Canadian Forces Air Command

Encyclopedia : C : CA : CAN : Canadian Forces Air Command

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Canadian Forces Air Command History Royal Canadian Air Force Military History of Canada Aircraft CF-18 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 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 defence for Canada. After 1968, the RCAF was merged with the Army and the Royal Canadian Navy to form the Canadian Armed Forces.

Mission

AIRCOM is responsible for all aircraft operations in the Canadian Forces, enforcing Canada's airspace and provides 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 Defence Command (NORAD). AIRCOM also provides all primary air resources to the National Search and Rescue Program.

History

For history before 1968, see Royal Canadian Air Force

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. In a 1975 Canadian Forces reorganization, AIRCOM was created to handle all 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-188A/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-142 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, AIRCOM personnel wore a dark-green uniform with only cap and collar badges (a modified version of the former RCAF crest) as distinguishing marks. In the mid-1980s, 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 cutback 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 considers this a loss of capability still, especially with the loss of the heavy lift capability of the Chinook.

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 with the new Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone beginning in 2008. The Cyclone is the proposed maritime version of the Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk.

AIRCOM Aircraft

Strike, Attack and Offensive Support Aircraft

• 115 McDonnell-Douglas CF-18 Hornet tactical fighter bombers

Maritime Patrol/Reconnaissance Aircraft

• 18 Lockheed Corporation CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft
• 3 Lockheed Corporation CP-140A Arcturus long-range patrol aircraft
• 6 SAGEM CU-161 Sperwer Drone/UAV

Helicopters

• 86 Bell Helicopter Textron CH-146 Griffon tactical transport helicopters
• 27 Sikorsky Aircraft CH-124 Sea King maritime anti-submarine warfare helicopters
• 15 AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant search and rescue helicopters
• 14 Bell Helicopter Textron CH-139 Jet Ranger light helicopters

Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling Aircraft

• 32 Lockheed Corporation CC-130 Hercules combat transports
• 5 Airbus CC-150 Polaris long range transports (2 have air-air refuelling capability)
• 6 De Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo short range transports
• 6 Canadair CC-144 Challenger jet transports (4 VIP/2 utility)
• 4 De Havilland Canada CC-138 Twin Otter short range transports

Training Aircraft

• 24 Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II trainers
• 21 BAE CT-155 Hawk jet trainers
• 15 Canadair CT-114 Tutor jet trainers
• 4 De Havilland Canada CT-142 Dash 8 navigation trainers

Aircraft on order

• 28 Sikorsky Aircraft CH-148 Cyclone (to be delivered in 2008)

Proposed Future Aircraft

Number	Builder	Model	Type	Dates
	Lockheed Martin	F-35 Lightning II	strike fighter
17 [Airlift Capability Project - Tactical] MERX Website - Government of Canada	TBD	Replacement for C-130 Hercules	short haul tactical lift aircraft	2010
4 [Airlift Capability Project - Strategic ACP-S - ACAN] MERX Website - Government of Canada	Boeing Integrated Defense Systems	C-17 Globemaster III	strategic lift aircraft	2006
16 [Medium to Heavy Lift Helicopter (MHLH) - ACAN] MERX Website - Government of Canada	Boeing Integrated Defense Systems	CH-47 Chinook	heavy lift helicopters	2009

Notes:

• Canada has contributed $150 Million to the JSF program as a Tier III Partner[Joint Strike Fighter Signing Ceremony] Department of Defense February 7, 2002. but this does not commit Canada to purchasing the aircraft.
• The replacement for the current C-130E model Hercules is expected to be the C-130J model. Vendors have until August 8, 2006 to submit aircraft they believe meets the [operational requirements].

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.

• 5 Wing Goose Bay

The site of NATO tactical low-level flying 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. 5 Wing 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 Canadian Parachute Centre.

• 9 Wing Gander

The home of 103 Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadron providing full-time SAR services to eastern Canada. SAR crews at 9 Wing Gander fly the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and are responsible for a massive area, covering the lower Arctic, the Maritimes, Labrador and Newfoundland and all offshore waters in the region.

• 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 up to nine helicopter air detachments for international and domestic operations.

• 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 search and rescue capabilities are maintained 365 days of the year.

• 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

The largest training Wing in the Canadian Forces, 16 Wing's schools offer air force technical training and professional development and is the "Birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force".

• 17 Wing Winnipeg

Comprised of three squadrons and six schools, 17 Wing also provides support to the Central Flying School.

• 19 Wing Comox

Located on Vancouver Island, its Aurora and Cormorant crews are responsible for surveillance and search and rescue over the Pacific Ocean and for training fighter pilots in tactical procedures.

• 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

Squadrons

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

• 12 Radar Squadron/12ième Escadron de radar - 3 Wing Bagotville
• 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 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
• 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 Resuce 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.

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 Squadron
• 14 Wing Greenwood
• 8 Wing Trenton
• 19 Wing Comox

Transport and utility helicopters are based at:

• CFB Borden
• CFB Gagetown
• 5 Wing Goose Bay
• CFB Valcartier
• CFB Petawawa
• CFB Edmonton
• RCAF Station St Hubert
• 3 Wing Bagotville
• 4 Wing Cold Lake

Transport and VIP aircraft are based at:

• 8 Wing Trenton
• 17 Wing Winnipeg
• 4 Wing Cold Lake
• 14 Wing Greenwood

Interceptor/tactical aircraft are based at:

• 4 Wing Cold Lake
• 3 Wing Bagotville

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:

• 12 Wing Shearwater
• Patricia Bay

Command and Control

The Commander of Air Command and the Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Lucas, 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, MGen J.J.C. (Charlie) Bouchard, OMM, CD, is based in Winnipeg. He is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and world-wide.

Personnel

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

References

External links

• [Official web site]
• [Official Website of The Air Command Band]

See also

• List of active Canadian military aircraft

Canadian Forces
Land Force Command | Maritime Command | Air Command

 

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