Canadian Forces Air Command

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Air Command

History

Royal Canadian Air Force
Military History of Canada
Aircraft
CF-188 Hornet
CC-115 Buffalo
CH-124 Sea King
CC-130 Hercules
CP-140 Aurora
CH-146 Griffon
CH-148 Cyclone
CH-149 Cormorant
CC-150 Polaris
CC-177 Globemaster
List of aircraft of the Canadian Air Force
Bases
List of Canadian Air Force bases

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, the Royal Air Force provided air defense for Canada. After 1968, the RCAF was merged with the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Navy to form the Canadian Forces.

1 Mission
2 History
3 Aircraft inventory
- 3.1 Leased / contractor aircraft
4 Weapons
- 4.1 Proposed future aircraft
5 Retired aircraft
6 Wings
7 Squadrons
8 Aircraft deployments
9 Command and control
10 Personnel
11 References
12 External links
13 See also

The Air Force Roundel is based on that of the British Royal Air Force, with the central circle replaced by a maple leaf

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.

For history before 1968, see Royal Canadian Air Force

CF-18 off Hawaii

CH-124 Sea King

CC-115 Buffalo

Following unification on February 1, 1968, 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). At this time, 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 in-effect the modern rebirth of the 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.

Aircraft	Country of Manufacture	Type	Canadian Designation	In Service^[1]	Notes
AgustaWestland EH101	United Kingdom Italy	Search and Rescue Helicopter	CH-149 Cormorant	15 - 1 aircraft lost in crash	Entered service in 2002; stationed at 9 Wing Gander, NL, 14 Wing Greenwood, NS and 19 Wing Comox, BC
Airbus A310	France Germany	Strategic Transport Tanker/Transport	CC-150 Polaris A310-300 MRTT	3 2	Originally ordered by Wardair, sold to Canadian Airlines and purchased by the military in 1992-1993; stationed at 8 Wing Trenton, ON
BAE Hawk	United Kingdom	Fighter Lead-in Trainer	CT-155 (Hawk 115)	12 - 1 lost in crash	Leased since 2000; stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB
Raytheon T-6	United States	Trainer	CT-156 Harvard II	24	Leased since 2000; stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK
Bell 206	Canada	Utility Helicopter / Helicopter Trainer	CH-139 Jet Ranger	14	Ordered in 1981 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	85 - 2 lost in crashes	Order between 1995 to 1997; 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
Boeing CF-18 Hornet	Canada United States	Fighter Fighter/Attack Fighter Lead-in Trainer	CF-188 total CF-188A CF-188B (2 seater)	80 62 18	138 total delivered between 1982-1988; stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, QC and 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB Variant of the American F/A-18 Hornet
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III	United States	Strategic Airlift	CC-177	2	2 more to be delivered in 2008; stationed at 8 Wing Trenton
Bombardier Challenger 600	Canada	Utility Transport VIP transport	CC-144	2 4	Ordered in 1982-1985 and 2002; 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 CT-114 Tutor	Canada	Jet Demonstration Aircraft		25; 20 remaining	Entered service in 1962 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	6	Ordered in 1967 and 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	4	Ordered in 1970; stationed at Yellowknife, NT
de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8	Canada	Aerial Navigation and Tactics Trainer	CT-142	4	Ordered in 1987 and 1989-90; operated by 402 "City of Winnipeg" Sqn and stationed at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, MB
Lockheed C-130 Hercules	United States	Tactical Transport / Fixed Wing Search and Rescue	CC-130 total CC-130E CC-130H CC-130H-30 KC-130H	30 19 4 2 6; 5 configured for air-to-air refueling	Ordered in 1960 to 1997; 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]
Lockheed P-3 Orion	United States	Maritime Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue and Fisheries & Arctic Patrol	CP-140A Arcturus	3	Ordered in 1991, were the last 3 P-3's to come off the Lockheed line in California
Lockheed P-3 Orion	United States	Maritime Patrol / Anti-submarine Aircraft	CP-140 Aurora	18	Ordered in 1980; stationed at 19 Wing Comox, BC and 14 Wing Greenwood, NS
SAGEM Sperwer / Oerlikon Contraves Incorporated	France/	Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance	CU-161	19	2003
Sikorsky S-61 Sea King	United States	Ship-based Transport/Anti-submarine Helicopter	CH-124	27	Ordered from 1963 to 1969; to be replaced by CH-148 Cyclone; stationed at 12 Wing Shearwater, NS and Patricia Bay, BC
Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk	United States	Ship-based Transport/Anti-submarine Helicopter	CH-148 Cyclone		28 to be delivered starting in 2009

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	In Service^[1]	Notes
Ilyushin Il-76	Russia	Strategic Airlift	N/A	via external contract with Toronto, Ontario based Skylink Aviation Inc for transporting equipment to Kandahar from Turkey or CFB Edmonton
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant Mi-17	Russia	Medium lift helicopter	N/A	via contract with Skylink Aviation for transporting equipment and troops in the Balkans and Afganistan
Antonov An-225	Ukraine	Strategic Airlift	N/A	via contract for use in the Middle-East
Antonov AN-124	Ukraine	Strategic Airlift	N/A	Via contract to ship supplies from CFB Trenton to Canadian Forces serving in Afganistan

Mk80 Series Dumb bombs
Paveway GBU
Snakeye AIR bomb
Mk80 AIR bomb
AGM-65G Maverick Missile
CRV 7 Rocket
AIM 7 Sparrow
AIM 9 Sidewinder
M61 20mm vulcan cannon

Number	Builder	Model	Type	Dates
TBD	Lockheed Martin United States	F-35 Lightning II	strike fighter	2018?
17^[2]	Lockheed Martin United States	C-130J Super Hercules	short-medium haul tactical lift aircraft	2010
16^[3]	Boeing Integrated Defense Systems United States	CH-47 Chinook	heavy lift helicopters	2009

Notes:

Canada has contributed $440 Million to the JSF program as a Tier III Partner^[4] but this does not commit Canada to purchasing the F-35 Lightning II.

Aircraft	Country of Manufacture	Type	In Service	# of aircraft
Lockheed Corporation T-33 Shooting StarAN	United States	fighter trainer	1953-2002	(656)
McDonnell Aircraft CF-101B Voodoo	United States	fighter	1961-1992	(112)
McDonnell Aircraft CF-101F Voodoo	United States	fighter trainer	1961-1992	(20)
McDonnell Aircraft EF-101B Voodoo	United States	electronic warfare fighter	1983-1987	(1)
Canadair/Lockheed Corporation Canadair CF-104 Starfighter	United States/ Canada	fighter	1961-1986	(200)
Canadair/Lockheed Corporation CF-104D Starfighter	United States/ Canada	fighter trainer	1962-1985	(38)
Canadair CL-28 Argus	Canada	Maritime Patrol / Anti-submarine Aircraft	1957-1981	(13); (20)
Bell Helicopters CUH-1N Twin Huey	United States	light utility helicopter	1971-1997	(50)
Bell Helicopters CUH-1D Iroquois	United States	light utility helicopter - short body	1968-1988	(10)
Bell Helicopters CUH-1H	United States	light utility helicopter	1968-1992	(56)
Canadair/Grumman CS-2F Tracker	United States	ASW survelliance	1957-1990	(100)
de Havilland Canada de Havilland Canada Dash 7	Canada	STOL transport	1979-1988	(2)
Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador	United States	maritime search and rescue helicopter	1964-2002	18
Canadair Canadair CL-41 Tutor	Canada	trainer	1960s-1990s	212
de Havilland Canada de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou	Canada	STOL transport	1960-1971	(9)
Boeing CC-137 Boeing 707-320	United States	transport / VIP aircraft	1970-1997	(5)
Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck	Canada	Interceptor fighter	1955-1981	329
Beechcraft B23 Musketeer Custom III	United States	light trainer	1971-1984	25
Beechcraft B23 Musketeer II	United States	light trainer	1981-1992	21
Beechcraft B200 Super King Air	United States	transport	1991-1995	3
Bell Helicopter COH-58A Kiowa	United States	light attack helicopter	1971-1995
Bell Helicopter B206B JetRanger III	United States	light observation helicopter	1981-1992	14
Boeing CH-47C Chinook	United States	heavy lift helicopter	1974-1991	9
Canadair CL-44D Yukon	Canada	transport	1959-1970	12
Canadair CL-84-1A Dynavert	Canada	tilt wing monoplane	1965-1975	4
Canadair CL-66B Cosmopolitan	Canada	turboprop transport	1960-1993	10
Dassault Falcon 20	France	small jet	1967-1989	8
de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T.30	Canada	light turbroprop aircraft	1948-1971	113
de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter	Canada	light turbroprop aircraft	1953-1982	69
de Havilland Canada DHC-7R Ranger	Canada	turboprop transport	1979-1984	2
Douglas Aircraft C-47 Dakota	United States	military transport	1943-1988	173
Grumman HU-16B Albatross	United States	twin-radial engine amphibious flying boat	1960-1970	10
Lockheed Corporation C-140 Jetstar	United States	jet transport	1962-1986	4
MBB/Kawasaki Heavy Industries BK-117B-1	Germany/ Japan	twin-engined medium utility/transport helicopter	1990	1
Canadair/Northrop CL-13A Sabre 5	United States/ Canada	fighter	1953-1975	370
Canadair/Northrop CL-13B Sabre 6	United States/ Canada	fighter	1954-1975	430
Canadair/Northrop Canadair CF-5A Freedom Fighter	United States/ Canada	fighter	1968-1995	89
Canadair/Northrop CF-5D Freedom Fighter	United States/ Canada	fighter trainer	1968-1995	46

5 Wing Goose Bay

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 US 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 world famous 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 30ºW.

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 Forces' aerobatic team.

16 Wing Borden

Although this base does not have an airfield, it is the largest training facility in the Canadian Forces. 16 Wing's schools offer air force technical training and professional development and is the historic birthplace of the RCAF.

17 Wing Winnipeg

Comprised of 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 units includes:

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 - information N/A

20 Wing - information N/A

21 Wing - information N/A

The following squadrons are currently active with the Canadian Forces and their assigned Wing.

12 Radar Squadron/12ième Escadron de radar - 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 Squadron Navigation School Squadron - 17 Wing Winnipeg
403 Squadron Helicopter Operational Training Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
404 Squadron Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron - 14 Wing Greenwood
405 Squadron Maritime Patrol Squadron - 14 Wing Greenwood
406 Squadron Maritime Operational Training Squadron - 12 Wing Shearwater
407 Squadron Maritime Patrol Squadron - 19 Wing Comox
408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron|408 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
409 Tactical Figther Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
410 Squadron Tactical Fighter Training Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
412 Squadron Transport Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
413 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 14 Wing Greenwood
416 Squadron Tactical Fighter Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
417 Squadron Combat Support Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
419 Squadron Tactical Fighter Training Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
423 Squadron Maritime Helicopter Squadron - 12 Wing Shearwater
424 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
425 Squadron Tactical Fighter Squadron - 3 Wing Bagotville
426 Squadron Transport Training Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
427 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
429 Squadron Transport Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
430 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
431 Squadron Air Demonstration Squadron - 15 Wing Moose Jaw
435 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 17 Wing Winnipeg
436 Squadron Transport Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
437 Squadron Transport Squadron - 8 Wing Trenton
438 Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron - 1 Wing Kingston
439 Squadron Combat Support Squadron - 3 Wing Bagotville
440 Squadron Transport Squadron - 17 Wing Winnipeg
441 Squadron Tactical Training Squadron - 4 Wing Cold Lake
442 Squadron Transport and Rescue Squadron - 19 Wing Comox
443 Squadron Maritime Helicopter Squadron - 12 Wing Shearwater
444 Squadron Combat Support Squadron - 5 Wing Goose Bay

As part of a reorganization in 2005, three squadrons (415,433, and 429) were disbanded. 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 will merge 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron -- the combined entity will be known as 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron.

On July 18, 2007, Honourable Gordon O’Connor, the Minister of National Defence, announced the re-establishment of 429 Transport Squadron for the purpose of housing the CC-177 squadron. It will based once more at 8 Wing / CFB Trenton.^[5]

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:

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:

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.

Regular Force personnel: 14,500 Reserve Force: 2,600 Civilians: 2,500