northern Canada as needed.<ref name=":2" /> |
|||
{| class="wikitable"|} |
|||
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;"|Manufacturer |
|||
====Boeing P-8A Poseidon==== |
|||
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;"|Country of Origin |
|||
On November 30, 2023, the Government of Canada finalized a government-to-government agreement with the US government for the acquisition of up to 16 [[P-8A Poseidon]] aircraft for the RCAF. Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to two additional aircraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/11/canada-purchasing-up-to-16-p-8a-poseidon-multi-mission-aircraft-for-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html | title=Canada purchasing up to 16 P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force | date=30 November 2023 }}</ref> |
|||
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;"|Weapon |
|||
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;"|Type |
|||
===Weapons and other equipment=== |
|||
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;"|In Service |
|||
Weapons systems are used by the CF-18 Hornet, CP-140 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-148 Cyclone. |
|||
! style="text-align: left; background: #aabccc;"|Notes |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
! style="text-align:center; "| Manufacturer |
|||
! style="text-align:center;"|Origin |
|||
! style="text-align:center; "| Weapon |
|||
! style="text-align:center; "|Type |
|||
! style="text-align:center; "|Entered service |
|||
! style="text-align:center; "| Notes |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Lockheed Martin]] |
| [[Lockheed Martin]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[GBU-10 Paveway II]] (12, 16 and 24) |
| [[GBU-10 Paveway II]] (12, 16 and 24) |
||
| [[ |
| [[Laser-guided]] [[bomb]] |
||
| 1980s |
| 1980s |
||
| |
| Used by [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|CF-18]] |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| [[General Dynamics]] |
| {{nowrap|[[General Dynamics]]}} |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[Mark 82 bomb]] |
| [[Mark 82 bomb]] |
||
| |
| Low drag [[general-purpose bomb]] ({{cvt|500|lb|kg}}) |
||
| |
| 1970s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
| General Dynamics |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[Mark 83 bomb]] |
| [[Mark 83 bomb]] |
||
| |
| Low drag general-purpose bomb (1,000 lb (450 kg)) |
||
| 1980s |
| 1980s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| |
| General Dynamics |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[Mark 84 bomb]] |
| [[Mark 84 bomb]] |
||
| |
| Low drag general-purpose bomb (2,000 lb (910 kg)) |
||
| 1980s |
| 1980s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Boeing]] |
|||
| [[Raytheon]]/[[Hughes Aircraft]] |
|||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]]<ref>[http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/fs-ev/2011/10/27-eng.asp "CF-188 Hornets on Op MOBILE drop first JDAM bombs."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308144210/http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/fs-ev/2011/10/27-eng.asp |date=2012-03-08 }} ''Forces.gc.'' Retrieved: 2 February 2012.</ref> |
|||
| A kit to convert a regular bomb into [[precision-guided munition]] |
|||
| 2011 |
|||
| Used by CF-18 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Raytheon]]/[[Hughes Aircraft|Hughes]] |
|||
| {{US}} |
|||
| [[AGM-65 Maverick|AGM-65G Maverick Missile]] |
| [[AGM-65 Maverick|AGM-65G Maverick Missile]] |
||
| [[Air-to-surface missile]] |
| [[Air-to-surface missile]] |
||
| |
| 1999 |
||
| Used by CF-18. First leased in 1999 from the United States for [[Kosovo Force]],<br />then purchased in 2002 for the [[War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=FrontLine|website=FrontLine Defence Magazine Canada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117151647/https://defence.frontline.online/ |archive-date=17 January 2021|url=https://defence.frontline.online/ |url-status=usurped|access-date=27 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="Harold Skaarup Canadian Warplanes">{{cite book |last1=Skaarup |first1=Harold |title=Canadian Warplanes |date=2009-11-16 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-1440167584 |pages=279–283 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rb6fBAAAQBAJ |access-date=2022-09-07}}</ref> |
|||
| used by CF-18 |
|||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| [[Bristol Aerospace]] |
| [[Bristol Aerospace|Bristol]] |
||
| {{CAN}} |
| {{CAN}} |
||
| [[CRV7|CRV 7 Rocket]] |
| [[CRV7|CRV 7 Rocket]] |
||
| |
| Folding-fin ground attack [[rocket]] |
||
| |
| 1970s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Douglas Aircraft Company]] |
| [[Douglas Aircraft Company|Douglas]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] |
| [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] |
||
| |
| Medium-range [[semi-active radar homing]] [[air-to-air missile]] |
||
| 1980s |
| 1980s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| |
| Raytheon/Hughes |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] |
| [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] |
||
| [[Beyond Visual Range missile|Beyond Visual Range (BVR)]] |
| [[Beyond Visual Range missile|Beyond Visual Range (BVR)]] air-to-air missile |
||
| 2000s |
| 2000s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
| Raytheon/[[Ford Aerospace|Ford]]/<br />[[Loral Corp.]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] |
| [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] |
||
| [[Infrared homing| |
| [[Infrared homing|Heat-seeking]], short-range, air-to-air missile |
||
| 1980s |
| 1980s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| |
| {{nowrap|General Dynamics/}}<br />[[General Electric]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[M61 Vulcan|M61 20mm |
| [[M61 Vulcan|M61 20mm Vulcan cannon]] |
||
| |
| Air-cooled [[Rotary cannon|gatling-style cannon]] |
||
| 1980s |
| 1980s |
||
| |
| Used by CF-18 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Alliant Techsystems]] |
| [[Alliant Techsystems|Alliant]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| [[Mark 46 torpedo]] |
| [[Mark 46 torpedo]] |
||
| Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo |
| Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo |
||
| |
| 1970s |
||
| |
| Used by CP-140 Aurora and CH-148 Cyclone (but not by CP-140A Arcturus) |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| [[FN Herstal]] |
| [[FN Herstal]] |
||
| {{BEL}} |
| {{BEL}} |
||
| [[FN MAG]] C6 |
| [[FN MAG]] C6 |
||
| |
| 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun |
||
| 1980s |
| 1980s |
||
| |
| Used by CH-146 Griffon, CH-147F Chinook and CH-148 Cyclone |
||
|- |
|||
| [[Dillon Aero]] |
|||
| {{US}} |
|||
| [[M134 Minigun|M134]] |
|||
| 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun |
|||
| 2011 |
|||
| Used by CH-146 Griffon |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Browning Arms Company]] |
|||
| {{US}} |
|||
| [[M2 Browning#AN/M3, GAU-21/A, and M3P|M3M]] |
|||
| 0.50 cal (12.7 mm) machine gun |
|||
| 2013 |
|||
| Used by CH-146 Griffon |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; "| Manufacturer |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; "| Origin |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; "| Name |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; "|Type |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; "|In Service |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; "| Notes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Systems & Electronics, |
| Systems & Electronics, Inc.<!-- (West Plains, Mo)--> |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| 60K Tunner |
| 60K Tunner |
||
| Material handling equipment |
| Material handling equipment |
||
| 2008 |
| 2008 |
||
| Used with CC-177 transport |
|||
| used for C-17 transport; used by [[US Air Force]] for C-5, C-17 and C-141 |
|||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| |
| JBT AeroTech |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| Halvorsen 44K Loaders |
| Halvorsen 44K Loaders |
||
| |
| Truck Aircraft Side Load Unload (TASLU) Loader |
||
| 2008 |
| 2008 |
||
| 4 |
| 4 for use with CC-177; licensed from Static Engineering of Australia |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| |
| |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 333: | Line 657: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[FMC Corp.]] |
| [[FMC Corp.]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| B-1200 |
| B-1200 |
||
| |
| Aircraft towing tractor |
||
| 2008 |
| 2008 |
||
| |
| Used to tow CC-177 and CC-130 |
||
|} |
|} |
||
==Retired weapons== |
====Retired weapons==== |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;"|Weapon |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;"| Country of manufacture |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;"| Type |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;"| In service |
||
! style="text-align: |
! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;"|# |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[CIM-10 Bomarc|CIM-10 Bomarc-B]] |
| [[CIM-10 Bomarc|CIM-10 Bomarc-B]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| |
| Supersonic missile equipped with a 10 kt [[W40 (nuclear warhead)]] |
||
| 1962 to 1972 |
| 1962 to 1972 |
||
| N/A |
| N/A |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef; color:black" |
|||
| [[AIR-2 Genie]] |
| [[AIR-2 Genie]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| |
| Air-to-air rocket with a 1.5 kt [[W25 (nuclear warhead)]] |
||
| 1965 to 1984 |
| 1965 to 1984 |
||
| N/A |
| N/A |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[CBU-100 Cluster Bomb|MK-20 "Rockeye"]] |
| [[CBU-100 Cluster Bomb|MK-20 "Rockeye"]] |
||
| {{ |
| {{US}} |
||
| |
| Cluster bomb |
||
| 1980s to 1997 |
| 1980s to 1997<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110609181905/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=1439 "Disposal of Rockeye Cluster Bombs at CFAD Dundurn."] ''National Defence and the Canadian Forces,'' 27 July 2004. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.</ref> |
||
| |
| ≈1000 |
||
|} |
|} |
||
== |
== Structure == |
||
{{main|Structure of the Royal Canadian Air Force}} |
|||
The [[Chief of the Air Staff (Canada)|Chief of the Air Staff]], located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force. |
|||
{{Location map+ | Canada |
|||
The Commander of [[1 Canadian Air Division]] and Canadian NORAD Region, based in Winnipeg, is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. [[2 Canadian Air Division]], established in June 2009, consists of training establishments. |
|||
| width = 420 |
|||
| float = right |
|||
| caption = Bases of the Royal Canadian Air Force |
|||
| relief = 1 |
|||
| places = |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[1 Wing Kingston|Kingston]] |
|||
| position = right |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 44 |lat_min = 14 | lat_sec = 30 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 76 |lon_min = 27 | lon_sec = 00 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[3 Wing Bagotville|Bagotville]] |
|||
| position = left |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 48 |lat_min = 19 | lat_sec = 50 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 70 |lon_min = 59 | lon_sec = 47 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[4 Wing Cold Lake|Cold Lake]] |
|||
| position = right |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 54 |lat_min = 24 | lat_sec = 18 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 110 |lon_min = 16 | lon_sec = 46 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[5 Wing Goose Bay|Goose Bay]] |
|||
| position = left |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 53 |lat_min = 19 | lat_sec = 09 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 60 |lon_min = 25 | lon_sec = 33 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[8 Wing Trenton|Trenton]] |
|||
| position = left |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 44 |lat_min = 07 | lat_sec = 08 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 77 |lon_min = 31 | lon_sec = 41 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[9 Wing Gander|Gander]] |
|||
| position = left |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 48 |lat_min = 56 | lat_sec = 13 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 54 |lon_min = 34 | lon_sec = 05 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[CFB Halifax#Shearwater Heliport|Halifax]] |
|||
| position = right |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 44 |lat_min = 38 | lat_sec = 14 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 63 |lon_min = 30 | lon_sec = 08 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[14 Wing Greenwood|Greenwood]] |
|||
| position = left |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 44 |lat_min = 59 | lat_sec = 04 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 64 |lon_min = 55 | lon_sec = 01 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[17 Wing Winnipeg|Winnipeg]] |
|||
| position = right |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 49 |lat_min = 54 | lat_sec = 36 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 97 |lon_min = 11 | lon_sec = 24 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[19 Wing Comox|Comox]] |
|||
| position = right |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 49 |lat_min = 42 | lat_sec = 39 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 124 |lon_min = 53 | lon_sec = 12 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[22 Wing North Bay|North Bay]] |
|||
| position = left |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 46 |lat_min = 21 | lat_sec = 26 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 79 |lon_min = 24 | lon_sec = 54 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Location map~ | Canada |
|||
| label = [[15 Wing Moose Jaw|Moose Jaw]] |
|||
| position = left |
|||
| background = white |
|||
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg |
|||
| marksize = 10 |
|||
| lat_deg = 50 |lat_min = 19 | lat_sec = 49 | lat_dir=N |
|||
| lon_deg = 105 |lon_min = 33 | lon_sec = 33 | lon_dir=W |
|||
}} |
|||
}} |
|||
The [[commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force]], at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force. The commander of [[1 Canadian Air Division]] and Canadian NORAD Region, based in Winnipeg, is responsible for the operational command and control of Royal Canadian Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 2 Canadian Air Division was established in June 2009, and consists of training establishments. The other division, 3 Canadian Space Division, was established in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-22 |title=3 Canadian Space Division - Royal Canadian Air Force |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/3-canadian-space-division.html |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=www.canada.ca}}</ref> |
|||
{{As of|2024}}, there are 15 [[Wing (military aviation unit)|wing]]s across Canada, 13 operational and 2 used for training. Wings represent the grouping of various [[Squadron (aviation)|squadron]]s, both operational and support, under a single tactical commander reporting to the operational commander. Ten wings also include a Canadian Forces base along with other operational and support units. |
|||
The rank of [[General (Canada)|general]] is held when an [[air officer]] is [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)|Chief of the Defence Staff]]. The last air force officer who served as Chief of the Defence Staff was General [[Thomas J. Lawson]], who was appointed to the position in 2012. The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force holds the rank of [[Lieutenant-general (Canada)|lieutenant-general]]. Divisions are commanded by major-generals. Brigadier-generals are typically second-in-command of a division. Wings are commanded by colonels. Squadrons are commanded by lieutenant-colonels. Majors are typically second-in-command of squadrons, or flight commanders. Captains, lieutenants and second lieutenants are the junior level leaders in RCAF squadrons and headquarters. |
|||
====1 Canadian Air Division==== |
|||
== Ranks == |
|||
; [[CFB Kingston|1 Wing Kingston]] |
|||
{{main|Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia}} |
|||
: The home of the [[CH-146 Griffon]] helicopter, 1 Wing provides airlift support of troops and equipment anywhere in the world. Its six tactical helicopter and training squadrons are spread out all across Canada. |
|||
===Commander-in-Chief=== |
|||
* [[No. 400 Squadron RCAF|400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron]] (based out of [[CFB Borden]], ON) |
|||
{| style="border:thin solid darkgray; padding:0.2em;" |
|||
* [[No. 403 Squadron RCAF|403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron]] (based out of [[CFB Gagetown]], NB) |
|||
|- style="background:#ddd;" |
|||
* [[No. 408 Squadron RCAF|408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron]] (based out of [[CFB Edmonton]], AB) |
|||
! Rank group || Commander-in-chief |
|||
* [[No. 427 Squadron RCAF|427 Tactical Helicopter Squadron]] (based out of [[CFB Petawawa]], ON) |
|||
|- align="center" |
|||
* [[No. 430 Squadron RCAF|430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron]] (based out of [[CFB Valcartier]], QC) |
|||
|Insignia || [[File:Royal Canadian Air Force sleeves (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg|55px]] [[File:Royal Canadian Air Force (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg|55px]] |
|||
* [[No. 438 Squadron RCAF|438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron]] (based out of [[Montréal/Saint-Hubert Airport]], QC) |
|||
|- align="center" |
|||
|Title || [[Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces|Commander-in-chief]] |
|||
; [[CFB Bagotville|3 Wing Bagotville]] |
|||
|- align="center" |
|||
: Located in Quebec's [[Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean|Saguenay]] region, 3 Wing provides general purpose, multi-role, combat-capable forces in support of domestic and international roles of Canada's air force. It also provides search and rescue missions. |
|||
|| Abbreviation || C-in-C |
|||
* [[No. 425 Squadron RCAF|425 Tactical Fighter Squadron]] |
|||
* [[No. 439 Squadron RCAF|439 Combat Support Squadron]] |
|||
; [[CFB Cold Lake|4 Wing Cold Lake]] |
|||
: The busiest fighter base in Canada, 4 Wing provides general purpose, multi-role, combat-capable forces in support of domestic and international roles of Canada's air force. Home of fighter pilot training for the Canadian Forces, 4 Wing attracts top gun crews from all over the world to its annual air combat exercise, [[Maple Flag]]. It is also home to the [[Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range]], used to test the U.S. [[cruise missile]] in the 1980s. |
|||
* [[No. 409 Squadron RCAF|409 Tactical Fighter Squadron]] |
|||
* [[No. 410 Squadron RCAF|410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron]] |
|||
* [[No. 417 Squadron RCAF|417 Combat Support Squadron]] |
|||
* [[No. 419 Squadron RCAF|419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron]] |
|||
; [[CFB Goose Bay|5 Wing Goose Bay]] |
|||
[[File:5 Wing Goose Bay.jpg|right|thumb|250px|5 Wing Goose Bay]] |
|||
: The site of [[NATO]] tactical low-level flight training in Canada, 5 Wing, located in [[Labrador]], is home to permanent detachments from the German [[Luftwaffe]], the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]] and the Italian [[Aeronautica Militare]] and temporary training deployments from the [[Royal Air Force]] (United Kingdom). 5 Wing is the home of 444 Combat Support Squadron and also serves as a [[NORAD]] [[CF-18 Hornet]] deployed operating base and airfield supporting a mix of aviation activities, military and civilian, in eastern Canada. |
|||
* [[No. 444 Squadron RCAF|444 Combat Support Squadron]] |
|||
; [[CFB Trenton|8 Wing Trenton]] |
|||
: The heart of Canada's air mobility forces, from delivering supplies to the high Arctic ([[CFS Alert]]) to airlifting troops and equipment worldwide. It is also responsible for search and rescue in central Canada and home to the [[Skyhawks Parachute Team]] with the [[Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre]]. |
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* [[No. 412 Squadron RCAF|412 Transport Squadron]] (based out of [[Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport]], ON) |
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* [[No. 424 Squadron RCAF|424 Transport and Rescue Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 426 Squadron RCAF|426 Transport Training Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 429 Squadron RCAF|429 Transport Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 436 Squadron RCAF|436 Transport Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 437 Squadron RCAF|437 Transport Squadron]] |
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[[File:080831-F-0929W-423.JPG|thumb|right|A Canadian CC-177 Globemaster III on the [[tarmac]] in [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], assisting in the evacuation during [[Hurricane Gustav]].]] |
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; [[CFB Gander|9 Wing Gander]] |
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: Providing search and rescue (SAR) services to eastern Canada and the western Atlantic Ocean. SAR crews at 9 Wing Gander fly the [[AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant|CH-149 Cormorant]] helicopter and are responsible for a massive area, covering the lower [[Arctic]], [[Labrador]], [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]], the [[Maritimes]] and the North Atlantic from the shores of Newfoundland to 30° west. |
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* [[103 Search and Rescue Squadron]] |
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; [[CFB Shearwater|12 Wing Shearwater]] |
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: The centre of naval aviation in Canada, 12 Wing is home of the [[CH-124 Sea King]] helicopter, and supports [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command|Maritime Command]] with helicopter air detachments for surface warships in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets (Patricia Bay). |
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* [[No. 406 Squadron RCAF|406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 423 Squadron RCAF|423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 443 Squadron RCAF|443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron]] (based out of [[Victoria International Airport|Patricia Bay]], BC) |
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; [[CFB Greenwood|14 Wing Greenwood]] |
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: Located in Nova Scotia's [[Annapolis Valley]], 14 Wing's [[CP-140 Aurora]] crews conduct sovereignty and surveillance missions over the Atlantic Ocean routinely, while SAR capabilities for the Maritimes, eastern Quebec and the eastern Arctic are provided by CH-149 Cormorant helicopters and CC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft. |
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* [[No. 404 Squadron RCAF|404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 405 Squadron RCAF|405 Maritime Patrol Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 413 Squadron RCAF|413 Transport and Rescue Squadron]] |
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; [[CFB Winnipeg|17 Wing Winnipeg]] |
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: Comprising three squadrons and six schools, 17 Wing also provides support to the Central Flying School, as well as headquarters and administration support for NORAD operations. |
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* [[No. 402 Squadron RCAF|402 City of Winnipeg Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 435 Squadron RCAF|435 Transport and Rescue Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 440 Squadron RCAF|440 Transport Squadron]] (based out of [[Yellowknife]], NT) |
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; [[CFB Comox|19 Wing Comox]] |
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: Located on [[Vancouver Island]], its Aurora crews provide surveillance of the Pacific Ocean and western and Arctic regions. The Buffalo and Cormorant crews are responsible for search and rescue in British Columbia, Yukon and the North Pacific Ocean. The base is also used for training fighter pilots in tactical procedures on nearby ranges. |
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* [[No. 407 Squadron RCAF|407 Maritime Patrol Squadron]] |
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* [[No. 442 Squadron RCAF|442 Transport and Rescue Squadron]] |
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; [[CFB North Bay|22 Wing North Bay]] |
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: Represents one of Canada's major contributions to the North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD) agreement. From its underground complex at the Sector Air Operations Centre, technicians watch over Canada's airspace 24 hours a day, using state-of-the-art sensors, computer and communications equipment. |
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====2 Canadian Air Division==== |
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; [[CFB Moose Jaw|15 Wing Moose Jaw]] |
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: The site of the NATO Flying Training Program in Canada which is supported by 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School or 2CFFTS "The Big 2", 15 Wing is also home to the [[Snowbirds]], the air force's aerobatic team. |
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* [[Snowbirds|431 Air Demonstration Squadron]] |
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; [[CFB Borden|16 Wing Borden]] |
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: This base has an airfield that is most notably used for the bi-annual airshow, and it is the largest training facility in the Canadian Forces. No. 16 Wing's schools offer air force technical training and professional development and is the historic birthplace of the RCAF. 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron is a lodger unit and based at Borden's airfield. |
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Canadian Aerospace Warfare Centre ( part of 8 Wing Trenton ) |
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===Other units=== |
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* [[No. 414 Squadron RCAF|414 Electronic Warfare Support Squadron]] is based at [[Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport|Gatineau Airport]], Quebec to operate the [[Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet]] provided by [[Top Aces Consulting]]. |
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'''Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing''' |
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* Air Wing Kandahar, Afghanistan (stood up 6 December 2008, flew first mission 6 January 2009). The organization is composed of four units: |
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** Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan): |
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*** 6 - CH-147D Chinook heavy-lift helicopters |
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*** 8 - CH-146 Griffon tactical support helicopters - armed |
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*** (6 - Mi-8 medium-lift helicopters - see below) |
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** Theatre Support Element |
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*** CC-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft; |
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** Canadian Heron UAV Detachment |
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*** Heron unmanned aerial vehicle |
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As the tasking authority responsible for the Canadian Contracted Air Transport Unit, the Wing Commander provides advice, co-ordination and supervision over its six leased Mi-8 medium lift helicopters. The Air Wing has about 450 personnel, serving with the Theatre Support Element in the Persian Gulf region and the Tactical UAV Flight at Kandahar Airfield. |
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;Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering |
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The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE), located in [[Borden, Ontario]] delivers Aerospace Engineering Officers and conducts apprentice level training for various trades, including [[Avionics]], [[Aviation]], Aircraft Structures and Imagery technicians. The role of CFSATE is to provide the Air Force with qualified personnel to ensure Aircraft serviceability. CFSATE develops and carries out individual aerospace engineering training in accordance with approved doctrine and standards.<ref name=rockymountainrangers>[http://www.rockymountainrangers.ca/?p=eductraining Rocky Mountain Rangers]</ref> |
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===Former units=== |
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* [[CFB Toronto|2 Wing Toronto]] - closed 1996; part of the base is now Land Force Central Area HQ |
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* [[RCAF Station Uplands|7 Wing Ottawa]] - closed 1995 |
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* 18 Wing Edmonton: Located in [[Edmonton, Alberta]] it was home to the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, 418 "City of Edmonton" Air Reserve Squadron, 435 Transport Squadron, 440 Transport and Rescue Squadron and 447 Transport Helicopter Squadron. It closed in 1994 and transferred to [[Land Force Command]] as army base [[CFB Edmonton]] |
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[[File:Canadian Forces CH Pilot.jpg|thumb|Canadian Forces pilot adjusts a CH-47 helicopter]] |
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==Rank structure== |
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'''Governor General''' |
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{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;" |
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|- style="background:#ccc;" |
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!'''Canada'''||Commander-in-Chief|| |
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|- align=center |
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||Insignia |
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|| [[File:GG(Air).PNG|200px]] |
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|- align=center |
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||Title |
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|| [[Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces|Commander-in-Chief]] |
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|- align=center |
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||Abbreviation||C-in-C|| |
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|- align=center |
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|colspan=8| |
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|- |
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|colspan=5| |
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|} |
|} |
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===Officers=== |
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'''Officer rank structure''' |
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{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: |
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" |
||
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Blank}} |
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|- style="background:#ccc;" |
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{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Canada}} |
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!'''NATO Code'''||Student Officer||OF-1||OF-1||OF-2||OF-3||OF-4||OF-5||OF-6||OF-7||OF-8||OF-9||OF-10|| |
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|- align=center |
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||Insignia |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-OCdt.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-2Lt.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Lt.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Capt.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Maj.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-LCol.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Col.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-BGen-Shoulder.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-MGen-Shoulder.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-LGen-Shoulder.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Gen-Shoulder.svg|60px]] |
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||'''No Equivalent''' |
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|- align=center |
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||Title |
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|| [[Officer Cadet (Canada)|Officer<br />Cadet]] |
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|| [[Second Lieutenant (Canada)|Second<br />Lieutenant]] |
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|| [[Lieutenant#Air force rank|Lieutenant]] |
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|| [[Captain (Canadian army and air force)|Captain]] |
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|| [[Major (Canada)|Major]] |
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|| [[Lieutenant Colonel (Canada)|Lieutenant<br />Colonel]] |
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|| [[Colonel (Canada)|Colonel]] |
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|| [[Brigadier general#Canada|Brigadier<br />General]] |
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|| [[Major general#Canada|Major<br />General]] |
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|| [[Lieutenant General (Canada)|Lieutenant<br />General]] |
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|| [[General (Canada)|General]] |
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|- align=center |
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||Abbreviation||OCdt||2nd Lt||Lt||Capt||Maj||Lt Col||Col||Brig Gen||Maj Gen||Lt Gen||Gen|| |
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|- align=center |
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|colspan=8| |
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|- |
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|colspan=5| |
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|} |
|} |
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===Non-commissioned members=== |
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{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: |
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;" |
||
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank}} |
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|- style="background:#ccc;" |
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{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Canada}} |
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!'''NATO Code'''||OR-1||OR-2||OR-3||OR-4||OR-5||OR-6||OR-7||OR-8||OR-9|| |
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|- align=center |
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||Insignia |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Pte (Basic).svg|50px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Pte (Basic).svg|50px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Pte.svg|50px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Cpl.svg|50px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-MCpl.svg|50px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-Sgt.svg|50px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-WO.svg|60px]] |
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|| [[File:CDN-Air Force-MWO.svg|60px]] |
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|| |
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|- align=center |
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||Title |
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|| [[Private Recruit|Private<br />(Recruit)]] |
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|| [[Private Recruit|Private<br />(Basic)]] |
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|| [[Private Recruit|Private<br />(Trained)]] |
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|| [[Corporal#Canada|Corporal]] |
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|| [[Master Corporal]] |
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|| [[Sergeant#Canada|Sergeant]] |
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|| [[Warrant Officer#Canada|Warrant Officer]] |
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|| [[Master Warrant Officer]] |
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|| [[Chief Warrant Officer]] |
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|- align=center |
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||Abbreviation||Pte(R)||Pte(B)||Pte(T)||Cpl||MCpl||Sgt||WO||MWO||CWO|| |
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|} |
|} |
||
On 1 April 2015, the rank structure and insignia changed.<ref name="CTV News story">[http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/new-royal-canadian-air-force-uniform-unveiled-1.2017526 "New Royal Canadian Air Force uniform unveiled."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924042241/http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/new-royal-canadian-air-force-uniform-unveiled-1.2017526 |date=2014-09-24 }} ''CTV Ottawa''1 April 2015.</ref> The rank of private was replaced with that of aviator, represented with a propeller for the rank insignia. The previously used term "[[leading aircraftman]]" was considered not to be gender neutral.<ref name="DND Backgrounder">[http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=886249 "DND Backgrounder."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218195216/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=886249 |date=2014-12-18 }} ''news.gc.ca'', April 2015.</ref> The rank insignia were also changed: enlisted ranks were changed from gold to pearl-grey (silver) and officers rank braid was changed from gold to pearl-grey on black, similar to the pattern used before unification of Canada's armed forces in 1968.<ref name="DND Backgrounder"/> A revival of the former rank titles of the RCAF did not occur, however, as such an extensive change was considered "too complicated and confusing".<ref name="CTV News story"/> Instead, the current rank titles were retained (with the exception of aviator). The [[Royal Flying Corps]], considered to be a predecessor of the RCAF, used rank titles similar to the existing rank titles of the RCAF.<ref name="DND Backgrounder"/> |
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== See also == |
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{{Portal|Canadian Armed Forces}} |
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{{Wikipedia-Books|Canada}} |
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* [[List of aircraft of the Canadian Forces Air Command]] |
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* [[Future Canadian Forces projects]] |
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{{-}} |
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== |
==Symbols== |
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===Badge=== |
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{{multiple image |
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| align = right |
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| direction = horizontal |
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| image1 = Rcaf_womens.jpg |
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| caption1 = 1941–1946<br />([[Royal Canadian Air Force Women's Division|Women's Division]] with [[Tudor crown]]) |
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| width1 = 90 |
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| image2 = Badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force.jpg |
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| width2 = 80 |
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| caption2 = 1968–2013 |
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| image3 = Royal Canadian Air Force Badge.png |
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| width3 = 105 |
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| caption3 = 2013–present |
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|footer= Past versions of the badge used by the Royal Canadian Air Force, with the years they were in use listed above |
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}} |
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The [[Heraldic badge|badge]] of the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of:<ref name=Badge>{{cite web |url=https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/2397 |title=Approval of a Badge |work=Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada |publisher=Official website of the Governor General |accessdate=November 8, 2021}}</ref> |
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* [[St. Edward's Crown]] |
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* An eagle superimposed on a circlet |
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* A [[Compartment (heraldry)|compartment]] of maple leaves |
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* Motto: {{lang|la|[[Sic itur ad astra|Sic Itur ad Astra]]}} ([[Latin]] for 'Such is the pathway to the stars') |
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===Roundels=== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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Roundels used from 1920 until 1945 were usually the same as [[Royal Air Force roundels]] although not all variations were used and colours were matched to locally available paints. On 5 July 1940, the RCAF was authorized to introduce the maple leaf into the roundel in place of the red centre. However, a large amount of RCAF planes still continued to use the RAF roundel until 1945 since their aircraft, including those built in Canada all came through RAF channels.<ref>https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/customs-traditions/distinguishing-marks.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607174015/https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/customs-traditions/distinguishing-marks.html |date=7 June 2024 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rcafassociation.ca/origin-of-the-roundel/|title=Origin of the Roundel}}</ref> |
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<gallery class="center"> |
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File:RCAF Type1 Roundel.png|1945–1946 |
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File:Roundel of Canada (1946–1965).svg|1946–1965 |
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File:Roundel of Canada (1967) – Centennial.svg|[[Canadian Centennial]]<br />1967 variant |
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File:Roundel of Canada.svg|1965–current |
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File:Roundel of Canada - Low Visibility.svg|Current<br />low-vis |
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</gallery> |
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==Stamps== |
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On 9 November 1984, [[Canada Post]] issued "Air Force" as part of the Canadian Forces series. The stamps were designed by Ralph Tibbles, based on an illustration by William Southern. The 32¢ stamps are perforated 12 x 12.5 and were printed by Ashton-Potter Limited.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130101010413/http://data4.collectionscanada.gc.ca/netacgi/nph-brs?s1=(military.A790,C790.)+Or+(null.B742.)&l=50&d=STMP&p=1&u=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/archivianet/02011702_e.html&r=46&f=G&Sect1=STMP "Canada Post stamp."] ''Collections Canada.'' Retrieved: 23 October 2012.</ref> |
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==See also== |
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{{Portal|Canada}} |
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* [[List of aircraft of Canada's air forces]] |
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*[[Planned Canadian Forces projects]] |
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* [[Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
||
{{Reflist}} |
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* [[Larry Milberry|Milberry, Larry]], ed. ''Sixty Years – The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984''. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. ISBN 0-9690703-4-9. |
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==Further reading == |
== Further reading == |
||
* [[W. A. B. Douglas|Douglas, W. A. B.]] ''The Creation of a National Air Force: Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, v. 2.'' Toronto: University of Toronto Press (in co-operation with the Department of National Defence), 1986. {{ISBN|0-8020-2584-6}}. |
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* {{citation |last = Pigott |first =Peter |coauthor= |year =1996 |title = Flying Canucks: Famous Canadian aviators|url =http://books.google.ca/books?id=zvAZer8ZqmYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Flying+Canucks:+famous+Canadian+aviators&hl=en&ei=Y3GFTZq8CZGH0QGQ5JDRCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=true |publisher= Hounslow Press|isbn= 0888821751|accessdate = }} |
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*{{cite journal |last1=Green|first1=William|last2=Swanborough|first2=Gordon|name-list-style=amp |title=A Grumman by Any Other Name...|journal=Air Enthusiast |date=February–May 1979 |issue=9 |pages=26–39 |issn=0143-5450}} |
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* {{citation |last = Pigott |first =Peter |coauthor= |year =1996 |title = Flying CanucksII: Pioneers of Canadian Aviation|url =http://books.google.ca/books?id=k28RSZtM2j0C&lpg=PA11&dq=Flying%20Canucks%3A%20famous%20Canadian%20aviators&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=true |publisher= Hounslow Press|isbn= 0888821751|accessdate = }} |
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* [[Larry Milberry|Milberry, Larry]], ed. ''Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984''. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-9690703-4-9}}. |
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* Piggott, Peter. ''Flying Canucks: Famous Canadian Aviators.'' Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1996. {{ISBN|0-88882-175-1}}. |
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* Piggott, Peter. ''Flying Canucks II: Pioneers of Canadian Aviation.'' Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1997. {{ISBN|0-88882-193-X}}. |
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==External links== |
== External links == |
||
{{Commons category}} |
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* {{Official website|http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/index_e.asp}} |
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* {{Official website}} |
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* [http://www.airforce.forces.ca/acband/index_e.asp Official Website of The Air Command Band] |
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* [http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=648 Canadian Air Force aircraft and equipment of Canada(Air recognition)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019143604/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=648 |date=19 October 2013 }} |
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* [http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/central_band/index_e.asp Official Website of The Central Band of the Canadian Forces] |
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* [http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/382/Roundel-Round-Up.aspx "Roundel Round-Up" – Vintage Wings of Canada's history of British and Canadian roundel styles from 1914 through and into the 21st century] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403044408/http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/382/Roundel-Round-Up.aspx |date=2015-04-03 }} |
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* [https://archives-manuscripts.dartmouth.edu/repositories/2/resources/1061 ''The Royal Canadian Air Force in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic'' Manuscript] at Dartmouth College Library |
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{{Canadian |
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{{Canadian Forces |
{{Canadian Armed Forces}} |
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{{Current CF aircraft}} |
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{{Evolution of the Military of Canada}} |
{{Evolution of the Military of Canada}} |
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{{Allied Air Command}} |
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{{Air forces}} |
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{{Space forces}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Royal Canadian Air Force| ]] |
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[[Category:Federal departments and agencies of Canada]] |
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[[Category:1924 establishments in Canada]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1924]] |
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[[Category:Organizations based in Canada with royal patronage]] |
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[[Category:1968 disestablishments in Canada]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1968]] |
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[[de:Canadian Forces Air Command]] |
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[[es:Mando Aéreo de las Fuerzas Canadienses]] |
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[[fr:Commandement aérien des Forces canadiennes]] |
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[[ms:Perintah Udara Angkatan Tentera Kanada]] |
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[[ja:カナダ空軍]] |
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[[pl:Canadian Forces Air Command]] |
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[[pt:Comando Aéreo das Forças Canadenses]] |
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[[ru:Командование ВВС Канадских вооружённых сил]] |
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[[sv:Kanadas flygvapen]] |
Latest revision as of 20:12, 22 December 2024
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF; French: Aviation royale canadienne, ARC) is the air and space force of Canada.[3] Its role is to "provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower".[4] The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2020, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 12,074 Regular Force and 1,969 Primary Reserve personnel, supported by 1,518 civilians, and operates 258 manned aircraft and nine unmanned aerial vehicles.[1][5] Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny is the current Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff.[6]
The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program.
The RCAF traces its history to the Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V to form the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands: Air Defence Command (ADC; interceptors), Air Transport Command (ATC; airlift, search and rescue), Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command (TC).
In 1975, some commands (ADC, ATC, TC) were dissolved, and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command (AIRCOM; French: Commandement aérien). Air Command reverted to its historic name of "Royal Canadian Air Force" in August 2011.[7]
The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, as well as several United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.
History
[edit]1920–1945: Pre-unification
[edit]The Canadian Air Force (CAF) was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron Canadian Air Force that was formed during the First World War in Europe. Wing Commander John Scott Williams was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF, handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon.[8] The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots.[9][10] Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board's Civil Operations Branch on operations that included forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols.[11] In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada, including civil aviation. In 1924, the Canadian Air Force, was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Most of its work was civil in nature, with forest patrols of the northwest a major part of its operations;[12] however, in the late 1920s other agencies took up most civil tasks, with the notable exception of aerial photography surveys, and the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization.[13] After budget cuts in the early 1930s, the air force began to rebuild.[14]: 47
Second World War
[edit]During the Second World War, the RCAF was a major contributor to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, the north Atlantic, North Africa, southern Asia, and with home defence. Eight thousand, eight hundred and sixty-four Americans came north to volunteer for the RCAF and over 850 died in action.[15] By the end of the war, the RCAF had become the fourth largest Allied air force.[16] During World War II the RCAF was headquartered at a six-storey office building at 20-23 Lincoln's Inn Fields (built 1937), London.[17] A commemorative plaque can be found on the outside of the building.[18]
1945–1968
[edit]After the war, the RCAF reduced its strength. Because of the rising Soviet threat to the security of Europe, Canada joined NATO in 1949, and the RCAF established No. 1 Air Division RCAF consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each, based in France and West Germany. In 1950, the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies to the Korean War; however, it did not provide RCAF combat units. Members of the RCAF served in USAF units as exchange officers and several flew in combat. Both auxiliary and regular air defence squadrons were run by Air Defence Command. At the same time, the Pinetree Line, the Mid-Canada Line and the DEW Line radar stations, largely operated by the RCAF, were built across Canada because of the growing Soviet nuclear threat. In 1957, Canada and the United States created the joint North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.[14]: 245, 377
1968–present: Unification
[edit]In 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form the unified Canadian Forces. This initiative was overseen by the Defence Minister, Paul Hellyer. The controversial merger maintained several existing organizations and created some new ones: In Europe, No. 1 Canadian Air Group, operated Canadair CF-104 Starfighter nuclear strike/attack and reconnaissance under NATO's Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force; Air Defence Command: operated McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo interceptors, CIM-10 Bomarc missiles and the SAGE radar stations within NORAD; Air Transport Command: provided strategic airlift for the NATO and UN peacekeeping missions; and Training Command. Aviation assets of the Royal Canadian Navy were combined with the RCAF Canadair CP-107 Argus long-range patrol aircraft under Maritime Command. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM).
In the early 1990s, Canada provided a detachment of CF-18 Hornets for the air defence mission in Operation Desert Shield. The force performed combat air patrols over operations in Kuwait and Iraq, undertook a number of air-to-ground bombing missions, and, on one occasion, attacked an Iraqi patrol boat in the Persian Gulf.
In the late 1990s, Air Command's CF-18 Hornets took part in the Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia, and in the 2000s, AIRCOM was heavily involved in the Afghanistan War, transporting troops and assets to Kandahar. Later in the decade-long war, AIRCOM set up a purpose-specific air wing, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, equipped with several CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook helicopters, CC-130 Hercules, CU-161 Sperwer and leased CU-170 Heron UAVs in support of the Canadian Forces and ISAF mission. The wing stood down on 18 August 2011.
From 18 March to 1 November 2011, the RCAF was engaged in Operation Mobile, Canada's contribution to Operation Unified Protector in Libya. Seven CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft and several other aircraft served under Task Force Libeccio as part of the military intervention.[19]
On 16 August 2011, the Government of Canada announced that the name "Air Command" was being changed to the air force's original historic name: Royal Canadian Air Force (along with the change of name of Maritime Command to Royal Canadian Navy and Land Force Command to Canadian Army). The change was made to better reflect Canada's military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth countries whose military units use the royal designation.[20] The RCAF adopted a new badge in 2013, which is similar to the pre-unification RCAF badge (although placed in the modern frame used for command badges). The Latin motto of Air Command – Sic itur ad astra – which was the motto of the Canadian Air Force when first formed after the First World War (before it became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924) was retained. Though traditional insignia for the RCAF was restored in 2015, there has been no restoration of the traditional uniforms or rank structure of the historical service (apart from a rank of "aviator", which replaced that of "private" in 2015).[21]
On 17 April 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada was dispatching six CF-18s and military personnel to assist NATO in operations in Eastern Europe.[22]
Equipment
[edit]Aircraft
[edit]This section duplicates the scope of other articles, specifically List of active Canadian military aircraft. (April 2022) |
The Royal Canadian Air Force has about 430 aircraft in service, making it the third-largest air force in the Americas, after the United States Armed Forces, and the Brazilian Air Force.
Current inventory
[edit]Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat aircraft | |||||
CF-18 Hornet (CF-188) | United States | Multirole | CF-18A/B Hornet | 85 | 98 CF-18A and 40 CF-18B have been delivered for a total of 138. 72 CF-18As and 31 CF-18Bs in inventory, 85 in operational use.[23][24] |
FA-18A/B Hornet | United States | Multirole | FA-18A/B Hornet | 7 | 12 F/A-18A and 6 F/A-18B have been delivered from Australia for a total of 18. 7 in operational use.[24] |
Maritime patrol | |||||
CP-140 Aurora | United States | ASW/Patrol | Lockheed CP-140M | 15[25] | Will be replaced by Boeing P-8A |
Reconnaissance | |||||
CE-145C Vigilance | United States | surveillance/reconnaissance | Beechcraft King Air 350ER | 3[26] | |
Transport aircraft | |||||
CC-130 Hercules | United States | Tanker/SAR | Lockheed CC-130E/HR(T) | 12[25] | 4 tankers and 8 SAR.[27] |
CC-130J Super Hercules | United States | Tactical airlifter/SAR | Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 | 17[25] | As of 15 May 2023, CC-130J model Hercules aircraft began performing SAR operations based out of CFB Trenton so CC-130 (non-J model) airframes could be relocated to other squadrons.[28] |
CC-138 Twin Otter | Canada | SAR | 3[25] | ||
CC-144 Challenger | Canada | Transport | Bombardier Challenger 600 | 4[25] | |
CC-150 Polaris | Multinational | Transport/Tanker | Airbus CC-150, Airbus CC-150T | 5[25] | 2 transport, 2 tanker and 1 VIP |
CC-330 Husky | Multinational | Transport/Tanker | A330-200 | 2 | 9 new and used aircraft to be converted to MRTT role. Initial units to enter service in fall 2023.[29][30][31] First aircraft arrived in Canada on 31 August 2023.[32] Aircraft still has civilian registration 9K-APC and RCAF numbering 30002. |
CC-177 Globemaster III | United States | Strategic airlifter | Boeing C-17A ER | 5[25] | |
Helicopters | |||||
CH-139 JetRanger | United States | Trainer | Bell 206B-3 | 13[25] | |
CH-146 Griffon | United States / Canada | Transport/SAR | 85[25] | 85 tactical helicopters and 15 SAR. Eight armed in 2009 to escort CH-147 Chinooks in Afghanistan.[33] | |
CH-147 Chinook | United States | Transport | Boeing CH-47F | 14[25] | One aircraft crashed July 2023[34] |
CH-148 Cyclone | United States | ASW | 25 | 26 helicopters delivered as of end of 2022.[35][36] One airframe lost to crash on operations.[37] | |
CH-149 Cormorant | United Kingdom / Italy | SAR | 13[25] | 13 aircraft to be upgraded plus additional 3 new-build helicopters ordered[38] | |
Trainer aircraft | |||||
CT-114 Tutor | Canada | Air Demonstration, proficiency flying | Canadair CL-41A | 24[25] | Used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (The Snowbirds).
Used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE), CFB Cold Lake for test support and pilot proficiency.[39][40] |
CT-142 Dash-8 | Canada | Trainer | 4[25] | 3 Ordered[41] | |
CT-156 Harvard II | United States | Trainer | 22[25] | 24 leased in 2000, 2 added in 2002.[42] Two lost in crashes.[43][44] | |
Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet | France / Germany | Jet Trainer | Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet Type A | 16[45] | Based in Montreal and operated by Canadian Air Combat and Electronic Warfare Support Services as well as 414 Squadron.[45] |
Grob G 120 | Germany | Trainer | 14[25] | 23 Ordered[46] | |
UAV | |||||
IAI Heron | Israel | ISR | 2 | 2 in service, formerly operated 3.[47] | |
UMS Skeldar V-200 | Sweden | ISR | CU-176 Gargoyle | 6 | Known as CU-176 Gargoyle in Canadian Service.[48] |
RQ-21 Blackjack | United States | ISR | 10 |
Fixed-wing
[edit]- Airbus CC-150 Polaris
- Airbus A310 transports purchased in 1992 for use as strategic transports and air-to-air tankers to replace the Boeing CC-137. Two have been converted to tankers and are designated the CC-150T. One is permanently configured for VIP transport; all five aircraft are operated by 437 Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.
- Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher[49]
- Twin-turboprop tactical search and rescue aircraft as replacement for the CC-115 Buffalo and older-model C-130H Hercules search and rescue aircraft
- Airbus CC-330 Husky (A330-200) MRTT
- In 2022, two ex-Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-200 were selected to be converted as Airbus A330 MRTT to replace the CC-150 Polaris. The two aircraft will arrive in winter 2023 and converted by Airbus Defence and Space (mainly in Spain and repainted in France).[50] On June 19, 2023 a contract was awarded for the acquisition of nine CC-330 Husky aircraft (mix of 4 new and 5 used A330-200), associated equipment, integrated logistic support elements, training simulator(s), and sustainment.[51]
- BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk
- Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer leased in 2000. 17 aircraft in service beginning of 2024, based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, announced 'taken out of service as per April 2024
- Beechcraft CT-156 Harvard II
- Single-engined trainer leased from CAE Inc. to replace the Canadair CT-114 Tutor. 24 aircraft based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
- Beechcraft King Air C-90B
- Multi-engine training aircraft. Leased to RCAF by Allied Wings, 7 aircraft are based at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
- Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III
- Five strategic airlifters operated by 429 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. Four were delivered from 2007 to 2008, a fifth was delivered in 2015.[52]
- Bombardier CC-144 Challenger
- Utility and VIP transport aircraft first delivered in 1982. Early Challenger 600 and 601 models were supplemented by 604 models in 2002. Four aircraft are operated by 412(T) Sqn and based in Ottawa, but belong to 8 Wing Trenton.
- Canadair CT-114 Tutor
- Entered service in 1962 as a basic and advanced jet trainer with 190 originally ordered, replaced by the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk in 2000. A total of 26 aircraft remain in service, 24 of which are used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, "The Snowbirds". Five are used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) for test support and pilot proficiency flying.[39][40]
- DHC CC-138 Twin Otter
- A twin-engined utility transport operated since the 1970s, four remain based at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, operated by 440 Transport Squadron.
- DHC CT-142 Dash 8
- Twin-engined converted regional airliner entered service in 1987 as an aerial navigation and tactics trainer, Four are operated by 402 "City of Winnipeg" Sqn and stationed at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Grob G 120A
- Single engine primary trainer used to train pilot candidates before they move onto the Harvard II. Leased to RCAF by KF Defence Programs, 14 aircraft are based at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.[24]
- Lockheed CC-130H Hercules
- Four-engined tactical transport. Several versions have been operated since 1960. Remaining CC-130Hs used for search and rescue and air-to-air refuelling. 12 aircraft remain in service,[24] 4 of which have been converted to air-to-air tankers. Based at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
- Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
- Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American Lockheed P-3 Orion; entered service in 1980, 18 aircraft now based at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia, and 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia.[24]
- Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules
- Four-engined tactical airlifter replacing earlier Hercules variants in that role.[53] A total of 17 are in service operated by 436 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton.[54]
- McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet
- Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single-seat CF-18As and 40 two-seat CF-18Bs were ordered. Seventeen have been lost since 1984.[55] Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; 60 CF-18As and 25 CF-18Bs remain in active service.[24][56]
- McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Ex-RAAF)
- 18 (12 F/A-18A and 6 F/A-18B) have been delivered. Up to seven additional Hornets are also being supplied to be used for spares.[57]
Rotary wing
[edit]- AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
- Triple-engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the CH-113 Labrador. Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002. Based at (103 Squadron) 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland; (413 Squadron) 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia; and (442 Squadron) 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. One aircraft has been lost in a training accident.
- Bell CH-139 JetRanger (Model C or III)
- Single-engined utility and training helicopter. Ordered for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie, MB; an older variant (CH-136 - Jetranger A model), was used by Regular Forces in CFB Lahr in Germany and in Canada from 1972 - 1995 which were replaced by CH-146 Griffons. 12 aircraft remain, leased from Allied Wings, used for flight training in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
- Bell CH-146 Griffon
- A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Original purchase of 100 aircraft to replace the CH-136 Kiowa (Bell 206), CH-135 Twin Huey (Bell 212), CH-118 Iroquois (Bell 205), and Boeing C-Model Chinooks CH-47C. Based at Bagotville, Quebec (439 Squadron), St. Hubert, Quebec (438 Squadron), Cold Lake, Alberta (417 Squadron), Gagetown, New Brunswick (403 Squadron), Valcartier, Quebec (430 Squadron), Goose Bay, Newfoundland (444 Squadron), Edmonton, Alberta (408 Squadron), and Borden, Ontario (400 Squadron); also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton (424 Squadron). Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks, armed with a combination of 7.62mm C-6 machine gun, 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D Gatling gun, and GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun on one or both doors.[58][59][60] 9 ex-RCAF Griffons, designated CT-146, are leased from Allied Wings for pilot training at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. CT-146 Griffons are painted all black and have RCAF roundel, RCAF wordmark, Canada wordmark and civilian registration numbers.[importance?]
- Boeing CH-147F Chinook
- The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission, medium to heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary mission is the tactical transport of equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations. 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, under the command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ontario, and based in CFB Petawawa, Ontario, was re-established as the home of Canadaʼs fleet of 15 CH-147F Chinooks. The first two airframes underwent intensive operational test and evaluation in the United States for several months before Canada received the first airframe 147303 at an official acceptance ceremony at the Ottawa International Airport on 27 June 2013.[61][62][63] Fifteen aircraft were initially acquired, but one crashed in 2023.[34][24] Full operational capability by June 2018.[64] The Auditor General criticized National Defence for "underestimated and understated" the complexity of the purchases of the Chinook, "[t]he way the advance contract notification instrument was applied in the directed procurement of the Chinook helicopters did not comply with the letter or intent of the applicable regulations and policies".[65]
- Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone
- Ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk. Twenty-eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009. Delays pushed first delivery to 2015.[24] One aircraft was lost in an accident in April 2020.[66]
Leased and contractor aircraft
[edit]The Canadian Forces have leased aircraft from vendors to help transport troops and equipment from Canada and other locations in the past decade. Transport aircraft have been leased as required. Despite RCAF marking all aircraft have civilian registration numbers.
- Two aircraft leased from Transwest Air Limited. Used by the Multi-Engine Utility Flight (MEUF) in CFB Trenton. Flown by RCAF pilots, they are used for light transport of personnel and equipment within North America.
- 16 aircraft are operated by Top Aces for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB Cold Lake and CFB Bagotville.[45]
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
[edit]RCAF UAS
[edit]- SAGEM Sperwer
- Designated CU-161; entered service in 2003, retired[67]
- IAI Heron
- 3 leased in 2009 for use in Afghanistan; turned over to the Royal Australian Air Force in 2011[68]
Canadian Army/RCN UAS
[edit]- BAE Systems Silver Fox
- Acquired in 2004 by the Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre[69]
- Boeing Insitu ScanEagle
- Designated CU-165; operated by the Canadian Army 2008–2014[67]
- Elbit Skylark
- Designated CU-168; operated by the Canadian Army[70]
- AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven
- Operated by the Canadian Army
- AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma
- Acquired in 2018; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy[71]
- Prioria Robotics Maveric
- Operated by the Canadian Army[72]
- Saab Skeldar
- Designated CU-176 Gargoyle.[73] Acquired in 2019; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy and CANSOFCOM[74]
- Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack
- Designated CU-172; operated by the Canadian Army[67][75]
- Teal Drones, Inc. Teal 2
- Introduced to Army and RCN circa 2024. Fifty acquired.[76]
Future inventory
[edit]Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | Number on order | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat aircraft | |||||
F-35A Lightning II | United States | Multirole | F-35A | 88 | Ordered in January 2023. First 4 to arrive in 2026, with all 88 to be delivered by 2032.[77][78] |
Maritime patrol | |||||
Boeing P-8A | United States | ASW/Patrol | Boeing P-8A | 14 | Plus 2 options, with delivery starting in 2026.[79] |
Transport aircraft | |||||
CC-295 Kingfisher | Spain | SAR | EADS CASA C-295 | 16 | All 16 aircraft were expected to be delivered by the end of 2022.[80][81][82] However, initial operating capability is not anticipated until 2025/26.[83] Additional trainer aircraft for maintenance personnel arrived in 2020 without SAR equipment and not part of the operational fleet. |
Trainer aircraft | |||||
Pilatus PC-21 | Switzerland | Trainer | 19[84] | To operate as part of Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.[85] | |
Beechcraft Super King Air 260 | United States | Trainer | 7[86] | To operate as part of Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.[85] | |
Eurocopter EC135 | France | Trainer | 19[87] | To operate as part of Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.[85] | |
UAV | |||||
MQ-9B SkyGuardian | United States | ISR | 11 | Delivery from 2028.[88] |
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
[edit]On 28 March 2022, the Government of Canada announced that the competition had placed the F-35A first and planned to buy 88 aircraft.[89] On 9 January 2023, the Government of Canada officially ordered 88 F-35As.[77][78] Previously, a unique Canadian CF-35 variant was proposed that would differ from the F-35A by adding a drogue parachute and possibly an F-35B/C-style refuelling probe.[27][90] In 2012, it was revealed that the CF-35 would employ the same boom refuelling system as the F-35A.[91] Following the 2015 Federal Election the Liberal Party, whose campaign had included a pledge to cancel the F-35 procurement,[92] formed a new government and commenced an open competition to replace the existing CF-18 Hornet.[93]
General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian
[edit]On 19 December 2023, the Government of Canada announced that a contract was signed for 11 MQ-9B drones, 219 Hellfire missiles, and 12 Mk82 500-pound bombs in a deal worth $2.49 billion CAD.[94][95] The drones are expected to be first delivered in 2028 with full operation expected in 2033.[95] The drones are to be stationed in 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. with 55 personnel and with 25 personnel at 19 Wing Comox, B.C. and in Ottawa with 160 staff to control the drones.[96] Personnel will also forward deploy to northern Canada as needed.[96]
Boeing P-8A Poseidon
[edit]On November 30, 2023, the Government of Canada finalized a government-to-government agreement with the US government for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the RCAF. Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to two additional aircraft.[97]
Weapons and other equipment
[edit]Weapons systems are used by the CF-18 Hornet, CP-140 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-148 Cyclone.
Manufacturer | Origin | Weapon | Type | Entered service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lockheed Martin | United States | GBU-10 Paveway II (12, 16 and 24) | Laser-guided bomb | 1980s | Used by CF-18 |
General Dynamics | United States | Mark 82 bomb | Low drag general-purpose bomb (500 lb (230 kg)) | 1970s | Used by CF-18 |
General Dynamics | United States | Mark 83 bomb | Low drag general-purpose bomb (1,000 lb (450 kg)) | 1980s | Used by CF-18 |
General Dynamics | United States | Mark 84 bomb | Low drag general-purpose bomb (2,000 lb (910 kg)) | 1980s | Used by CF-18 |
Boeing | United States | Joint Direct Attack Munition[98] | A kit to convert a regular bomb into precision-guided munition | 2011 | Used by CF-18 |
Raytheon/Hughes | United States | AGM-65G Maverick Missile | Air-to-surface missile | 1999 | Used by CF-18. First leased in 1999 from the United States for Kosovo Force, then purchased in 2002 for the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)[99][100] |
Bristol | Canada | CRV 7 Rocket | Folding-fin ground attack rocket | 1970s | Used by CF-18 |
Douglas | United States | AIM-7 Sparrow | Medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile | 1980s | Used by CF-18 |
Raytheon/Hughes | United States | AIM-120 AMRAAM | Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile | 2000s | Used by CF-18 |
Raytheon/Ford/ Loral Corp. |
United States | AIM-9 Sidewinder | Heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile | 1980s | Used by CF-18 |
General Dynamics/ General Electric |
United States | M61 20mm Vulcan cannon | Air-cooled gatling-style cannon | 1980s | Used by CF-18 |
Alliant | United States | Mark 46 torpedo | Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo | 1970s | Used by CP-140 Aurora and CH-148 Cyclone (but not by CP-140A Arcturus) |
FN Herstal | Belgium | FN MAG C6 | 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun | 1980s | Used by CH-146 Griffon, CH-147F Chinook and CH-148 Cyclone |
Dillon Aero | United States | M134 | 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun | 2011 | Used by CH-146 Griffon |
Browning Arms Company | United States | M3M | 0.50 cal (12.7 mm) machine gun | 2013 | Used by CH-146 Griffon |
Manufacturer | Origin | Name | Type | In Service | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Systems & Electronics, Inc. | United States | 60K Tunner | Material handling equipment | 2008 | Used with CC-177 transport |
JBT AeroTech | United States | Halvorsen 44K Loaders | Truck Aircraft Side Load Unload (TASLU) Loader | 2008 | 4 for use with CC-177; licensed from Static Engineering of Australia |
Mobile Arrestor Gear | |||||
FMC Corp. | United States | B-1200 | Aircraft towing tractor | 2008 | Used to tow CC-177 and CC-130 |
Retired weapons
[edit]Weapon | Country of manufacture | Type | In service | # |
---|---|---|---|---|
CIM-10 Bomarc-B | United States | Supersonic missile equipped with a 10 kt W40 (nuclear warhead) | 1962 to 1972 | N/A |
AIR-2 Genie | United States | Air-to-air rocket with a 1.5 kt W25 (nuclear warhead) | 1965 to 1984 | N/A |
MK-20 "Rockeye" | United States | Cluster bomb | 1980s to 1997[101] | ≈1000 |
Structure
[edit]The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force. The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, based in Winnipeg, is responsible for the operational command and control of Royal Canadian Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 2 Canadian Air Division was established in June 2009, and consists of training establishments. The other division, 3 Canadian Space Division, was established in 2022.[102]
As of 2024[update], there are 15 wings across Canada, 13 operational and 2 used for training. Wings represent the grouping of various squadrons, both operational and support, under a single tactical commander reporting to the operational commander. Ten wings also include a Canadian Forces base along with other operational and support units.
The rank of general is held when an air officer is Chief of the Defence Staff. The last air force officer who served as Chief of the Defence Staff was General Thomas J. Lawson, who was appointed to the position in 2012. The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force holds the rank of lieutenant-general. Divisions are commanded by major-generals. Brigadier-generals are typically second-in-command of a division. Wings are commanded by colonels. Squadrons are commanded by lieutenant-colonels. Majors are typically second-in-command of squadrons, or flight commanders. Captains, lieutenants and second lieutenants are the junior level leaders in RCAF squadrons and headquarters.
Ranks
[edit]Commander-in-Chief
[edit]Rank group | Commander-in-chief |
---|---|
Insignia | |
Title | Commander-in-chief |
Abbreviation | C-in-C |
Officers
[edit]NATO code | OF-10 | OF-9 | OF-8 | OF-7 | OF-6 | OF-5 | OF-4 | OF-3 | OF-2 | OF-1 | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Canadian Air Force[103][104] |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
General | Lieutenant-general | Major-general | Brigadier-general | Colonel | Lieutenant-colonel | Major | Captain | Lieutenant | Second lieutenant | |||||||||||||||
Général(e) | Lieutenant(e)-général(e) | Major(e)-général(e) | Brigadier(ère)-général(e) | Colonel(le) | Lieutenant(e)-colonel(le) | Major(e) | Capitaine | Lieutenant(e) | Sous-lieutenant(e) |
Non-commissioned members
[edit]NATO code | OR-9 | OR-8 | OR-7 | OR-6 | OR-5 | OR-4 | OR-3 | OR-2 | OR-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Canadian Air Force[103][104] |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief warrant officer | Master warrant officer | Warrant officer | Sergeant | Master corporal | Corporal | Aviator (trained) | Aviator (basic) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjudant(e)-chef | Adjudant(e)-maître | Adjudant(e) | Sergent(e) | Caporal(e)-chef | Caporal(e) | Aviateur (formé)/ Aviatrice (formée) |
Aviateur (confirmé)/ Aviatrice (confirmée) |
On 1 April 2015, the rank structure and insignia changed.[105] The rank of private was replaced with that of aviator, represented with a propeller for the rank insignia. The previously used term "leading aircraftman" was considered not to be gender neutral.[106] The rank insignia were also changed: enlisted ranks were changed from gold to pearl-grey (silver) and officers rank braid was changed from gold to pearl-grey on black, similar to the pattern used before unification of Canada's armed forces in 1968.[106] A revival of the former rank titles of the RCAF did not occur, however, as such an extensive change was considered "too complicated and confusing".[105] Instead, the current rank titles were retained (with the exception of aviator). The Royal Flying Corps, considered to be a predecessor of the RCAF, used rank titles similar to the existing rank titles of the RCAF.[106]
Symbols
[edit]Badge
[edit]The badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of:[107]
- St. Edward's Crown
- An eagle superimposed on a circlet
- A compartment of maple leaves
- Motto: Sic Itur ad Astra (Latin for 'Such is the pathway to the stars')
Roundels
[edit]Roundels used from 1920 until 1945 were usually the same as Royal Air Force roundels although not all variations were used and colours were matched to locally available paints. On 5 July 1940, the RCAF was authorized to introduce the maple leaf into the roundel in place of the red centre. However, a large amount of RCAF planes still continued to use the RAF roundel until 1945 since their aircraft, including those built in Canada all came through RAF channels.[108][109]
-
1945–1946
-
1946–1965
-
Canadian Centennial
1967 variant -
1965–current
-
Current
low-vis
Stamps
[edit]On 9 November 1984, Canada Post issued "Air Force" as part of the Canadian Forces series. The stamps were designed by Ralph Tibbles, based on an illustration by William Southern. The 32¢ stamps are perforated 12 x 12.5 and were printed by Ashton-Potter Limited.[110]
See also
[edit]- List of aircraft of Canada's air forces
- Planned Canadian Forces projects
- Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft
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Further reading
[edit]- Douglas, W. A. B. The Creation of a National Air Force: Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, v. 2. Toronto: University of Toronto Press (in co-operation with the Department of National Defence), 1986. ISBN 0-8020-2584-6.
- Green, William & Swanborough, Gordon (February–May 1979). "A Grumman by Any Other Name...". Air Enthusiast (9): 26–39. ISSN 0143-5450.
- Milberry, Larry, ed. Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. ISBN 0-9690703-4-9.
- Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks: Famous Canadian Aviators. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1996. ISBN 0-88882-175-1.
- Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks II: Pioneers of Canadian Aviation. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1997. ISBN 0-88882-193-X.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Canadian Air Force aircraft and equipment of Canada(Air recognition) Archived 19 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- "Roundel Round-Up" – Vintage Wings of Canada's history of British and Canadian roundel styles from 1914 through and into the 21st century Archived 2015-04-03 at the Wayback Machine
- The Royal Canadian Air Force in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Manuscript at Dartmouth College Library