Canadian Forces Air Command
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article or section has multiple issues. Please help improve the article or discuss these issues on the talk page.
|
 |
| Military history of Canada: Wars since Confederation |
| Boer War |
| First World War |
| Russian Civil War |
| Spanish Civil War |
| Second World War |
| Korean War |
| Cold War |
| Vietnam War |
| Invasion of Afghanistan |
| Iraq War |
Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM), also known as the Canadian Air Force, 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.
Contents |
[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 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.
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 were added. They are based at CFB Trenton.
[edit] Aircraft
- McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet
- Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single-seat CF-18As and 30 two-seat CF-18Bs were ordered. Sixteen have been lost since 1984. [2] Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, QC and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB
- Airbus CC-150 Polaris
- 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 being converted to tankers and will be re-designated the CC-150T. Based at 8 Wing Trenton, ON
- Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II
- Single-engined trainer leased from 2000 to replace the Canadair CL-41 Tutor. Based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK
- Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III
- Four strategic airlifters delivered between 2007 and 2008 and based at 8 Wing Trenton, ON
- Bombardier CC-144 Challenger
- Canadian business jet first delivered in 1982 as utility and VIP transport. Early Challenger 600 and 601 models were supplemented by 604 models in 2002. Six based 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. Twenty-four remain in service used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron "The Snowbirds".
- DHC CC-115 Buffalo
- A Twin-engined utility/cargo transport now used for search and rescue. Six used by 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn. at 19 Wing Comox, BC.
- DHC CC-138 Twin Otter
- A twin-engined utility transport operated since the 1970s, Four remain based at Yellowknife, NT.
- DHC CT-142 Dash 8
- Four-engined 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, MB
- Lockheed CC-130 Hercules
- 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. Early CC-130Es due to be replaced with the C-130J Super Hercules starting in winter 2010.[3]
- Lockheed CP-140A Arcturus
- Four-engined search and rescue and fisheries & arctic patrol aircraft based on the CP-140 Aurora. Three delivered in 1991.
- Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
- Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American Lockheed P-3 Orion. Entererd service in 1980 and now based at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS
- Boeing ScanEagle
- A miniature UAV, one leased for 9 months in 2008 pending a replacement of the CU-161. [4]
- Lockheed CC-130J Super Hercules
- Four-engined tactical airlifter on order to replace earlier Hercules variants. 17 to be delivered starting in 2010 [5]
- BAe CT-155 Hawk
- Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer introduced in 2000.
- AgustaWestland CH-149 Comorant
- 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
- Boeing CH-147 Chinook
- Twin-rotor medium/heavy lift helicopter. Six entered service in 2008 and a further 16 to be delivered starting in 2010-2011.
- Bell CH-139 JetRanger
- 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 Griffons
- Bell CH-146 Griffon
- A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Based 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; replaced Bell 206 JetRangers. Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks,armed with 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D Gatling gun on the both doors. [6] [7] [8]
- Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King
- 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.
- 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
[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. Transport aircraft have been leased as required.
- Four civil aircraft are operated by Top Aces Consulting for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB Bagotville
- Twelve civil aircaft are operated by Northern Lights and are based at CFB Cold Lake.
- Medium lift helicopters are leased from Skylink Aviation for transporting equipment and troops in the Balkans and Afganistan.
- Medium lift transport helicopters leased from SkyLink Aviation for use in Afghanistan.
- Five Heron unmanned aerial reconnaissance aircraft are leased for use in Afghanistan.
[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 | Country of Origin | Weapon | Type | In 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 lbs) | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| General Dynamics | United States |
Mark 83 bomb | low drag General-purpose bomb (1000 lbs) | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| General Dynamics | United States |
Mark 84 bomb | low drag General-purpose bomb (2000 lbs) | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| Raytheon/Hughes Aircraft | United States |
AGM-65G Maverick Missile | Air-to-surface missile | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| Bristol Aerospace | Canada |
CRV 7 Rocket | folding-fin ground attack rocket | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| Douglas Aircraft Company | United States |
AIM-7 Sparrow | medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| Raytheon/Hughes Aircraft | United States |
AIM-120 AMRAAM | Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| Raytheon/Ford Aerospace/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, electrically fired Gatling-style cannon | 1980s | used by CF-18 |
| Alliant Techsystems | United States |
Mark 46 torpedo | Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo | 1980s | used by CP-140 Aurora and CH-124 Sea King |
| FN Herstal | .svg){kind=small} Belgium |
FN MAG | 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun | 1980s | used by CH-124 Sea King |
| Manufacturer | Origins | Name | Type | In Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systems & Electronics, Incorporated (West Plains, Mo) | United States |
60K Tunner | Material handling equipment | 2008 | used for C-17 transport; used by US Air Force for C-5, C-17 and C-141 |
| JBT AeroTech | United States |
Halvorsen 44K Loaders | TASLU (Truck Aircraft Side Load/Unload Loader) | 2008 | 4 delivered for use with CC-177; licensed from Static Engineering of Elizabeth, SA  Australia |
| GM/Chevrolet | United States |
Chevrolet Silverado | airfield ground service vehicle, aircraft passenger stairs | 1990s? | |
| Mobile Arrestor Gear | |||||
| FMC Corp. | United States |
B-1200 | aircraft towing tractor | 2008 | used to tow large aircraft like CC-177, CC-133 and C-130 |
[edit] Retired weapons
| Weapon | Country of manufacture | Type | In service | # of aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIM-10 Bomarc-B | United States |
conventional supersonic missile equipped with nuclear warhead | 1962 to 1972 | N/A |
| AIR-2 Genie | United States |
air-to-air rocket with a 1.5kt W25 nuclear warhead. | 1965 to 1984 | N/A |
| MK-20 "Rockeye" | United States |
cluster bomb | 1980s-1997 [9] | N/A
|
[edit] Units
[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.
- 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
- 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron
- 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
- 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron
- 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
- 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
- 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.
- 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron
- 410 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
- 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron
- 417 Combat Support Squadron
- 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
- 441 Tactical Training Squadron
- 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 eastern 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, the Maritimes and the North Atlantic from the shores of Newfoundland to 30° west.
- 103 Search and Rescue Squadron
- 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron
- 426 Transport Training Squadron
- 429 Transport Squadron
- 12 Wing Shearwater
- The centre of naval aviation in Canada, 12 Wing is home of the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, and supports the Maritime Command with helicopter air detachments for surface warships in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.
- 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron
- 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron
- 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron
- 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.
- 404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron
- 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron
- 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron
- 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, 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.
[edit] Other Units
- 414 Electronic Warfare Support Squadron is based at Gatineau Airport, Quebec to operate the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet provided by Top Aces Consulting.
Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing
- Air Wing Kandahar, Afganistan (stood up 6 December 2008, flew first mission 6 January 2009). The organization is composed of four units:
- Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan):
- 6 - CH-147 ChinookD heavy lift helicopters
- 8 - CH-146 Griffon tactical support helicopters - armed
- (6 - Mi-8 medium lift helicopters - see below)
- Theatre Support Element
- CC-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft;
- Canadian Heron UAV Detachment
- Heron unmanned aerial vehicle
- Tactical UAV Flight
- Sperwer tactical unmanned aerial vehicle.
- Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan):
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 is comprised of about 450 personnel, serving with the Theatre Support Element in the Persian Gulf region and the Tactical UAV Flight at Kandahar Airfield.
[edit] Former Units
- 2 Wing Toronto
- 7 Wing Ottawa
- 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
[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, is based in Winnipeg. He is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and world-wide.
Former Chiefs of the Air Staff:
- Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas 2005-2007
- Lieutenant-General Ken Pennie 2003-2005
- Lieutenant-General David Kinsman 1997-2003
- Lieutenant-General Allan Marvin DeQuetteville 1995-1997[10]
- Lieutenant-General G. Scott Clements 1993-1995[11]
- Lieutenant-General Donald Malcolm McNaughton 1985-1986[12]
- Lieutenant-General Paul David Manson 1983-1985[13]
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Purpose - General Information". National Defense. 2008-04-23. http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/purpose/today5_e.asp. Retrieved on 09-02-2009.
- ^ "Ejection history".
- ^ [1]
- ^ Canadian military acquiring new helicopters, drones
- ^ [2]
- ^ Dillon Aero 7.62 mm M134 Minigun during exercise near Kandahar
- ^ DND/CF News (November 2008). "Canada Increases Air Capabilities in Afghanistan". http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2816. Retrieved on 2009-03-13.
- ^ Griffon at Kandahar
- ^ Disposal of Rockeye Cluster Bombs at CFAD Dundurn
- ^ "Canadian Who's Who 1997". http://www.utpress.utoronto.ca/cgi-bin/cw2w3.cgi?p=denman&t=27136&d=1797. Retrieved on 2009-07-09.
- ^ "Canadian Who's Who 1997". http://www.utpress.utoronto.ca/cgi-bin/cw2w3.cgi?p=clarke&t=61168&d=1671. Retrieved on 2009-07-09.
- ^ "Canadian Who's Who 1997". http://www.utpress.utoronto.ca/cgi-bin/cw2w3.cgi?p=mclure&t=57965&d=1101. Retrieved on 2009-07-09.
- ^ "Advisory Council". http://www.cdfai.org/advisorycouncil.htm. Retrieved on 2009-07-09.
- ^ "Canadian Who's Who 1997". http://www.utpress.utoronto.ca/cgi-bin/cw2w3.cgi?p=mackay&t=42709&d=2377. Retrieved on 2009-07-09.
- ^ "Thirty Years of Air Command: LGen Bill Carr Recalls AF Re-birth". http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?id=1454. Retrieved on 2009-07-09.
[edit] References
- 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
|
|||||
.png){kind=small}
|
||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
