Royal Air Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Air Force |
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| Founded | 1 April 1918 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Type | Air and space force |
| Role | Aerial and space warfare |
| Size |
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| Part of |  British Armed Forces |
| Air Staff Offices | Whitehall, London |
| Motto(s) | "Per Ardua ad Astra" (Latin) (Through Adversity to the Stars) |
| Colours | Red, white, blue |
| March | Quick: "Royal Air Force March Past" Slow: "Saeculum" |
| Anniversaries | 1 April |
| Engagements |
See list
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| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief |  King Charles III |
| Secretary of State for Defence |  Rt Hon John Healey MP |
| Chief of the Air Staff |  Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton |
| Deputy Chief of the Air Staff |  Air Marshal Paul Lloyd |
| Air and Space Commander | Air Marshal Allan Marshall |
| Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force |  Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam |
| Insignia | |
| Roundel |   |
| Fin flash |   |
| Ensign |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | MQ-9 Reaper Protector RG1 |
| Fighter | Typhoon FGR4 F-35B Lightning |
| Helicopter | Chinook HC5/6/6A Puma HC2 |
| Reconnaissance | Poseidon MRA1 Airseeker R1 MQ-9 Reaper Shadow R1/1A Protector RG1 |
| Trainer | Hawk T1/2 Texan T1 Phenom T1 Typhoon T3 Viking T1 Prefect T1 Tutor T1 Juno HT1 Jupiter HT1 |
| Transport | Voyager KC2/3 Atlas C1 C-17 Globemaster Envoy IV CC1 |
| Tanker | Voyager KC2/3 |
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air and space force of the United Kingdom. It also protects the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. The RAF was created on April 1, 1918, during the end of the First World War. It became the second independent air force in the world. It was formed by combining the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).
After the Allied victory in 1918, the RAF became the largest air force in the world. Since then, it has played a very important part in British military history. During the Second World War, the RAF gained control of the skies over Britain. This happened during the Battle of Britain against Germany's Luftwaffe. The RAF also led the Allied effort to bomb enemy targets.
The RAF's main goal is to help the British Ministry of Defence (MOD). This means keeping the United Kingdom and its overseas territories safe. It also involves fighting terrorism and helping to keep peace around the world. The RAF aims to be an "agile, adaptable and capable" air force. It wants to be the best and make a big difference with its air power. Air power means using aircraft and space to influence events or people.
Today, the Royal Air Force has many advanced aircraft. These include fighter jets, planes for spying, and transport aircraft. Most of the RAF's helicopters work with the Joint Helicopter Command. This command supports ground forces. Most RAF aircraft and personnel are based in the UK. Many others serve in global operations, especially over Iraq and Syria. They also serve at long-standing bases in places like Cyprus and the Falkland Islands. The Royal Navy and British Army also have their own aircraft.
Contents
- History of the Royal Air Force
- How the RAF is Organized
- Aircraft of the RAF
- RAF Symbols and Uniforms
- Ceremonial Functions and Displays
- See also
History of the Royal Air Force
How the RAF Started
The Royal Air Force was created on April 1, 1918. This was near the end of the First World War. It was formed by joining the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). This made it the second independent air force in the world. At that time, it was the largest air force globally.
After the war, the RAF became much smaller. The years between the two World Wars were quite calm for them. The RAF was put in charge of British military actions in Iraq. They also carried out smaller tasks in other parts of the British Empire. This included setting up bases to protect places like Singapore. The RAF also developed the idea of strategic bombing. This meant building long-range bombers to attack important enemy targets. This became their main bombing plan for the Second World War.
The Second World War
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The Royal Air Force grew very quickly before and during the Second World War. Countries like Canada and Australia, part of the British Commonwealth, trained their air forces. Many of their pilots and crews joined RAF groups. By the end of the war, Canadians made up about a quarter of the RAF's Bomber Command. Australians were about nine percent of all RAF personnel in Europe.
In 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the RAF defended the skies over Britain. They faced the German Luftwaffe, which had more planes. This long air battle was very important. It helped delay and eventually stop Hitler's plan to invade the UK. On August 20, Prime Minister Winston Churchill praised the RAF. He said, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
The RAF's biggest effort during the war was the bombing campaign against Germany. At first, the bombing was not very effective. But later, especially under Air Chief Marshal Harris, the attacks became much stronger. This was from early 1943 onwards. New technology and more powerful aircraft became available. The RAF mainly bombed German cities at night. They also developed special precision bombing methods for specific missions. One famous example is the ""Dambusters" raid."
The Cold War Era
After the Second World War, the RAF changed a lot. New jet fighters and bombers were developed. One of the first big operations in the Cold War was the Berlin Airlift. This was called Operation Plainfire. From June 1948 to May 1949, the RAF delivered 17% of all supplies to Berlin. They used planes like the Avro York and Douglas Dakota.
For much of the Cold War, the RAF's main job was to protect Western Europe. They prepared for a possible attack from the Soviet Union. Many RAF squadrons were based in West Germany. As the British Empire became smaller, global operations were reduced. However, the RAF still fought in many battles during the Cold War. This included the Malayan Emergency and the Suez Crisis.
The RAF also played a big role in the Falklands War in 1982. RAF aircraft were sent to RAF Ascension Island. A group from No. 1 Squadron also worked with the Royal Navy. They flew from the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. After Britain won, the RAF stayed in the South Atlantic. They provided air defense for the Falkland Islands.
After the Cold War
After the Cold War ended, the RAF focused on sending air power to different parts of the world. Since 1990, the RAF has been involved in many large operations. These include the Gulf War in 1991 and the Kosovo War in 1999. They also took part in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. More recently, they were involved in the intervention in Libya and the war against the Islamic State.
The RAF started using Remotely-piloted Air Systems (RPAS) in 2004. These are drones like the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator. In 2007, the RAF formed its own drone squadron. This was No. 39 Squadron, which flew the MQ-9A Reaper.
The RAF celebrated its 90th anniversary on April 1, 2008. The Red Arrows and four Eurofighter Typhoons flew over London. In recent years, RAF fighter jets have often been called to respond to Russian aircraft. These Russian planes sometimes approach British airspace. RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth provide these quick response aircraft. Their Typhoons can take off within minutes.
On October 4, 2015, the RAF ended its search and rescue services in the UK. The Westland Sea King helicopters were retired. A private company, Bristow Helicopters, now handles UK search and rescue. They use new Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW189 aircraft.
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In 2018, the RAF launched a satellite called Carbonite-2. This was to test new ways of getting images from space. The Royal Air Force celebrated its 100th anniversary on April 1, 2018. They marked it with a flypast of 103 aircraft over London on July 10, 2018.
From 2020 to 2022, the RAF helped with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. This was part of Operation Rescript. They flew people home and moved sick patients. They also provided drivers, call-handlers, and medics to help hospitals. In August 2021, the UK's 20-year operations in Afghanistan ended. The RAF helped evacuate over 15,000 people in two weeks. This was the biggest airlift since the Berlin Blockade. In 2023, the RAF helped evacuate over 2,300 people from Sudan.
How the RAF is Organized
Senior Leadership
The most senior officer in the Royal Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). This person reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff. The current Chief of the Air Staff is Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton. He was appointed in 2023.
The RAF is managed by the Air Force Board. This board is part of the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Defence is legally responsible for the UK's defense. The Chief of the Air Staff leads the Air Force Board Standing Committee. This committee makes decisions for the RAF.
Air Command
The daily running and operations of the RAF are handled by Headquarters Air Command. This is located at RAF High Wycombe. Air Command was formed in 2007. It brought together different parts of the RAF. It now covers all RAF operations.
United Kingdom Space Command (UKSC) was set up in 2021. It is a joint command but works under the Royal Air Force. It is responsible for space operations. It also trains and grows the space force. The UKSC headquarters is also at RAF High Wycombe.
RAF Groups
RAF operations are divided into "Groups." These groups are responsible for certain types of tasks or areas. There are five groups under Air Command. Four of them focus on specific functions. One group focuses on a geographical area.
No. 1 Group (Air Combat)
No. 1 Group handles combat aircraft. This includes the Lightning Force and Typhoon Force. It also manages the RAF's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. This group oversees bases like RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth. Its Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft protect UK and NATO airspace. They provide a constant Quick Reaction Alert.
No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support)
No. 2 Group manages air mobility. This includes moving troops and supplies by air. It also handles air-to-air refueling. This group is also responsible for RAF Medical Services. It includes the RAF Support Force, which has engineers and logistics teams. The RAF Regiment and RAF Police are also part of this group. It oversees bases like RAF Brize Norton and RAF Odiham.
No. 11 Group (Multi-domain Operations)
No. 11 Group brings together operations in air, cyber, and space. It deals with new and changing threats. This group includes the RAF's Battlespace Management Force. This force controls the UK Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS). It oversees stations like RAF Boulmer and RAF Fylingdales.
No. 22 Group (Training)
No. 22 Group is responsible for training all RAF personnel. It provides flying and non-flying training for all three British armed services. It uses the UK Military Flying Training System. This system is provided by a civilian company. This group oversees bases like RAF College Cranwell and RAF Cosford. It also manages the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
RAF Stations
An RAF station is usually led by a group captain. Each station typically has several flying and non-flying squadrons or units. These are supported by administrative and support teams.
UK Stations
Front-line flying operations happen at eight main stations:
- RAF Coningsby, RAF Marham, and RAF Lossiemouth (for air combat)
- RAF Waddington (for ISTAR)
- RAF Brize Norton and RAF Northolt (for air transport)
- RAF Benson and RAF Odiham (for support helicopters)
Flying training takes place at RAF Barkston Heath, RAF College Cranwell, RAF Shawbury, and RAF Valley. These are part of the UK Military Flying Training System. Specialist ground crew training is at RAF Cosford and MOD St. Athan.
Overseas Stations
The UK has permanent military airfields in four British Overseas Territories. These bases help defend these territories. They also allow the UK to carry out military operations far from home. These airfields are known as RAF stations.
- RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus
- RAF Ascension Island
- RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands
- RAF Gibraltar
Four RAF squadrons are based overseas. No. 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron is in California, USA. It works with the U.S. Air Force on the F-35B Lightning. No. 80 Squadron is in Florida, USA. No. 84 Squadron is at RAF Akrotiri. It uses Westland Puma HC2 helicopters for search and rescue. No. 230 Squadron is in Brunei. It also operates the Puma HC2.
Squadrons
A flying squadron is an aircraft unit that performs the RAF's main tasks. RAF squadrons have long histories and traditions. They can earn awards for their service. Most flying squadrons are led by a wing commander. A fast-jet squadron usually has about twelve aircraft.
Flights
Independent flights are smaller than squadrons. Many independent flights are front-line flying units. For example, No. 1435 Flight defends the Falkland Islands. It has four Eurofighter Typhoon fighters at RAF Mount Pleasant.
Aircraft of the RAF
Combat Aircraft
Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 is the RAF's main fighter jet. It can defend against other aircraft and attack ground targets. It took over ground attack duties from the Panavia Tornado GR4 in 2019. The Typhoon protects UK and NATO airspace. It also helps with air defense missions in places like the Baltic Sea.
The RAF has seven main Typhoon squadrons. It also has units for training and testing. Four Typhoons are based at RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands. They provide air defense there. The Typhoon first saw combat in 2011. It has been supporting Operation Shader since 2015. In 2021, a Typhoon shot down a hostile drone in Syria.
Lightning
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The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II is a single-seat, stealth aircraft. It can fly in all weather. It is designed for air superiority and attack missions. It also provides electronic warfare and spying capabilities. The F-35B can perform short take-offs and vertical landings (STOVL). This means it can operate from the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers. The RAF plans to get more than 48 of these jets.
The first RAF squadron to fly the F-35B was No. 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron. This was in 2014. No. 617 (The Dambusters) Squadron became the first operational F-35B squadron in 2018. The first aircraft arrived at RAF Marham in June 2018. The Lightning was ready for combat in January 2019. No. 207 Squadron trains both RAF and Royal Navy pilots for the F-35B.
Spying and Reconnaissance Aircraft (ISTAR)
The RAF uses several types of aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR).
- Six Hawker Beechcraft Shadow R1 aircraft are used by No. 14 Squadron. These planes are specially changed for ISTAR.
- Ten General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper drones are operated by No. XIII Squadron.
- Three Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft, called Airseeker, replaced older planes. They gather signals intelligence. These planes were converted from tankers. They first flew missions over Iraq and Syria in 2014.
- The General Atomics Protector RG1 drone is being introduced. It will start flying operations in 2025. The RAF plans to get 16 of these drones.
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Airseeker R1
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Shadow R1
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MQ-9A Reaper
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Protector RG1
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Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Nine Boeing Poseidon MRA1 aircraft were ordered in 2015. They fill a gap in maritime patrol. They are used for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-ship warfare. No. 120 Squadron and No. 201 Squadron operate the Poseidon. They are based at RAF Lossiemouth.
The first Poseidon arrived in the UK in February 2020. It filled a gap in maritime capability that had lasted for ten years. The Poseidon was ready for combat in April 2020. Its first mission was in August 2020, tracking a Russian warship. The ninth and final Poseidon arrived in January 2022.
Air Mobility Aircraft
No. 99 Squadron operates eight Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft. These are heavy transport planes. They fly from RAF Brize Norton. The RAF first leased four C-17s in 2000. They later bought them and added more, reaching eight aircraft by 2012.
The Airbus Atlas C1 (A400M) replaced the RAF's older Hercules planes. The Atlas fleet is operated by No. 30 Squadron and No. LXX Squadron. They are based at RAF Brize Norton. The first Atlas C1 was delivered in 2014. The last of 22 aircraft was delivered in May 2023. The C-130 Hercules was retired from RAF service in June 2023.
Air transport is also done by the Airbus Voyager KC2/3. These are flown by No. 10 Squadron and No. 101 Squadron. The Voyager can refuel other planes in the air. The first Voyager entered service in 2012. There are 14 Voyagers in the fleet.
Two Dassault Falcon 900XLs were bought in 2022. They replaced older planes for transporting VIPs and important people. These aircraft are called Envoy IV CC1. They are based at RAF Northolt.
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C-17A Globemaster III
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Voyager KC2 (A330 MRTT)
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Envoy IV CC1
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Helicopters
RAF helicopters help the British Army move troops and equipment. They also support RAF ground units and the Royal Marines. These support helicopters are part of the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC). This command includes helicopters from the Army and Royal Navy.
The large Boeing Chinook is the RAF's heavy-lift helicopter. It was first ordered in 1978. The Chinook is used by No. 7 Squadron, No. 18 (B) Squadron, and No. 27 Squadron at RAF Odiham. It has been used in many operations, including the Falklands War and in Afghanistan. The RAF has 60 Chinooks.
The Westland Puma HC2 is the RAF's medium-lift helicopter. It is used by No. 33 Squadron at RAF Benson. No. 230 Squadron operates the Puma from Brunei. No. 84 Squadron in Cyprus also uses Pumas for emergency response. The Puma HC2 fleet was upgraded between 2012 and 2014.
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Chinook HC6A
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Training Aircraft
The UK's military flying training is run by a private company called Ascent Flight Training. They provide new aircraft for training. These new planes help bridge the gap between older trainers and modern front-line aircraft. Training now uses more flight simulators.
Initial Training
The Grob Tutor T1 is used by fifteen University Air Squadrons. These units offer university students RAF training. This includes first solo flights, navigation, and aerobatics. These units also provide air experience flights for cadets.
Volunteer Gliding Squadrons use the Grob Viking T1 glider. They offer air experience flights to cadets.
Elementary Training
The Grob Prefect T1 became the RAF's elementary trainer in 2016. There are 23 of these planes. They are based at RAF Cranwell. After elementary training, aircrew choose to train for fast jets, multi-engine planes, or helicopters.
Basic Fast Jet Training
Basic fast jet training is done on the Beechcraft Texan T1. This plane replaced the Short Tucano T1 in 2019. The Texan is a two-seat turboprop aircraft. It has a modern digital cockpit. It is operated by No. 72 (F) Squadron at RAF Valley. This training prepares pilots for advanced training on the BAE Hawk T2.
Advanced Fast Jet Training
The BAE Hawk T2 is flown by No. IV Squadron and No. XXV (F) Squadron at RAF Valley. After advanced training, aircrew go to an Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). Here, they learn to fly the Typhoon FGR4 or F-35B Lightning. This prepares them for front-line squadrons.
Multi-Engine Training
Multi-engine aircrew are trained on the Embraer Phenom T1. It is operated by No. 45 Squadron at RAF Cranwell.
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Viking T1
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Tutor T1
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Prefect T1
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Texan T1
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Hawk T2
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Phenom T1
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Rotary Wing Training
No. 1 Flying Training School (No. 1 FTS) trains helicopter pilots. It is based at RAF Shawbury. It uses twenty-nine Airbus Juno HT1 helicopters. No. 1 FTS also includes No. 202 Squadron. This squadron operates the Airbus Jupiter HT1 at RAF Valley.
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Juno HT1
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Future Aircraft
The RAF plans for a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft in the future. This includes more F-35s and Protector RG1s. There might also be a new manned aircraft. In 2018, a £2 billion investment was announced. This is to develop a new British 6th Generation Fighter. It will replace the Typhoon in 2035. This is called Project Tempest.
In 2019, the UK signed a deal to buy five Boeing E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. These will replace the older Boeing E-3D Sentry fleet. The E-7 will be used for Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C). The first E-7 is expected to join the RAF in 2023. The Wedgetail AEW1 will be based at RAF Lossiemouth.
The Ministry of Defence also plans to get a New Medium Helicopter (NMH). This will replace the Puma HC2 and other helicopters. The goal is to get up to 44 new helicopters.
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E-7 Wedgetail
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RAF Symbols and Uniforms
Like other British armed services, the RAF has special symbols. These symbols represent the force and help build team spirit. Early British aircraft used the Union Flag for identification. But this was easily confused with German symbols. So, in 1914, a system of three colored circles was adopted. This was a red circle, a white ring, and an outer blue ring. This is known as the "roundel."
The RAF's motto is Per Ardua ad Astra. This Latin phrase means "Through Adversity to the Stars." The RAF's official translation is "Through Struggle to the Stars."
The badge of the Royal Air Force was first used in 1918. It shows an eagle flying in front of a circle. The circle has the motto "Per Ardua ad Astra" written on it. The badge is topped with a crown.
Ceremonial Functions and Displays
Red Arrows
The Red Arrows are the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. They are based at RAF Waddington. The team was formed in 1964. They replaced other unofficial RAF display teams. The Red Arrows badge shows their famous "Diamond Nine" formation. Their motto is "Éclat," which means "brilliance" or "excellence" in French.
They first used seven Folland Gnat trainers. These planes were cheaper to fly than fighter jets. In their first year, they performed at 65 shows. In 1966, the team grew to nine members. This allowed them to create their "Diamond Nine" formation. In 1979, they switched to the BAE Hawk trainer. The Red Arrows have performed over 4,700 displays in 56 countries.
Royal Air Force Music
Headquarters Royal Air Force Music Services is at RAF Northolt. It supports professional musicians who perform around the world for the RAF. The Central Band of the Royal Air Force was formed in 1920. Other bands include the Band of the Royal Air Force College.
Trooping the Colour
The Royal Air Force has provided the flypast for Trooping the Colour since 1913. This is a special ceremony for the King's Official Birthday.
See also
In Spanish: Real Fuerza Aérea (Reino Unido) para niños
