Fleet Air Arm facts for kids

Fleet Air Arm

The Fleet Air Arm is like the air force of the Royal Navy in the UK. It's a very important part of the Navy, using both airplanes and helicopters to help protect the country and its interests around the world.

The Fleet Air Arm uses different types of aircraft for various missions:

• Merlin helicopters are used to find and track submarines. They also help move marines and supplies.
• Wildcat helicopters are great for patrolling the seas and stopping pirates.
• F-35 jets are powerful planes used for attacking targets at sea.

What is the Fleet Air Arm?

The Fleet Air Arm is the part of the Royal Navy that flies aircraft. It's like having a special flying team that works closely with ships and sailors. Their job is to support the Navy from the air, whether it's by protecting ships, carrying troops, or gathering information.

Aircraft and Their Missions

The Fleet Air Arm uses a mix of helicopters and jets, each designed for specific tasks.

Merlin Helicopters

Merlin helicopters are large and versatile. They are mainly used for:

• Hunting Submarines: They carry special equipment to detect submarines hidden underwater.
• Transporting Marines: They can carry many marines and their gear, moving them quickly to where they are needed.
• Search and Rescue: Sometimes, they help rescue people at sea.

Wildcat Helicopters

Wildcat helicopters are smaller and faster. They are used for:

• Patrols: They fly over the ocean to look for anything unusual, like pirate ships.
• Reconnaissance: They can gather information about what's happening on the sea.
• Attack: They can also carry weapons for attacking small boats or other targets.

F-35 Jets

The F-35B Lightning II is a very advanced jet. It's special because it can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, which is perfect for aircraft carriers. These jets are used for:

• Maritime Attack: They can attack ships and targets on land from the air.
• Air Defence: They also protect the fleet from enemy aircraft.
• Carrier Operations: They fly from the Royal Navy's large aircraft carriers, like HMS Queen Elizabeth.

History of Naval Aviation

The Fleet Air Arm has a long and interesting history. It started many years ago, even before World War I, when planes were first used by navies. Over time, the aircraft and their missions have changed a lot, becoming more advanced and powerful. Naval aviators, the pilots and crew who fly these aircraft, are highly trained and skilled.

Images for kids

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  An elephant pulling a Supermarine Walrus aircraft into position at a Fleet Air Arm station in India (c. June 1944)

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  Hawker Sea Fury of No. 804 Squadron launched off HMS Glory during the Korean War, June 1951

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  Phantom FG.1 of 892 NAS aboard HMS Ark Royal in 1972

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  Two Sea Harriers from 800 Naval Air Squadron approach the flight deck of U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1984

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  A formation of four Sea Harrier FA.2s from 801 NAS in 2005

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  Fleet Air Arm Pilot Wings

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  A Grob Tutor T1 used for Pilot Grading.

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  A Grob Prefect T1 turboprop used for Elementary Flying Training.

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  A Beechcraft Avenger T1 used for Observer training.

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  A Merlin HC3 of Commando Helicopter Force.

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  The Wildcat AH1 Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter (BRH) used by 847 NAS.

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  A Wildcat HMA2 of 700(W) NAS conducting trials off HMS Monmouth.

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  A Merlin HM2 aircraft of 824 NAS.

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  The Fleet Air Arm operates the F-35B from the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

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  Vice-Admiral Richard Bell Davies, first naval aviator to receive the VC and the first naval aviator of the Fleet Air Arm to reach flag rank

See also

In Spanish: Fleet Air Arm para niños