Canadian Forces Air Command
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Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM) is the air force element of the Canadian Forces. AIRCOM is the descendant of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), which was Canada's air force from its foundation in 1924 until February 1, 1968.
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 attached to the Royal Air Force in 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.
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 commands. On September 2, 1975 Canada's military air services was organized into a single command: Canadian Forces Air Command.
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[edit] Mission
AIRCOM 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 Maritime Command and Land Force Command. AIRCOM is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). AIRCOM also provides all primary air resources to the National Search and Rescue Program.
[edit] History
- For history before 1968, see Royal Canadian Air Force
The Canadian Forces Reorganization Act came into effect on February 1, 1968 and Canada's air force 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.
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. 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. Air Transport Command was responsible for strategic airlift and refueling aircraft, namely the CC-137 Husky, with the primary role being to transport ground troops from Mobile Command to and from distant conflict zones in Europe. Mobile Command itself was composed of former Canadian Army ground forces, as well as the army's tactical helicopters (CH-135 Twin Huey, CH-136 Kiowa, CH-147 Chinook, CH-113A Voyageur) and the RCAF's tactical and ground attack aircraft (CF-104 Starfighter). Maritime Command was transferred 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 CP-121 Tracker, some of which operated from HMCS Bonaventure until that vessel's retirement in the early 1970s. Pilot and aircrew training were taken over by Training Command, which was responsible for trades training across all other commands in the armed forces.
On August 9, 1974 a CC-115 Buffalo of No. 116 Transport Unit operating on UN duties was shot down by a Syrian Surface-to-air missile killing all nine CF personnel on board. This represents the single biggest loss of Canadian lives on a UN mission as well as the last Canadian military aircraft to be shot down.
On September 2, 1975, the Canadian Forces saw a reorganization that merged all 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 was very similar to the old RCAF as the new command would handle all the aviation requirements of Canada's military.
Duplication saw several base closings through the 1970s-1990s, largely as aircraft changes took place. The acquisition of the CF-18A/B Hornet tactical fighter bomber saw CF-104 Starfighter and CF-101 Voodoo fighter aircraft retired in the early-mid 1980s, along with a corresponding downturn in several bases which 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 CF-116 fighter aircraft and Boeing 707 transport/refuelling aircraft saw AIRCOM retract to its present base and force structure.
AIRCOM also underwent significant changes in the late 1970s when the CP-107 Argus and 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 eventually saw CFB Summerside closed in the late 1980s.
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.
In the early 1990s, AIRCOM transport and utility helicopters in support of 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.
Search and rescue squadrons have also seen 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 are also being 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 service in 2008.
In 2007 and 2008, 4 C-17 Globemaster III will be added.
[edit] Aircraft inventory
| Aircraft | Country of manufacture | Type | Canadian designation | Year(s) procured | #In Service[1] | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgustaWestland EH101 |  UK Italy |
Search and Rescue Helicopter | CH-149 Cormorant | 2000-2002 | 14 | stationed at 9 Wing Gander, NL, 14 Wing Greenwood, NS and 19 Wing Comox, BC |
| Airbus A310 |  France Germany Spain |
Strategic Transport Tanker/Transport |
CC-150 Polaris | Originally ordered by Wardair, sold to Canadian Airlines and purchased by the military 1992–1993 | 3 2 |
Stationed at 8 Wing Trenton, ON |
| Raytheon T-6 Texan II |  USA |
Trainer | CT-156 Harvard II | 2000 | 24 | Leased and stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK |
| Bell 206 JetRanger |  Canada |
utility helicopter / helicopter trainer | CH-139 JetRanger | 1981 | 14 | 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 |
| Bell 412 | Canada |
utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) | CH-146 Griffon | 1995–1997 | 85 | stationed at Bagotville, 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 |
| McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet | Canada USA |
fighter fighter/attack fighter lead-in trainer |
CF-188 total CF-188A CF-188B (2 seater) |
1982–1988 | 98 | 138 total delivered; stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, QC and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB
|
| Boeing C-17 Globemaster III | USA |
strategic airlift | CC-177 | 2007–2008 | 4 | Stationed at 8 Wing Trenton, ON |
| Bombardier Challenger 600 | Canada |
utility transport VIP transport |
CC-144 | 1982–1985; 2002 | 2 4 |
operated by 412(T) Sqn and based in Ottawa, but belong to 8 Wing Trenton (Utility Aircraft are 2 Blue CL601's and VIP Aircraft are White: 1 CL600, 1 CL601 and 2 newer CL604's) |
| Canadair CL-41 Tutor | Canada |
jet demonstration aircraft | CT-114 Tutor | 1962 | 25; 20 remaining | Entered service as a basic and advanced jet trainer, replaced by the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk in 2000. Now used almost exclusively by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron "The Snowbirds" |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo | Canada |
fixed Wing search and rescue | CC-115 Buffalo | 1967 | 6 | will be retired once a replacement found; all six fly for 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn. at 19 Wing Comox, BC |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | Canada |
utility transport | CC-138 | 1970s | 4 | stationed at Yellowknife, NT |
| de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 | Canada |
aerial navigation and tactics trainer | CT-142 | 1987; 1989–1990 | 4 | operated by 402 "City of Winnipeg" Sqn and stationed at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB |
| Lockheed C-130 Hercules | USA |
tactical transport / fixed Wing search and rescue | CC-130 total CC-130E CC-130H CC-130H-30 KC-130H |
1960–1997 | 30 19 4 2 6; 5 configured for air-to-air refueling |
stationed at 14 Wing Greenwood, NS, 8 Wing Trenton, ON and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB. two have since been retired due to the airframes timing out [1]. to be replaced with C-130J Super Hercules starting in winter 2010.[2] |
| Lockheed P-3 Orion | USA |
maritime reconnaissance, search and rescue and fisheries & Arctic patrol | CP-140A Arcturus | 1991 | 3 | orders were the last 3 P-3's to come off the Lockheed line in California |
| P-3 Orion | USA |
Maritime Patrol / Anti-submarine Aircraft | CP-140 Aurora | 1980 | 18 | stationed at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS |
| SAGEM Sperwer / Oerlikon Contraves Incorporated | France Switzerland |
unmanned aerial reconnaissance | CU-161 | 2003 | 19 | |
| Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King | USA Canada |
ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter | CH-124 Sea King | 1963–1969 | 27 | to be replaced by CH-148 Cyclone; stationed at 12 Wing Shearwater, NS and Patricia Bay, BC |
| Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk | USA |
ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter | CH-148 Cyclone | 2009 – delayed | 28 to be delivered | order delayed by Sikorsky |
| Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules | USA |
short-medium haul tactical lift aircraft | CC-130J Hercules | 2010 | 17 to be delivered starting in 2010 [3] |
[edit] 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.
| Aircraft | Country of manufacture | Type | Canadian designation | In service[1] | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAeCT-155 Hawk | UK |
Fighter Lead-in Trainer | CT-155 | 2000 | 12 leased and stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB; used by the NATO Flying Training in Canada; leased from Bombardier Aerospace |
| Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet Type E | France |
jet trainer | N/A | 2005-present | 4 leased by Top Aces Consulting for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services); ex-German Luftwaffe trainers; based at 3 Wing |
| Hawker Hunter F.58 | United Kingdom |
jet trainer | N/A | 2002–2005? | 12 jets leased from Northern Lights Combat Air Support; former Swiss Air Force fighters; based at 4 Wing CFB Cold Lake |
| Ilyushin Il-76 Candid |  Russia |
strategic airlift | N/A | post-2001 | via external contract with Toronto, Ontario based Skylink Aviation Inc for transporting equipment to Kandahar from Turkey or CFB Edmonton |
| Mil Mi-17 Hip-H | Russia |
medium lift helicopter | N/A | post-2001 | via contract with Skylink Aviation for transporting equipment and troops in the Balkans and Afganistan |
| Antonov An-225 Mriya/Cossack |  Ukraine |
strategic airlift | N/A | post-2001 | via contract for use in the Middle East |
| Antonov An-124 Ruslan/Condor | Ukraine |
strategic airlift | N/A | post-2001 | via contract to ship supplies from CFB Trenton to Canadian Forces serving in Afganistan |
| Mil Mi-8 Hip or Mil Mi-14 Haze | Russia |
transport helicopter | N/A | 2008-? | to be loaned from the Polish Air Force for use in Afganistan |
[edit] Weapons and other equipment
Weapons systems are used by the CF-18 Hornet, CP-140 Aurora and the CH-124 Sea King helicopters (to be replaced by the Cyclone), the only armed aircraft in the Canadian Forces today.
| Manufacturer | Name | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems & Electronics, Incorporated (West Plains, Mo) | 60K Tunner | Material handling equipment | used for C-17 transport; used by US Air Force for C-5, C-17 and C-141 |
| GM/Chevrolet | Chevrolet Silverado | airfield ground service vehicle, aircraft passenger stairs | |
| Mobile Arrestor Gear | |||
| FMC Corp. | B-1200 | aircraft towing tractor | used to tow large aircraft like CC-177, CC-133 and C-130 |
[edit] Proposed aircraft
| Number | Builder | Model | Type | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | Lockheed Martin United States |
F-35 Lightning II | strike fighter | 2018? | to replace CF-18 as primary jet fighter |
| 16[2] | Boeing Integrated Defense Systems United States |
CH-47 Chinook | medium/heavy lift helicopters | 2009; order delayed | to provide heavy lift capability on overseas missions; CF once operated Boeing CH-47 ChinookCs |
Notes:
- Canada has contributed $440 Million to the JSF program as a Tier III Partner[3] but this does not commit Canada to purchasing the F-35 Lightning II.
[edit] Retired aircraft
[edit] Retired weapons
| Weapon | Country of manufacture | Type | In service | # of aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIM-10 Bomarc-B | United States |
conventional supersonic missile | late 1950s to 1970s | N/A |
[edit] Wings
There are 13 air force wings across Canada. 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.
- 1 Wing Kingston
- 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.
- 3 Wing Bagotville
- Located in Quebec's 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 9 Wing Gander
- Providing search and rescue (SAR) services to northeastern Canada and the western Atlantic Ocean. SAR crews at 9 Wing Gander fly the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and are responsible for a massive area, covering the lower Arctic, Labrador, Newfoundland and the North Atlantic from the shores of Newfoundland to 30° west.
- 12 Wing Shearwater
- The centre of naval aviation in Canada, 12 Wing is home of the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, and supports the Canadian navy with helicopter air detachments for surface warships in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.
- 14 Wing Greenwood
- 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.
- 15 Wing Moose Jaw
- The site of the NATO Flying Training Program in Canada, 15 Wing is also home to the Snowbirds, the air force's aerobatic team.
- 16 Wing Borden
- 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.
- 17 Wing Winnipeg
- 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.
- 19 Wing Comox
- 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, the Yukon and the North Pacific Ocean. The base is also used for training fighter pilots in tactical procedures on nearby ranges.
- 22 Wing North Bay
- 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.
Former wings include:
- 2 Wing Toronto
- 6 Wing
- information N/A
- 7 Wing Ottawa
- 10 Wing
- information N/A
- 11 Wing
- information N/A
- 13 Wing
- information N/A
- 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
- 20 Wing
- information N/A
- 21 Wing
- information N/A
[edit] Squadrons
The following squadrons are currently active with the Canadian Forces and their assigned Wing.
- 12 Radar Squadron: 3 Wing Bagotville
- 42 Radar Squadron: 4 Wing Cold Lake
- 103 Search and Rescue Squadron: 9 Wing Gander
- 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron: 1 Wing Kingston
- 402 Navigation School Squadron: 17 Wing Winnipeg
- 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron: 1 Wing Kingston
- 404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron: 14 Wing Greenwood
- 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron: 14 Wing Greenwood
- 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron: 12 Wing Shearwater
- 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron: 19 Wing Comox
- 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron: 1 Wing Kingston
- 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron: 4 Wing Cold Lake
- 410 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron: 4 Wing Cold Lake
- 412 Transport Squadron: 8 Wing Trenton
- 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron: 14 Wing Greenwood
- 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron: 4 Wing Cold Lake
- 417 Combat Support Squadron: 4 Wing Cold Lake
- 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron: 4 Wing Cold Lake
- 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron: 12 Wing Shearwater
- 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron: 8 Wing Trenton
- 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron: 3 Wing Bagotville
- 426 Transport Training Squadron: 8 Wing Trenton
- 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron: 1 Wing Kingston
- 429 Transport Squadron: 8 Wing Trenton
- 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron: 1 Wing Kingston
- 431 Air Demonstration Squadron: 15 Wing Moose Jaw
- 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron: 17 Wing Winnipeg
- 436 Transport Squadron: 8 Wing Trenton
- 437 Transport Squadron: 8 Wing Trenton
- 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron: 1 Wing Kingston
- 439 Combat Support Squadron: 3 Wing Bagotville
- 440 Transport Squadron: 17 Wing Winnipeg
- 441 Tactical Training Squadron: 4 Wing Cold Lake
- 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron: 19 Wing Comox
- 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron: 12 Wing Shearwater
- 444 Combat Support Squadron: 5 Wing Goose Bay
As part of a reorganization in 2005, three squadrons (415, 433, and 429) were disbanded. No. 415 merged with 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron, 429 merged with 436 Transport Squadron and 433 merged with 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron.
Further reorganization in 2006 merged 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron – the combined entity is known as 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron.
On July 18, 2007, Gordon O’Connor, then the Minister of National Defence, announced the re-establishment of 429 Transport Squadron for the purpose of operating the air force's new CC-177 strategic transport aircraft. The squadron will based at 8 Wing / CFB Trenton.[4]
[edit] Aircraft deployments
Maritime patrol aircraft are based at:
- 14 Wing Greenwood on the east coast
- 19 Wing Comox on the west coast
SAR squadrons are based at:
- 9 Wing Gander – 103 Search and Rescue Squadron
- 14 Wing Greenwood
- 8 Wing Trenton – 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron
- 17 Wing Winnipeg – 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron
- 19 Wing Comox
Transport and utility helicopters are based at:
- CFB Borden
- CFB Gagetown
- CFB Goose Bay
- CFB Valcartier
- CFB Petawawa
- CFB Edmonton
- St Hubert
- CFB Bagotville
- CFB Cold Lake
Transport and VIP aircraft are based at:
Interceptor/tactical aircraft are based at:
- with major low-level flying and bombing ranges for interceptor/tactical aircraft supported at 4 Wing Cold Lake and 5 Wing Goose Bay.
Maritime helicopters are based at:
[edit] Command and control
The Commander of Air Command and the Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Angus Watt, located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction for the Air Force. The Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, Major General J.M. Duval, CD CD, is based in Winnipeg. He is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and world-wide.
[edit] Personnel
Regular Force personnel: 14,500 Reserve Force: 2,600 Civilians: 2,500
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Notes
- ^ a b "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 15, 2007.
- ^ Medium to Heavy Lift Helicopter (MHLH) – ACAN MERX Website – Government of Canada
- ^ Joint Strike Fighter Signing Ceremony Department of Defense February 7, 2002.
- ^ 429 Transport Squadron At The Air Force’s Service Again: Air Force New Room
- Bibliography
- Milberry, Larry, ed. Sixty Years – The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. ISBN 0-9690703-4-9.
[edit] External links
- Official web site
- Official Website of The Air Command Band
- Official Website of The Central Band of the Canadian Forces
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