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Royal Canadian Air Force

March 08, 2023

"RCAF" redirects here. For other uses, see RCAF (disambiguation).
"Canadian Air Force" redirects here. For earlier organisations, see Canadian Air Force (1918–1920) and Canadian Air Force (1920–1924).

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF; French: Aviation royale canadienne, ARC) is the air and space force of Canada.[3] Its role is to "provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower".[4] The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2020, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 12,074 Regular Force and 1,969 Primary Reserve personnel, supported by 1,518 civilians, and operates 258 manned aircraft and nine unmanned aerial vehicles.[1][5] Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny is the current commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and chief of the Air Force Staff.[6]

Royal Canadian Air Force
Aviation royale canadienne
Founded
  • 1 April 1924
  • (98 years, 11 months)
  • (as Royal Canadian Air Force)
Country Canada
TypeAir force
Role
Size
  • 430 operational aircraft
  • Personnel:
  •  • Regular Force: 12,074 Regular force members[1]
  •  • Reserve Force: 1,969 Reserve force members[1]
  •  • Civilian members: 1,518 civilian members[1]
Part ofCanadian Armed Forces
HeadquartersNational Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Motto(s)
MarchRCAF March Past
AnniversariesArmed Forces Day (first Sunday of June)
Engagements
Websitewww.canada.ca/en/air-force.html
Commanders
Commander-in-ChiefCharles III, King of Canada
represented by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada
Minister of National DefenceAnita Anand
Commander of the Royal Canadian Air ForceLieutenant-General Eric Kenny
Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air ForceMajor-General Colin Keiver
Chief Warrant Officer of the Air ForceChief Warrant Officer W.J. Hall
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign
Aircraft flown
FighterCF-18 Hornet
HelicopterCH-139 JetRanger, CH-146 Griffon, CH-147 Chinook, CH-148 Cyclone, CH-149 Cormorant
PatrolCP-140 Aurora
ReconnaissanceCU-170 Heron
TrainerCT-114 Tutor, CT-142 Dash-8, CT-155 Hawk, CT-156 Harvard II
TransportCC-130H Hercules, CC-130J Super Hercules, CC-138 Twin Otter, CC-144 Challenger, CC-150 Polaris, CC-177 Globemaster III, CC-295 Kingfisher

The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program.

The RCAF traces its history to the Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V to form the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands: Air Defence Command (ADC; interceptors), Air Transport Command (ATC; airlift, search and rescue), Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command (TC).

In 1975, some commands (ADC, ATC, TC) were dissolved, and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command (AIRCOM; French: Commandement aérien). Air Command reverted to its historic name of "Royal Canadian Air Force" in August 2011.[7]

The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, as well as several United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.

History

Main article: History of the Royal Canadian Air Force

1920–1945: Pre-unification

The Canadian Air Force (CAF) was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron Canadian Air Force that was formed during the First World War in Europe. Wing Commander John Scott Williams was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF, handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon.[8] The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots.[9][10] Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board's Civil Operations Branch on operations that included forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols.[11] In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada, including civil aviation. In 1924, the Canadian Air Force, was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Most of its work was civil in nature; however, in the late 1920s the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization. After budget cuts in the early 1930s, the air force began to rebuild.[citation needed]

 
Two armourers of No 440 Squadron RCAF re-arming a Hawker Typhoon in the Netherlands, 1944

World War II

During the Second World War, the RCAF was a major contributor to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in operations in Great Britain, Europe, the north Atlantic, North Africa, southern Asia, and with home defence. By the end of the war, the RCAF had become the fourth largest allied air force.[12] During WWII the Royal Canadian Air Force was headquartered in 20-23 Lincolns Inn Fields, London. A commemorative plaque can be found on the outside of the building.[citation needed]

1945–1968

After the war, the RCAF reduced its strength. Because of the rising Soviet threat to the security of Europe, Canada joined NATO in 1949, and the RCAF established No. 1 Air Division RCAF consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each, based in France and West Germany. In 1950, the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies to the Korean War; however, it did not provide RCAF combat units. Members of the RCAF served in USAF units as exchange officers and several flew in combat. Both auxiliary and regular air defence squadrons were run by Air Defence Command. At the same time, the Pinetree Line, the Mid-Canada Line and the DEW Line radar stations, largely operated by the RCAF, were built across Canada because of the growing Soviet nuclear threat. In 1957, Canada and the United States created the joint North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.[citation needed]

1968–present: Unification

 
An RCAF CIM-10 Bomarc missile on a launch erecter in North Bay. Viewed as an alternative to the scrapped Avro Arrow, the Bomarc's adoption was controversial given its nuclear payload.

In 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form the unified Canadian Forces. This initiative was overseen by then Liberal Defence Minister, Paul Hellyer. The controversial merger maintained several existing organizations and created some new ones: In Europe, No. 1 Canadian Air Group, operated Canadair CF-104 Starfighter nuclear strike/attack and reconnaissance under NATO's 4 ATAF; Air Defence Command: operated McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo interceptors, CIM-10 Bomarc missiles and the SAGE radar system within NORAD; Air Transport Command: provided strategic airlift for the NATO and UN Peacekeeping missions; and Training Command. Aviation assets of the Royal Canadian Navy were combined with the RCAF Canadair CP-107 Argus long-range patrol aircraft under Maritime Command. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM).

 
An RCAF CF-18 Hornet during Operation Impact, 2015. CF-18s have been used by the RCAF since 1983.

In the early 1990s, Canada provided a detachment of CF-18 Hornets for the air defence mission in Operation Desert Shield. The force performed combat air patrols over operations in Kuwait and Iraq, undertook a number of air-to-ground bombing missions, and, on one occasion, attacked an Iraqi patrol boat in the Persian Gulf.

In the late 1990s, Air Command's CF-18 Hornets took part in the Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia, and in the 2000s, AIRCOM was heavily involved in the Afghanistan War, transporting troops and assets to Kandahar. Later in the decade-long war, AIRCOM set up a purpose-specific air wing, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, equipped with several CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook helicopters, CC-130 Hercules, CU-161 Sperwer and leased CU-170 Heron UAVs in support of the Canadian Forces and ISAF mission. The wing stood down on 18 August 2011.

From 18 March to 1 November 2011, the RCAF was engaged in Operation Mobile, Canada's contribution to Operation Unified Protector in Libya. Seven CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft and several other aircraft served under Task Force Libeccio as part of the military intervention.[13]

On 16 August 2011, the Government of Canada announced that the name "Air Command" was being changed to the air force's original historic name: Royal Canadian Air Force (along with the change of name of Maritime Command to Royal Canadian Navy and Land Force Command to Canadian Army). The change was made to better reflect Canada's military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth countries whose military units use the royal designation.[14] The RCAF adopted a new badge in 2013, which is similar to the pre-unification RCAF badge (although placed in the modern frame used for command badges). The Latin motto of Air Command – Sic itur ad astra – which was the motto of the Canadian Air Force when first formed after the First World War (before it became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924) was retained. Though traditional insignia for the RCAF was restored in 2015, there has been no restoration of the traditional uniforms or rank structure of the historical service (apart from a rank of "Aviator", which replaced that of "Private" in 2015).[15]

On 17 April 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada was dispatching six CF-18s and military personnel to assist NATO in operations in Eastern Europe.[16]

Equipment

Aircraft

Main article: List of aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force (current inventory only)
Main article: List of aircraft of Canada's air forces (complete inventory including retired types)

The Royal Canadian Air Force has about 430 aircraft in service, making it the third-largest air force in the Americas, after the United States Armed Forces, and the Brazilian Air Force.

Current inventory

Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Combat Aircraft
CF-18 Hornet United States / Canada Multirole CF-18A/B Hornet 80 98 CF-18A and 40 F/A-18B have been delivered for a total of 138. 72 CF-18As and 31 CF-18Bs in inventory, 80 in operational use.[17]
F/A-18 Hornet United States Multirole F/A-18A/B Hornet 18 ex-RAAF jets; 12 F/A-18A and 6 F/A-18B have been delivered. Up to seven additional Hornets are also being supplied.[18]
F-35A Lightning II United States Multirole F-35A 0 (88 on order) 88 F-35As ordered in January 2023. First 4 to arrive in 2026, with all 88 to be delivered by 2032.[19][20]
Maritime Patrol
CP-140 Aurora United States ASW/Patrol Lockheed CP-140M 15[21]
Transport Aircraft
CC-130 Hercules United States Tanker/SAR Lockheed CC-130E/HR(T) 12[21] 4 tankers and 8 SAR.[22]
CC-130J Hercules United States Tactical airlifter Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 17[21]
CC-138 Twin Otter Canada SAR 3[21]
CC-144 Challenger Canada Transport Bombardier Challenger 600 4[21]
CC-150 Polaris France Transport/Tanker Airbus CC-150, Airbus CC-150T 5[21] 2 transport, 2 tanker and 1 VIP.
CC-177 Globemaster III United States Strategic airlifter Boeing C-17A ER 5[21]
CC-295 Kingfisher Spain SAR EADS CASA C-295 0 All 16 aircraft were expected to be delivered by the end of 2022.[23][24][25] However, initial operating capability is not anticipated until 2025/26.[26]
Helicopters
CH-139 JetRanger United States Trainer Bell 206B-3 13[21]
CH-146 Griffon Canada Transport/SAR 85[21] 85 tactical helicopters and 15 SAR. Eight armed in 2009 to escort CH-147 Chinooks in Afghanistan.[27]
CH-147 Chinook United States Transport Boeing CH-47F 15[21]
CH-148 Cyclone United States ASW 23[28] 23 helicopters in service as of May 2021.[29]One airframe lost to crash on operations.[30]
CH-149 Cormorant United Kingdom / Italy SAR 14[21]
Trainer Aircraft
CT-114 Tutor Canada Air Demonstration Canadair CL-41A 24[21] Used by "The Snowbirds".
CT-142 Dash-8 Canada Trainer 4[21]
CT-155 Hawk United Kingdom Jet Trainer BAE Systems Hawk 115 17[21] 22 delivered to 419 sqn and 2 CFFTS.[31]
CT-156 Harvard II United States Trainer 22[21] 24 leased in 2000, 2 added in 2002.[32] Two lost in crashes.[33][34]
Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet France Jet Trainer Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet Type A 16[35] Based in Montreal and operated by Canadian Air Combat and Electronic Warfare Support Services as well as 414 Squadron.[35]
Grob G 120 Germany Trainer 14[21]
Hawker Hunter United Kingdom Jet Trainer Hawker Hunter F.58 12[36] 12 owned by Lortie Aviation, used for training RCAF pilots, stored at CFB Cold Lake, and are ex-swiss aircraft.
UAV
IAI Heron Israel ISR 2 2 in service, formerly operated 3.[37]
RQ-21 Blackjack United States ISR 10 5 aircraft ordered in 2016. A second system with 5 aircraft ordered in 2019 for delivery in summer 2022.[38][39]
UMS Skeldar V-200 Sweden ISR CU-176 Gargoyle 6 Known as CU-176 Gargoyle in Canadian Service.[40]

Fixed-wing

Airbus CC-150 Polaris
 
An RCAF CC-150 Polaris refuelling two CF-18 Hornets near CFB Borden
Airbus A310 transports purchased in 1992 for use as strategic transports and air-to-air tankers to replace the Boeing CC-137. Two have been converted to tankers and are designated the CC-150T. One is permanently configured for VIP transport; all five aircraft are operated by 437 Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.
Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher[41]
Twin-turboprop tactical search and rescue aircraft as replacement for the CC-115 Buffalo and older-model C-130H Hercules search and rescue aircraft
BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk
Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer leased in 2000. 16 aircraft in service, based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta.
Beechcraft CT-156 Harvard II
Single-engined trainer leased from CAE Inc. to replace the Canadair CT-114 Tutor. 24 aircraft based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Beechcraft King Air C-90B
Multi-engine training aircraft. Leased to RCAF by Allied Wings, 7 aircraft are based at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III
Five strategic airlifters operated by 429 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. Four were delivered from 2007 to 2008, a fifth was delivered in 2015.[42]
Bombardier CC-144 Challenger
Utility and VIP transport aircraft first delivered in 1982. Early Challenger 600 and 601 models were supplemented by 604 models in 2002. Four aircraft are 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. A total of 26 aircraft remain in service, 24 of which are used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, "The Snowbirds".
DHC CC-115 Buffalo
A Twin-engined utility/cargo transport now used for search and rescue. Four are operated by 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn. at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia.
DHC CC-138 Twin Otter
A twin-engined utility transport operated since the 1970s, four remain based at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, operated by 440 Transport Squadron.
DHC CT-142 Dash 8
Twin-engined converted 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, Manitoba.
Grob G 120A
Single engine primary trainer used to train pilot candidates before they move onto the Harvard II. Leased to RCAF by KF Defence Programs, 14 aircraft are based at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.[43]
Lockheed CC-130H Hercules
Four-engined tactical transport. Several versions have been operated since 1960. Remaining CC-130Hs used for search and rescue and air-to-air refuelling. 12 aircraft remain in service,[43] 4 of which have been converted to air-to-air tankers. Based at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American Lockheed P-3 Orion; entered service in 1980, 18 aircraft now based at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia, and 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia.[43]
Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules
Four-engined tactical airlifter replacing earlier Hercules variants in that role.[44] A total of 17 are in service operated by 436 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton.[45]
McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet
 
An RCAF CF-18 Hornet during the Bagotville Air Show
Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single-seat CF-18As and 40 two-seat CF-18Bs were ordered. Seventeen have been lost since 1984.[46] Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; 60 CF-18As and 25 CF-18Bs remain in active service.[43][47]
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Ex-RAAF)
18 (12 F/A-18A and 6 F/A-18B) have been delivered. Up to seven additional Hornets are also being supplied to be used for spares.[18]

Rotary wing

AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
Triple-engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the CH-113 Labrador. Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002. Based at (103 Squadron) 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland; (413 Squadron) 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia; and (442 Squadron) 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. One aircraft has been lost in a training accident.
Bell CH-139 JetRanger (Model C or III)
Single-engined utility and training helicopter. Ordered for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie, MB; an older variant (CH-136 - Jetranger A model), was used by Regular Forces in CFB Lahr in Germany and in Canada from 1972 - 1995 which were replaced by CH-146 Griffons. 12 aircraft remain, leased from Allied Wings, used for flight training in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Bell CH-146 Griffon
 
An RCAF CH-146 Griffon providing close air support for units of the Afghan Armed Forces, and ISAF
A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Original purchase of 100 aircraft to replace the CH-136 Kiowa (Bell 206), CH-135 Twin Huey (Bell 212), CH-118 Iroquois (Bell 205), and Boeing C-Model Chinooks CH-47C. Based at Bagotville, Quebec (439 Squadron), St. Hubert, Quebec (438 Squadron), Cold Lake, Alberta (417 Squadron), Gagetown, New Brunswick (403 Squadron), Valcartier, Quebec (430 Squadron), Goose Bay, Newfoundland (444 Squadron), Edmonton, Alberta (408 Squadron), and Borden, Ontario (400 Squadron); also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton (424 Squadron). Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks, armed with a combination of 7.62mm C-6 machine gun, 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D Gatling gun, and GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun on one or both doors.[48][49][50] 9 ex-RCAF Griffons, designated CT-146, are leased from Allied Wings for pilot training at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
CT-146 are painted all black sports RCAF roundel/wordmark, Canada wordmark with civilian registration numbers.
Boeing CH-147F Chinook
The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission, medium to heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary mission is the tactical transport of equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations. 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, under the command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ontario, and based in CFB Petawawa, Ontario, was re-established as the home of Canadaʼs fleet of 15 CH-147F Chinooks. The first two airframes underwent intensive operational test and evaluation in the United States for several months before Canada received the first airframe 147303 at an official acceptance ceremony at the Ottawa International Airport on 27 June 2013.[51][52][53] 15 aircraft are in service as of 2017.[43] Full operational capability by June, 2018.[54] The Auditor General criticized National Defence for "underestimated and understated" the complexity of the purchases of the Chinook, "[t]he way the advance contract notification instrument was applied in the directed procurement of the Chinook helicopters did not comply with the letter or intent of the applicable regulations and policies".[55]
Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone
 
A CH-148 Cyclone in flight
Ship-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk. Twenty-eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009. Delays pushed first delivery to 2015.[43] One aircraft was lost in an accident in April 2020.[56]

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. Despite RCAF marking all aircraft have civilian registration numbers.

Beechcraft B300 Super King Air
  • Two aircraft leased from Transwest Air Limited. Used by the Multi-Engine Utility Flight (MEUF) in CFB Trenton. Flown by RCAF pilots, they are used for light transport of personnel and equipment within North America.
Dornier Alpha Jet Type A
Hawker Hunter F.58
  • Twelve civil aircraft are operated by Lortie Aviation, formerly Northern Lights International Airlines Ltd.. Based in CFB Cold Lake;[57] ex-Swiss Air Force jets

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

RCAF UAS

SAGEM Sperwer
Designated CU-161; entered service in 2003, retired[58]
IAI Heron
3 leased in 2009 for use in Afghanistan; turned over to the Royal Australian Air Force in 2011[59]

Canadian Army/RCN UAS

BAE Systems Silver Fox
Acquired in 2004 by the Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre[60]
Boeing Insitu ScanEagle
Designated CU-165; operated by the Canadian Army 2008-2014[58]
Elbit Skylark
Designated CU-168; operated by the Canadian Army[61]
AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven
Operated by the Canadian Army
AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma
Acquired in 2018; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy[62]
Prioria Robotics Maveric
Operated by the Canadian Army[63]
Saab Skeldar
Acquired in 2019; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy and CANSOFCOM[64]
Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack
Designated CU-172; 5 acquired in 2016, operated by the Canadian Army[58][65]

Future procurement

F-35 Lightning II

Main article: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Canadian procurement

The Canadian CF-35 is a proposed variant that would differ from the F-35A through the addition of a drogue parachute and may include an F-35B/C-style refueling probe.[22][66] In 2012, it was revealed that the CF-35 would employ the same boom refueling system as the F-35A.[67] Following the 2015 Federal Election the Liberal Party, whose campaign had included a pledge to cancel the F-35 procurement,[68] formed a new government and commenced an open competition to replace the existing CF-18 Hornet.[69] On 28 March 2022, the Government of Canada announced that the competition had placed the F-35A first and planned to buy 88 of them. Under procurement rules, the government entered into negotiations with Lockheed Martin.[70] On 9 January 2023, the government of Canada officially ordered 88 F-35As.[19][20]

MQ-20 Avenger

General Atomics has offered the MQ-20 Avenger stealth unmanned combat air vehicle to Canada as a contender for its Joint Unmanned Surveillance and Target Acquisition System (JUSTAS) armed UAV project.[71] In 2016, the JUSTAS project was prioritized by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Royal Canadian Air Force has requested that the drones be armed, therefore making the General Atomics Avenger the only suitable contender as Northrop Grumman's RQ-4 'Global Hawk' is unarmed.[72] Following a formal 'Invitation to Qualify' issued by the Government of Canada, only General Atomics and L3 Technologies MAS were selected as being qualified suppliers allowed to submit a bid. Canada will begin to refine the preliminary requirements with General Atomics and L3 Technologies until a formal request for proposals and contract is awarded.[73]

Strategic Tanker Transport Capability

In 2022, two ex-Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-200 were selected to be converted as Airbus A330 MRTT to replace the CC-150 Polaris. The two aircraft will arrive in winter 2023 and converted by Airbus Defence and Space (mainly in Spain and repainted in France).[74]

Weapons and other equipment

Weapons systems are used by the CF-18 Hornet, CP-140 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-148 Cyclone.

Manufacturer Origin Weapon Type Entered 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 lb (230 kg)) 1970s Used by CF-18
General Dynamics   United States Mark 83 bomb Low drag general-purpose bomb (1,000 lb (450 kg)) 1980s Used by CF-18
General Dynamics   United States Mark 84 bomb Low drag general-purpose bomb (2,000 lb (910 kg)) 1980s Used by CF-18
Boeing   United States Joint Direct Attack Munition[75] A kit to convert a regular bomb into precision-guided munition 2011 Used by CF-18
Raytheon/Hughes   United States AGM-65G Maverick Missile Air-to-surface missile 1999 Used by CF-18. First leased in 1999 from the United States for Kosovo Force,
then purchased in 2002 for the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)[76][77]
Bristol   Canada CRV 7 Rocket Folding-fin ground attack rocket 1970s Used by CF-18
Douglas   United States AIM-7 Sparrow Medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile 1980s Used by CF-18
Raytheon/Hughes   United States AIM-120 AMRAAM Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile 2000s Used by CF-18
Raytheon/Ford/
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 gatling-style cannon 1980s Used by CF-18
Alliant   United States Mark 46 torpedo Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo 1970s Used by CP-140 Aurora and CH-148 Cyclone (but not by CP-140A Arcturus)
FN Herstal   Belgium FN MAG C6 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun 1980s Used by CH-146 Griffon, CH-147F Chinook and CH-148 Cyclone
Dillon Aero   United States M134 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun 2011 Used by CH-146 Griffon
Browning Arms Company   United States M3M 0.50 cal (12.7 mm) machine gun 2013 Used by CH-146 Griffon
Manufacturer Origin Name Type In Service Notes
Systems & Electronics, Inc.   United States 60K Tunner Material handling equipment 2008 Used with CC-177 transport
JBT AeroTech   United States Halvorsen 44K Loaders Truck Aircraft Side Load Unload (TASLU) Loader 2008 4 for use with CC-177; licensed from Static Engineering of Australia
Mobile Arrestor Gear
FMC Corp.   United States B-1200 Aircraft towing tractor 2008 Used to tow CC-177 and CC-130

Retired weapons

Weapon Country of manufacture Type In service #
CIM-10 Bomarc-B   United States Supersonic missile equipped with a 10 kt W40 (nuclear warhead) 1962 to 1972 N/A
AIR-2 Genie   United States Air-to-air rocket with a 1.5 kt W25 (nuclear warhead) 1965 to 1984 N/A
MK-20 "Rockeye"   United States Cluster bomb 1980s to 1997[78] ≈1000

Structure

Main article: Structure of the Royal Canadian Air Force
class=notpageimage|
Bases of the Royal Canadian Air Force

The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force. The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, based in Winnipeg, is responsible for the operational command and control of Royal Canadian Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. The RCAF's other Air Division, 2 Canadian Air Division, was established in June 2009, and consists of training establishments.

There are 13 wings across Canada, 11 operational and 2 used for training. 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.

The rank of general is held when an air officer is serving as chief of the Defence Staff. The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force holds the rank of lieutenant-general. Divisions are commanded by major-generals. Brigadier-generals are typically second-in-command of a division. Wings are commanded by colonels. Squadrons are commanded by lieutenant-colonels. Majors are typically second-in-command of squadrons, or flight commanders. Captains, lieutenants and second lieutenants are the junior level leaders in RCAF squadrons and headquarters.

Ranks

Commander-in-Chief

Canada Commander-in-chief
Insignia    
Title Commander-in-chief
Abbreviation C-in-C

Officers

NATO code OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D) Student officer
  Royal Canadian Air Force[79]
                      
General Lieutenant-general Major-general Brigadier-general Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadet
Général Lieutenant-général Major-général Brigadier-général Colonel Lieutenant-colonel Major Capitaine Lieutenant Sous-lieutenant Élève-officier

Non-commissioned members

NATO code OR-9 OR-8 OR-7 OR-6 OR-5 OR-4 OR-3 OR-2 OR-1
  Royal Canadian Air Force[79]
                      
Canadian Forces
chief warrant officer 		Command
chief warrant officer 		Senior appointment
chief warrant officer 		Chief warrant officer Master warrant officer Warrant officer Sergeant Master corporal Corporal Aviator (trained) Aviator (basic)
Adjudant-chef
des Forces canadiennes 		Adjudant-chef
du commandement 		Adjudant-chef-
nomination supérieure 		Adjudant-chef Adjudant-maître Adjudant Sergent Caporal-chef Caporal Aviateur (formé) Aviateur (confirmé)

On 1 April 2015, the rank structure and insignia changed.[80] The rank of private was replaced with that of aviator, represented with a propeller for the rank insignia. The previously used term "leading aircraftman" was considered not to be gender neutral.[81] The rank insignia were also changed: enlisted ranks were changed from gold to pearl-grey (silver) and officers rank braid was changed from gold to pearl-grey on black, similar to the pattern used before unification of Canada's armed forces in 1968.[81] A revival of the former rank titles of the RCAF did not occur, however, as such an extensive change was considered "too complicated and confusing".[80] Instead, the current rank titles were retained (with the exception of aviator). The Royal Flying Corps, considered to be a predecessor of the RCAF, used rank titles similar to the existing rank titles of the RCAF.[81]

Symbols

Badge

 
1941–1946
(Women's Division with Tudor crown)
 
1968–2013
 
2013–present
Past versions of the badge used by the Royal Canadian Air Force, with the years they were in use listed above

The badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of:[82]

Roundels

Roundels used from 1920 until 1945 were usually the same as Royal Air Force roundels although not all variations were used and colours were matched to locally available paints.

  •  

    1945–1946

  •  

    1946–1965

  •  

    Canadian Centennial
    1967 variant

  •  

    1965–current

  •  

    Current
    low-vis

Stamps

On 9 November 1984, Canada Post issued "Air Force" as part of the Canadian Forces series. The stamps were designed by Ralph Tibbles, based on an illustration by William Southern. The 32¢ stamps are perforated 12 x 12.5 and were printed by Ashton-Potter Limited.[83]

See also

References

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Further reading

  • Douglas, W. A. B. The Creation of a National Air Force: Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, v. 2. Toronto: University of Toronto Press (in co-operation with the Department of National Defence), 1986. ISBN 0-8020-2584-6.
  • Green, William & Swanborough, Gordon (February–May 1979). "A Grumman by Any Other Name...". Air Enthusiast (9): 26–39. ISSN 0143-5450.
  • Milberry, Larry, ed. Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. ISBN 0-9690703-4-9.
  • Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks: Famous Canadian Aviators. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1996. ISBN 0-88882-175-1.
  • Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks II: Pioneers of Canadian Aviation. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1997. ISBN 0-88882-193-X.

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Royal Canadian Air Force.
  • Official website  
  • Canadian Air Force aircraft and equipment of Canada(Air recognition)
  • "Roundel Round-Up" – Vintage Wings of Canada's history of British and Canadian roundel styles from 1914 through and into the 21st century 2015-04-03 at the Wayback Machine
  • The Royal Canadian Air Force in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Manuscript at Dartmouth College Library

March 08, 2023
royal, canadian, force, rcaf, redirects, here, other, uses, rcaf, disambiguation, canadian, force, redirects, here, earlier, organisations, canadian, force, 1918, 1920, canadian, force, 1920, 1924, rcaf, french, aviation, royale, canadienne, space, force, cana. RCAF redirects here For other uses see RCAF disambiguation Canadian Air Force redirects here For earlier organisations see Canadian Air Force 1918 1920 and Canadian Air Force 1920 1924 The Royal Canadian Air Force RCAF French Aviation royale canadienne ARC is the air and space force of Canada 3 Its role is to provide the Canadian Forces with relevant responsive and effective airpower 4 The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces As of 2020 the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 12 074 Regular Force and 1 969 Primary Reserve personnel supported by 1 518 civilians and operates 258 manned aircraft and nine unmanned aerial vehicles 1 5 Lieutenant General Eric Kenny is the current commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and chief of the Air Force Staff 6 Royal Canadian Air ForceAviation royale canadienneBadge of the RCAFFounded1 April 1924 98 years 11 months as Royal Canadian Air Force 17 May 1920 102 years 9 months as Canadian Air Force 1920 1924 1 August 1918 104 years 7 months as Canadian Air Force 1918 1920 1 September 1914 108 years 6 months as Canadian Aviation Corps Country CanadaTypeAir forceRoleAerial warfareAirliftSize430 operational aircraftPersonnel Regular Force 12 074 Regular force members 1 Reserve Force 1 969 Reserve force members 1 Civilian members 1 518 civilian members 1 Part ofCanadian Armed ForcesHeadquartersNational Defence Headquarters Ottawa Ontario CanadaMotto s Sic Itur ad Astra Latin for Such is the pathway to the stars 2 Per Ardua ad Astra Latin for Through adversity to the stars 1924 1968 MarchRCAF March PastAnniversariesArmed Forces Day first Sunday of June EngagementsSecond World War Battle of Britain Battle of the Atlantic Battle of the St Lawrence European Bombing campaign Western Front Korean War Gulf War Operation Friction Operation Deliberate Force Kosovo War Operation Echo War in Afghanistan Intervention in Libya Operation Unified Protector Operation Mobile Military intervention against ISIL Operation ImpactWebsitewww wbr canada wbr ca wbr en wbr air force wbr htmlCommandersCommander in ChiefCharles III King of Canadarepresented by Mary Simon Governor General of CanadaMinister of National DefenceAnita AnandCommander of the Royal Canadian Air ForceLieutenant General Eric KennyDeputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air ForceMajor General Colin KeiverChief Warrant Officer of the Air ForceChief Warrant Officer W J HallInsigniaRoundelFin flashEnsignAircraft flownFighterCF 18 HornetHelicopterCH 139 JetRanger CH 146 Griffon CH 147 Chinook CH 148 Cyclone CH 149 CormorantPatrolCP 140 AuroraReconnaissanceCU 170 HeronTrainerCT 114 Tutor CT 142 Dash 8 CT 155 Hawk CT 156 Harvard IITransportCC 130H Hercules CC 130J Super Hercules CC 138 Twin Otter CC 144 Challenger CC 150 Polaris CC 177 Globemaster III CC 295 Kingfisher The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces enforcing the security of Canada s airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command NORAD The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program The RCAF traces its history to the Canadian Air Force which was formed in 1920 The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V to form the Royal Canadian Air Force In 1968 the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces Air units were split between several different commands Air Defence Command ADC interceptors Air Transport Command ATC airlift search and rescue Mobile Command tactical fighters helicopters Maritime Command anti submarine warfare maritime patrol as well as Training Command TC In 1975 some commands ADC ATC TC were dissolved and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command AIRCOM French Commandement aerien Air Command reverted to its historic name of Royal Canadian Air Force in August 2011 7 The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War the Korean War the Persian Gulf War as well as several United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations As a NATO member the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century Contents 1 History 1 1 1920 1945 Pre unification 1 1 1 World War II 1 1 2 1945 1968 1 2 1968 present Unification 2 Equipment 2 1 Aircraft 2 2 Current inventory 2 2 1 Fixed wing 2 2 2 Rotary wing 2 3 Leased and contractor aircraft 2 4 Unmanned Aerial Systems UAS 2 4 1 RCAF UAS 2 4 2 Canadian Army RCN UAS 2 5 Future procurement 2 5 1 F 35 Lightning II 2 5 2 MQ 20 Avenger 2 6 Strategic Tanker Transport Capability 2 7 Weapons and other equipment 2 7 1 Retired weapons 3 Structure 4 Ranks 4 1 Commander in Chief 4 2 Officers 4 3 Non commissioned members 5 Symbols 5 1 Badge 5 2 Roundels 6 Stamps 7 See also 8 References 9 Further reading 10 External linksHistory EditMain article History of the Royal Canadian Air Force 1920 1945 Pre unification Edit The Canadian Air Force CAF was established in 1920 as the successor to a short lived two squadron Canadian Air Force that was formed during the First World War in Europe Wing Commander John Scott Williams was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon 8 The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots 9 10 Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board s Civil Operations Branch on operations that included forestry surveying and anti smuggling patrols 11 In 1923 the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada including civil aviation In 1924 the Canadian Air Force was granted the royal title becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force RCAF Most of its work was civil in nature however in the late 1920s the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization After budget cuts in the early 1930s the air force began to rebuild citation needed Two armourers of No 440 Squadron RCAF re arming a Hawker Typhoon in the Netherlands 1944 World War II Edit During the Second World War the RCAF was a major contributor to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in operations in Great Britain Europe the north Atlantic North Africa southern Asia and with home defence By the end of the war the RCAF had become the fourth largest allied air force 12 During WWII the Royal Canadian Air Force was headquartered in 20 23 Lincolns Inn Fields London A commemorative plaque can be found on the outside of the building citation needed 1945 1968 Edit After the war the RCAF reduced its strength Because of the rising Soviet threat to the security of Europe Canada joined NATO in 1949 and the RCAF established No 1 Air Division RCAF consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each based in France and West Germany In 1950 the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies to the Korean War however it did not provide RCAF combat units Members of the RCAF served in USAF units as exchange officers and several flew in combat Both auxiliary and regular air defence squadrons were run by Air Defence Command At the same time the Pinetree Line the Mid Canada Line and the DEW Line radar stations largely operated by the RCAF were built across Canada because of the growing Soviet nuclear threat In 1957 Canada and the United States created the joint North American Air Defense Command NORAD Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s citation needed 1968 present Unification Edit An RCAF CIM 10 Bomarc missile on a launch erecter in North Bay Viewed as an alternative to the scrapped Avro Arrow the Bomarc s adoption was controversial given its nuclear payload In 1968 the Royal Canadian Navy Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form the unified Canadian Forces This initiative was overseen by then Liberal Defence Minister Paul Hellyer The controversial merger maintained several existing organizations and created some new ones In Europe No 1 Canadian Air Group operated Canadair CF 104 Starfighter nuclear strike attack and reconnaissance under NATO s 4 ATAF Air Defence Command operated McDonnell CF 101 Voodoo interceptors CIM 10 Bomarc missiles and the SAGE radar system within NORAD Air Transport Command provided strategic airlift for the NATO and UN Peacekeeping missions and Training Command Aviation assets of the Royal Canadian Navy were combined with the RCAF Canadair CP 107 Argus long range patrol aircraft under Maritime Command In 1975 the different commands and the scattered aviation assets were consolidated under Air Command AIRCOM An RCAF CF 18 Hornet during Operation Impact 2015 CF 18s have been used by the RCAF since 1983 In the early 1990s Canada provided a detachment of CF 18 Hornets for the air defence mission in Operation Desert Shield The force performed combat air patrols over operations in Kuwait and Iraq undertook a number of air to ground bombing missions and on one occasion attacked an Iraqi patrol boat in the Persian Gulf In the late 1990s Air Command s CF 18 Hornets took part in the Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia and in the 2000s AIRCOM was heavily involved in the Afghanistan War transporting troops and assets to Kandahar Later in the decade long war AIRCOM set up a purpose specific air wing Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing equipped with several CH 146 Griffon and CH 147 Chinook helicopters CC 130 Hercules CU 161 Sperwer and leased CU 170 Heron UAVs in support of the Canadian Forces and ISAF mission The wing stood down on 18 August 2011 From 18 March to 1 November 2011 the RCAF was engaged in Operation Mobile Canada s contribution to Operation Unified Protector in Libya Seven CF 18 Hornet fighter aircraft and several other aircraft served under Task Force Libeccio as part of the military intervention 13 On 16 August 2011 the Government of Canada announced that the name Air Command was being changed to the air force s original historic name Royal Canadian Air Force along with the change of name of Maritime Command to Royal Canadian Navy and Land Force Command to Canadian Army The change was made to better reflect Canada s military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth countries whose military units use the royal designation 14 The RCAF adopted a new badge in 2013 which is similar to the pre unification RCAF badge although placed in the modern frame used for command badges The Latin motto of Air Command Sic itur ad astra which was the motto of the Canadian Air Force when first formed after the First World War before it became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924 was retained Though traditional insignia for the RCAF was restored in 2015 there has been no restoration of the traditional uniforms or rank structure of the historical service apart from a rank of Aviator which replaced that of Private in 2015 15 On 17 April 2014 Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada was dispatching six CF 18s and military personnel to assist NATO in operations in Eastern Europe 16 Equipment EditAircraft Edit This section duplicates the scope of other articles specifically List of active Canadian military aircraft Please discuss this issue on the talk page and edit it to conform with Wikipedia s Manual of Style by replacing the section with a link and a summary of the repeated material or by spinning off the repeated text into an article in its own right April 2022 Main article List of aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force current inventory only Main article List of aircraft of Canada s air forces complete inventory including retired types The Royal Canadian Air Force has about 430 aircraft in service making it the third largest air force in the Americas after the United States Armed Forces and the Brazilian Air Force Current inventory Edit Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service NotesCombat AircraftCF 18 Hornet United States Canada Multirole CF 18A B Hornet 80 98 CF 18A and 40 F A 18B have been delivered for a total of 138 72 CF 18As and 31 CF 18Bs in inventory 80 in operational use 17 F A 18 Hornet United States Multirole F A 18A B Hornet 18 ex RAAF jets 12 F A 18A and 6 F A 18B have been delivered Up to seven additional Hornets are also being supplied 18 F 35A Lightning II United States Multirole F 35A 0 88 on order 88 F 35As ordered in January 2023 First 4 to arrive in 2026 with all 88 to be delivered by 2032 19 20 Maritime PatrolCP 140 Aurora United States ASW Patrol Lockheed CP 140M 15 21 Transport AircraftCC 130 Hercules United States Tanker SAR Lockheed CC 130E HR T 12 21 4 tankers and 8 SAR 22 CC 130J Hercules United States Tactical airlifter Lockheed Martin C 130J 30 17 21 CC 138 Twin Otter Canada SAR 3 21 CC 144 Challenger Canada Transport Bombardier Challenger 600 4 21 CC 150 Polaris France Transport Tanker Airbus CC 150 Airbus CC 150T 5 21 2 transport 2 tanker and 1 VIP CC 177 Globemaster III United States Strategic airlifter Boeing C 17A ER 5 21 CC 295 Kingfisher Spain SAR EADS CASA C 295 0 All 16 aircraft were expected to be delivered by the end of 2022 23 24 25 However initial operating capability is not anticipated until 2025 26 26 HelicoptersCH 139 JetRanger United States Trainer Bell 206B 3 13 21 CH 146 Griffon Canada Transport SAR 85 21 85 tactical helicopters and 15 SAR Eight armed in 2009 to escort CH 147 Chinooks in Afghanistan 27 CH 147 Chinook United States Transport Boeing CH 47F 15 21 CH 148 Cyclone United States ASW 23 28 23 helicopters in service as of May 2021 29 One airframe lost to crash on operations 30 CH 149 Cormorant United Kingdom Italy SAR 14 21 Trainer AircraftCT 114 Tutor Canada Air Demonstration Canadair CL 41A 24 21 Used by The Snowbirds CT 142 Dash 8 Canada Trainer 4 21 CT 155 Hawk United Kingdom Jet Trainer BAE Systems Hawk 115 17 21 22 delivered to 419 sqn and 2 CFFTS 31 CT 156 Harvard II United States Trainer 22 21 24 leased in 2000 2 added in 2002 32 Two lost in crashes 33 34 Dassault Dornier Alpha Jet France Jet Trainer Dassault Dornier Alpha Jet Type A 16 35 Based in Montreal and operated by Canadian Air Combat and Electronic Warfare Support Services as well as 414 Squadron 35 Grob G 120 Germany Trainer 14 21 Hawker Hunter United Kingdom Jet Trainer Hawker Hunter F 58 12 36 12 owned by Lortie Aviation used for training RCAF pilots stored at CFB Cold Lake and are ex swiss aircraft UAVIAI Heron Israel ISR 2 2 in service formerly operated 3 37 RQ 21 Blackjack United States ISR 10 5 aircraft ordered in 2016 A second system with 5 aircraft ordered in 2019 for delivery in summer 2022 38 39 UMS Skeldar V 200 Sweden ISR CU 176 Gargoyle 6 Known as CU 176 Gargoyle in Canadian Service 40 Fixed wing Edit Airbus CC 150 Polaris An RCAF CC 150 Polaris refuelling two CF 18 Hornets near CFB Borden Airbus A310 transports purchased in 1992 for use as strategic transports and air to air tankers to replace the Boeing CC 137 Two have been converted to tankers and are designated the CC 150T One is permanently configured for VIP transport all five aircraft are operated by 437 Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton Ontario Airbus CC 295 Kingfisher 41 Twin turboprop tactical search and rescue aircraft as replacement for the CC 115 Buffalo and older model C 130H Hercules search and rescue aircraft BAE Systems CT 155 Hawk Single engined lead in fighter trainer leased in 2000 16 aircraft in service based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake Alberta Beechcraft CT 156 Harvard II Single engined trainer leased from CAE Inc to replace the Canadair CT 114 Tutor 24 aircraft based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw Saskatchewan Beechcraft King Air C 90B Multi engine training aircraft Leased to RCAF by Allied Wings 7 aircraft are based at Portage la Prairie Manitoba Boeing CC 177 Globemaster III An RCAF C 17 Globemaster III at Calgary International Airport Five strategic airlifters operated by 429 T Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton Ontario Four were delivered from 2007 to 2008 a fifth was delivered in 2015 42 Bombardier CC 144 Challenger Utility and VIP transport aircraft first delivered in 1982 Early Challenger 600 and 601 models were supplemented by 604 models in 2002 Four aircraft are 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 A total of 26 aircraft remain in service 24 of which are used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron The Snowbirds DHC CC 115 Buffalo A Twin engined utility cargo transport now used for search and rescue Four are operated by 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn at 19 Wing Comox British Columbia DHC CC 138 Twin Otter A twin engined utility transport operated since the 1970s four remain based at Yellowknife Northwest Territories operated by 440 Transport Squadron DHC CT 142 Dash 8 Twin engined converted 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 Manitoba Grob G 120A Single engine primary trainer used to train pilot candidates before they move onto the Harvard II Leased to RCAF by KF Defence Programs 14 aircraft are based at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie Manitoba 43 Lockheed CC 130H Hercules An RCAF CC 130H Hercules on approach to Winnipeg James Richardson International Airport Four engined tactical transport Several versions have been operated since 1960 Remaining CC 130Hs used for search and rescue and air to air refuelling 12 aircraft remain in service 43 4 of which have been converted to air to air tankers Based at 14 Wing Greenwood Nova Scotia 8 Wing Trenton Ontario and 17 Wing Winnipeg Manitoba Lockheed CP 140 Aurora Four engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American Lockheed P 3 Orion entered service in 1980 18 aircraft now based at 19 Wing Comox British Columbia and 14 Wing Greenwood Nova Scotia 43 Lockheed Martin CC 130J Super Hercules Four engined tactical airlifter replacing earlier Hercules variants in that role 44 A total of 17 are in service operated by 436 T Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton 45 McDonnell Douglas CF 18 Hornet An RCAF CF 18 Hornet during the Bagotville Air Show Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single seat CF 18As and 40 two seat CF 18Bs were ordered Seventeen have been lost since 1984 46 Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake Alberta 60 CF 18As and 25 CF 18Bs remain in active service 43 47 McDonnell Douglas F A 18 Hornet Ex RAAF 18 12 F A 18A and 6 F A 18B have been delivered Up to seven additional Hornets are also being supplied to be used for spares 18 Rotary wing Edit AgustaWestland CH 149 Cormorant Triple engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the CH 113 Labrador Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002 Based at 103 Squadron 9 Wing Gander Newfoundland 413 Squadron 14 Wing Greenwood Nova Scotia and 442 Squadron 19 Wing Comox British Columbia One aircraft has been lost in a training accident Bell CH 139 JetRanger Model C or III Single engined utility and training helicopter Ordered for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie MB an older variant CH 136 Jetranger A model was used by Regular Forces in CFB Lahr in Germany and in Canada from 1972 1995 which were replaced by CH 146 Griffons 12 aircraft remain leased from Allied Wings used for flight training in Portage la Prairie Manitoba Bell CH 146 Griffon An RCAF CH 146 Griffon providing close air support for units of the Afghan Armed Forces and ISAF A utility transport tactical helicopter UTTH that entered service between 1995 and 1997 Original purchase of 100 aircraft to replace the CH 136 Kiowa Bell 206 CH 135 Twin Huey Bell 212 CH 118 Iroquois Bell 205 and Boeing C Model Chinooks CH 47C Based at Bagotville Quebec 439 Squadron St Hubert Quebec 438 Squadron Cold Lake Alberta 417 Squadron Gagetown New Brunswick 403 Squadron Valcartier Quebec 430 Squadron Goose Bay Newfoundland 444 Squadron Edmonton Alberta 408 Squadron and Borden Ontario 400 Squadron also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton 424 Squadron Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks armed with a combination of 7 62mm C 6 machine gun 7 62mm Dillon Aero M134D Gatling gun and GAU 21 50 caliber machine gun on one or both doors 48 49 50 9 ex RCAF Griffons designated CT 146 are leased from Allied Wings for pilot training at Portage la Prairie Manitoba CT 146 are painted all black sports RCAF roundel wordmark Canada wordmark with civilian registration numbers Boeing CH 147F Chinook The CH 147F Chinook is an advanced multi mission medium to heavy lift helicopter Its primary mission is the tactical transport of equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron under the command of 1 Wing Kingston Ontario and based in CFB Petawawa Ontario was re established as the home of Canadaʼs fleet of 15 CH 147F Chinooks The first two airframes underwent intensive operational test and evaluation in the United States for several months before Canada received the first airframe 147303 at an official acceptance ceremony at the Ottawa International Airport on 27 June 2013 51 52 53 15 aircraft are in service as of 2017 43 Full operational capability by June 2018 54 The Auditor General criticized National Defence for underestimated and understated the complexity of the purchases of the Chinook t he way the advance contract notification instrument was applied in the directed procurement of the Chinook helicopters did not comply with the letter or intent of the applicable regulations and policies 55 Sikorsky CH 148 Cyclone A CH 148 Cyclone in flight Ship based transport anti submarine helicopter based on the Sikorsky H 92 Superhawk Twenty eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009 Delays pushed first delivery to 2015 43 One aircraft was lost in an accident in April 2020 56 Leased and contractor aircraft Edit 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 Despite RCAF marking all aircraft have civilian registration numbers Beechcraft B300 Super King AirTwo aircraft leased from Transwest Air Limited Used by the Multi Engine Utility Flight MEUF in CFB Trenton Flown by RCAF pilots they are used for light transport of personnel and equipment within North America Dornier Alpha Jet Type A16 aircraft are operated by Discovery Air Defence Services for CATS Contracted Airborne Training Services and are based at CFB Cold Lake and CFB Bagotville 35 Hawker Hunter F 58Twelve civil aircraft are operated by Lortie Aviation formerly Northern Lights International Airlines Ltd Based in CFB Cold Lake 57 ex Swiss Air Force jetsUnmanned Aerial Systems UAS Edit RCAF UAS Edit SAGEM Sperwer Designated CU 161 entered service in 2003 retired 58 IAI Heron 3 leased in 2009 for use in Afghanistan turned over to the Royal Australian Air Force in 2011 59 Canadian Army RCN UAS Edit BAE Systems Silver Fox Acquired in 2004 by the Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre 60 Boeing Insitu ScanEagle Designated CU 165 operated by the Canadian Army 2008 2014 58 Elbit Skylark Designated CU 168 operated by the Canadian Army 61 AeroVironment RQ 11 Raven Operated by the Canadian Army AeroVironment RQ 20 Puma Acquired in 2018 operated by the Royal Canadian Navy 62 Prioria Robotics Maveric Operated by the Canadian Army 63 Saab Skeldar Acquired in 2019 operated by the Royal Canadian Navy and CANSOFCOM 64 Boeing Insitu RQ 21 Blackjack Designated CU 172 5 acquired in 2016 operated by the Canadian Army 58 65 Future procurement Edit F 35 Lightning II Edit Main article Lockheed Martin F 35 Lightning II Canadian procurement The Canadian CF 35 is a proposed variant that would differ from the F 35A through the addition of a drogue parachute and may include an F 35B C style refueling probe 22 66 In 2012 it was revealed that the CF 35 would employ the same boom refueling system as the F 35A 67 Following the 2015 Federal Election the Liberal Party whose campaign had included a pledge to cancel the F 35 procurement 68 formed a new government and commenced an open competition to replace the existing CF 18 Hornet 69 On 28 March 2022 the Government of Canada announced that the competition had placed the F 35A first and planned to buy 88 of them Under procurement rules the government entered into negotiations with Lockheed Martin 70 On 9 January 2023 the government of Canada officially ordered 88 F 35As 19 20 MQ 20 Avenger Edit General Atomics has offered the MQ 20 Avenger stealth unmanned combat air vehicle to Canada as a contender for its Joint Unmanned Surveillance and Target Acquisition System JUSTAS armed UAV project 71 In 2016 the JUSTAS project was prioritized by the Royal Canadian Air Force The Royal Canadian Air Force has requested that the drones be armed therefore making the General Atomics Avenger the only suitable contender as Northrop Grumman s RQ 4 Global Hawk is unarmed 72 Following a formal Invitation to Qualify issued by the Government of Canada only General Atomics and L3 Technologies MAS were selected as being qualified suppliers allowed to submit a bid Canada will begin to refine the preliminary requirements with General Atomics and L3 Technologies until a formal request for proposals and contract is awarded 73 Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Edit In 2022 two ex Kuwait Airways Airbus A330 200 were selected to be converted as Airbus A330 MRTT to replace the CC 150 Polaris The two aircraft will arrive in winter 2023 and converted by Airbus Defence and Space mainly in Spain and repainted in France 74 Weapons and other equipment Edit Weapons systems are used by the CF 18 Hornet CP 140 Aurora CH 146 Griffon and the CH 148 Cyclone Manufacturer Origin Weapon Type Entered service NotesLockheed Martin United States GBU 10 Paveway II 12 16 and 24 Laser guided bomb 1980s Used by CF 18General Dynamics United States Mark 82 bomb Low drag general purpose bomb 500 lb 230 kg 1970s Used by CF 18General Dynamics United States Mark 83 bomb Low drag general purpose bomb 1 000 lb 450 kg 1980s Used by CF 18General Dynamics United States Mark 84 bomb Low drag general purpose bomb 2 000 lb 910 kg 1980s Used by CF 18Boeing United States Joint Direct Attack Munition 75 A kit to convert a regular bomb into precision guided munition 2011 Used by CF 18Raytheon Hughes United States AGM 65G Maverick Missile Air to surface missile 1999 Used by CF 18 First leased in 1999 from the United States for Kosovo Force then purchased in 2002 for the War in Afghanistan 2001 2021 76 77 Bristol Canada CRV 7 Rocket Folding fin ground attack rocket 1970s Used by CF 18Douglas United States AIM 7 Sparrow Medium range semi active radar homing air to air missile 1980s Used by CF 18Raytheon Hughes United States AIM 120 AMRAAM Beyond Visual Range BVR air to air missile 2000s Used by CF 18Raytheon Ford Loral Corp United States AIM 9 Sidewinder Heat seeking short range air to air missile 1980s Used by CF 18General Dynamics General Electric United States M61 20mm Vulcan cannon Air cooled gatling style cannon 1980s Used by CF 18Alliant United States Mark 46 torpedo Air and ship launched lightweight torpedo 1970s Used by CP 140 Aurora and CH 148 Cyclone but not by CP 140A Arcturus FN Herstal Belgium FN MAG C6 7 62 mm self defence machine gun 1980s Used by CH 146 Griffon CH 147F Chinook and CH 148 CycloneDillon Aero United States M134 7 62 mm self defence machine gun 2011 Used by CH 146 GriffonBrowning Arms Company United States M3M 0 50 cal 12 7 mm machine gun 2013 Used by CH 146 GriffonManufacturer Origin Name Type In Service NotesSystems amp Electronics Inc United States 60K Tunner Material handling equipment 2008 Used with CC 177 transportJBT AeroTech United States Halvorsen 44K Loaders Truck Aircraft Side Load Unload TASLU Loader 2008 4 for use with CC 177 licensed from Static Engineering of AustraliaMobile Arrestor GearFMC Corp United States B 1200 Aircraft towing tractor 2008 Used to tow CC 177 and CC 130Retired weapons Edit Weapon Country of manufacture Type In service CIM 10 Bomarc B United States Supersonic missile equipped with a 10 kt W40 nuclear warhead 1962 to 1972 N AAIR 2 Genie United States Air to air rocket with a 1 5 kt W25 nuclear warhead 1965 to 1984 N AMK 20 Rockeye United States Cluster bomb 1980s to 1997 78 1000Structure EditMain article Structure of the Royal Canadian Air Force Kingston Bagotville Cold Lake Goose Bay Trenton Gander Halifax Greenwood Winnipeg Comox North Bay Moose Jawclass notpageimage Bases of the Royal Canadian Air Force The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region based in Winnipeg is responsible for the operational command and control of Royal Canadian Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide The RCAF s other Air Division 2 Canadian Air Division was established in June 2009 and consists of training establishments There are 13 wings across Canada 11 operational and 2 used for training 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 The rank of general is held when an air officer is serving as chief of the Defence Staff The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force holds the rank of lieutenant general Divisions are commanded by major generals Brigadier generals are typically second in command of a division Wings are commanded by colonels Squadrons are commanded by lieutenant colonels Majors are typically second in command of squadrons or flight commanders Captains lieutenants and second lieutenants are the junior level leaders in RCAF squadrons and headquarters Ranks EditCommander in Chief Edit Canada Commander in chiefInsignia Title Commander in chiefAbbreviation C in COfficers Edit NATO code OF 10 OF 9 OF 8 OF 7 OF 6 OF 5 OF 4 OF 3 OF 2 OF 1 OF D Student officer Royal Canadian Air Force 79 vte General Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant Officer cadetGeneral Lieutenant general Major general Brigadier general Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Capitaine Lieutenant Sous lieutenant Eleve officierNon commissioned members Edit NATO code OR 9 OR 8 OR 7 OR 6 OR 5 OR 4 OR 3 OR 2 OR 1 Royal Canadian Air Force 79 vte Canadian Forceschief warrant officer Commandchief warrant officer Senior appointmentchief warrant officer Chief warrant officer Master warrant officer Warrant officer Sergeant Master corporal Corporal Aviator trained Aviator basic Adjudant chefdes Forces canadiennes Adjudant chefdu commandement Adjudant chef nomination superieure Adjudant chef Adjudant maitre Adjudant Sergent Caporal chef Caporal Aviateur forme Aviateur confirme On 1 April 2015 the rank structure and insignia changed 80 The rank of private was replaced with that of aviator represented with a propeller for the rank insignia The previously used term leading aircraftman was considered not to be gender neutral 81 The rank insignia were also changed enlisted ranks were changed from gold to pearl grey silver and officers rank braid was changed from gold to pearl grey on black similar to the pattern used before unification of Canada s armed forces in 1968 81 A revival of the former rank titles of the RCAF did not occur however as such an extensive change was considered too complicated and confusing 80 Instead the current rank titles were retained with the exception of aviator The Royal Flying Corps considered to be a predecessor of the RCAF used rank titles similar to the existing rank titles of the RCAF 81 Symbols EditBadge Edit 1941 1946 Women s Division with Tudor crown 1968 2013 2013 presentPast versions of the badge used by the Royal Canadian Air Force with the years they were in use listed above The badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 82 St Edward s Crown An eagle superimposed on a circlet A compartment of maple leaves Motto Sic Itur ad Astra Latin for Such is the pathway to the stars Roundels Edit Roundels used from 1920 until 1945 were usually the same as Royal Air Force roundels although not all variations were used and colours were matched to locally available paints 1945 1946 1946 1965 Canadian Centennial1967 variant 1965 current Currentlow visStamps EditOn 9 November 1984 Canada Post issued Air Force as part of the Canadian Forces series The stamps were designed by Ralph Tibbles based on an illustration by William Southern The 32 stamps are perforated 12 x 12 5 and were printed by Ashton Potter Limited 83 See also Edit Canada portal War portalList of aircraft of Canada s air forces Planned Canadian Forces projects Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraftReferences Edit a b c d Key facts 30 September 2021 Retrieved 31 December 2021 Sic Itur ad Astra Traditions Motto Words Archived 2013 05 22 at the Wayback Machine National Defence 23 April 2009 Retrieved 1 April 2013 DND CAF Joint and Combined Space Program Royal Canadian Air Force 18 September 2020 Royal Canadian Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force Mission Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of National Defence Archived from the original on 6 March 2016 Retrieved 19 March 2016 Berthiaume Lee Air force s new name got lost in translation documents show Archived 2011 11 30 at Archive It Postmedia News 29 November 2011 Royal Canadian Air Force welcomes new Commander National Defence News release 12 August 2022 Retrieved 12 August 2022 Canadian Forces name Archived 2011 09 17 at the Wayback Machine CBC Retrieved 26 September 2011 Associated Press R C A F Founder Taken By Death The Spokesman Review Spokane Washington Monday 3 January 1944 Volume 64 Number 134 page 2 Roberts Leslie There Shall Be Wings Toronto Clark Irwin and Co Ltd 1959 No ISBN p 33 Milberry Larry ed Sixty Years The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924 1984 Toronto Canav Books 1984 ISBN 0 9690703 4 9 p 17 A History of Air Services in Canada Archived 2014 09 26 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 21 May 2014 Milberry Larry ed Sixty Years The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924 1984 Toronto Canav Books 1984 ISBN 0 9690703 4 9 p 97 Canada s military contribution in Libya CBC 20 October 2011 Retrieved 28 September 2021 Galloway Gloria Conservatives to restore royal monikers for navy air force Archived 2017 02 04 at the Wayback Machine The Globe and Mail 15 August 2011 Retrieved 26 September 2011 Fitzpatrick Meagan Peter MacKay hails royal renaming of military Archived 2011 09 24 at the Wayback Machine CBC News 16 August 2011 Retrieved 26 September 2011 Canada sending frigate to join NATO in eastern Europe Archived 2016 03 11 at the Wayback Machine The Globe and Mail 1 May 2014 Directory World Air Forces Flight International 11 17 November 2008 a b Andrew McLaughlin 13 May 2021 Canada receives final ex RAAF F A 18A B Hornets ADBR Retrieved 14 May 2021 a b Berthiaume Lee 20 December 2022 Defence Department gets OK to spend 7 billion on 16 F 35 fighter jets CP sources CTV News Archived from the original on 21 December 2022 Retrieved 21 December 2022 a b Brewster Murray 9 January 2023 Federal government inks deal to buy fleet of F 35 fighter jets CBC News Archived from the original on 9 January 2023 Retrieved 9 January 2023 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Embraer In association with World Air Forces directory 2022 Flight Global Retrieved 22 April 2022 a b Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement Project Archived from the original on 4 September 2016 Retrieved 9 September 2016 Initial operational capability of Canada s CC 295 FWSAR aircraft delayed to 2025 26 Brewster Murray 25 September 2020 A new era for military search and rescue begins with the Kingfisher CBC News Retrieved 26 September 2020 Hoyle2019 10 09T11 36 00 01 00 Craig Canada s first C295 gains air force livery Flight Global Government of Canada provides an update on the operationalization of the CC 295 Kingfisher Government of Canada 4 May 2022 Retrieved 26 August 2022 CH 146 Griffon Royal Canadian Air Force Government of Canada 10 April 2013 Retrieved 21 June 2016 World Air Forces 2016 Flightglobal International 2015 p 13 Archived from the original on 25 December 2018 Retrieved 29 March 2022 Defence National 13 March 2013 CH 148 Cyclone procurement project Canada ca Defence National 30 April 2020 One Canadian military member killed and five missing in helicopter accident Canada ca CT155 Walkaround Ipmslondon ca Archived from the original on 13 June 2011 Retrieved 17 March 2011 Canadian Forces CT 156 Ody ca Archived from the original on 6 July 2011 Retrieved 17 March 2011 2 military pilots eject safely before crash at 15 Wing Moose Jaw CBC News 24 January 2014 Retrieved 4 April 2015 Military pilots forced to eject while practising aerobatics DND report The Globe and Mail 28 March 2017 Retrieved 21 December 2017 a b c Welcome to Top Aces Archived from the original on 23 April 2019 Retrieved 3 June 2019 Hawker Hunter Lortie Aviation Lortie Aviation Retrieved 3 April 2022 COPA Flight 8 June 2009 Canadian Forces Briefing on UAVs Archived from the original on 11 July 2012 Retrieved 30 June 2009 Battery Operated Canadian Army Today 15 March 2022 Retrieved 24 March 2022 Boeing s Insitu To Supply RQ 21A ScanEagle Drones To US Poland Canada Oman Defenseworld net 29 June 2019 Retrieved 24 March 2022 QinetiQ Wins C 51m Contract with the Canadian Armed Forces Unmanned Aircraft System Service program Umsskeldar aero Retrieved 22 May 2019 permanent dead link New RCAF search and rescue aircraft to be named Kingfisher Journal Pioneer Retrieved 25 September 2020 Forces Government of Canada National Defence and the Canadian Armed 30 March 2015 Canada News Centre Archived Government of Canada Welcomes Increased Air Power for the Royal Canadian Air Force Canada s Fifth CC 177 Globemaster touches down at 8 Wing Trenton Archived from the original on 1 April 2015 Retrieved 5 April 2015 a b c d e f World Air Forces 2018 Flightglobal com Archived from the original on 6 February 2018 Retrieved 4 September 2018 Warwick Graham Canada signs 1 4bn contract for 17 Lockheed Martin C 130Js Archived 2008 03 10 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 16 January 2008 Retrieved 17 January 2008 Canadian Forces CC 130 Hercules Archived 2011 07 06 at the Wayback Machine Ody ca Retrieved 20 March 2011 CF 18 Hornet in Canadian Service Archived 2013 09 28 at the Wayback Machine ejection history org uk Retrieved 26 September 2011 Canadian CF 18 fighter jets to be kept in use until 2025 Archived 2014 10 04 at the Wayback Machine airrecognition com 2 October 2014 Dillon Aero 7 62 mm M134 Minigun during exercise near Kandahar Archived 2011 06 09 at the Wayback Machine The Maple Leaf Vol 12 No 9 4 March 2009 Retrieved 26 September 2011 Canada Increases Air Capabilities in Afghanistan DND CF News November 2008 Retrieved 13 March 2009 1 permanent dead link First CH 147F Chinook helicopter welcomed to Canada Archived 2013 06 28 at the Wayback Machine National Defence Royal Canadian Air Force Retrieved 28 June 2013 Boeing Completes Delivery of Canadian CH 147F Chinooks Transport Helicopter Archived 2014 07 14 at the Wayback Machine Global News 2 July 2014 Boeing delivered CH 147F Chinook Maintenance Trainer to the Royal Canadian Air Force Archived 2015 01 14 at the Wayback Machine Global News 13 January 2015 CH 147F Chinook procurement project Canada ca 13 December 2018 Retrieved 16 August 2021 FAQ How Canada procured new military helicopters Cbc ca 26 October 2010 Retrieved 16 August 2021 RCAF Cyclone helicopter missing believed to have crashed into the sea off Greek coast Ottawa Citizen Retrieved 3 November 2020 Tactical combat training provided to the armed forces of Canada France and the United States Archived 2011 02 07 at the Wayback Machine Lortie Aviation Retrieved 26 September 2011 a b c Blackjack Army hits 21 with new ace in the sky Canadian Army Today 4 December 2017 Retrieved 11 August 2021 Orr Conrad Edward 2016 Can Unmanned Aircraft Systems Meet Canadian Air Power Needs RCAF Journal 5 3 Retrieved 11 August 2021 Canadian Forces Purchases Mini UAV System Defense aerospace com 4 May 2004 Retrieved 11 August 2021 Canada Selects Skylark as its Future Mini UAV Defense Industry Daily 6 October 2006 Retrieved 11 August 2021 Royal Canadian Navy to Field AeroVironment Puma II AE with Mantis i45 Sensor Aboard Coastal Defence Vessels Bloomberg com 28 February 2018 Retrieved 9 August 2021 Mortimer Gary 15 August 2010 Prioria win Canadian defence contract with Maveric MAV Suas News Retrieved 11 August 2021 QinetiQ Wins C 51m Contract with the Canadian Armed Forces Unmanned Aircraft System Service program UMS SKELDAR 7 May 2019 Archived from the original on 20 October 2020 Retrieved 27 November 2020 Ruskin Brett 15 July 2016 Canada s new 14 1M fixed wing drones are runway free CBC News Retrieved 11 August 2021 Daly Brian 1 September 2010 Harper Ignatieff spar over fighter jets Calgary Sun Archived from the original on 2 March 2014 Retrieved 2 March 2014 Berthiaume Lee 20 December 2012 Military will contract out air to air refuelling if Canada goes with F 35 Canada com Archived from the original on 2 March 2014 Retrieved 2 March 2014 A New Plan For a Strong Middle Class PDF Liberal Party of Canada 5 October 2015 Archived from the original PDF on 14 October 2015 Retrieved 5 October 2015 Drew James 21 October 2015 Canadian F 35 exit could signal wider air force review FlightGlobal Brewster Murray 28 March 2022 Liberals launch negotiations to buy F 35 fighter jets CBC News Archived from the original on 29 March 2022 Retrieved 29 March 2022 Canada s UAV Requirement Prompts New Move by GA ASI Ainonline com 26 April 2013 Tom Parry 7 March 2016 Canada s top soldier wants armed drones for the military CBC News Remotely ploted aircraft systems program JUSTAS 16 April 2019 Retrieved 29 October 2019 Rob Kotsopoulos Canada moves forward with acquisition of first 2 Airbus A330 200s for RCAF future tanker Skiesmag com Retrieved 27 July 2022 CF 188 Hornets on Op MOBILE drop first JDAM bombs Archived 2012 03 08 at the Wayback Machine Forces gc Retrieved 2 February 2012 FrontLine FrontLine Defence Magazine Canada Archived from the original on 17 January 2021 Retrieved 27 July 2022 Skaarup Harold 16 November 2009 Canadian Warplanes iUniverse pp 279 283 ISBN 978 1440167584 Retrieved 7 September 2022 Disposal of Rockeye Cluster Bombs at CFAD Dundurn National Defence and the Canadian Forces 27 July 2004 Retrieved 26 September 2011 a b Ranks and appointment canada ca Government of Canada Retrieved 28 May 2021 a b New Royal Canadian Air Force uniform unveiled Archived 2014 09 24 at the Wayback Machine CTV Ottawa1 April 2015 a b c DND Backgrounder Archived 2014 12 18 at the Wayback Machine news gc ca April 2015 Approval of a Badge Public Register of Arms Flags and Badges of Canada Official website of the Governor General Retrieved 8 November 2021 Canada Post stamp Collections Canada Retrieved 23 October 2012 Further reading EditDouglas W A B The Creation of a National Air Force Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force v 2 Toronto University of Toronto Press in co operation with the Department of National Defence 1986 ISBN 0 8020 2584 6 Green William amp Swanborough Gordon February May 1979 A Grumman by Any Other Name Air Enthusiast 9 26 39 ISSN 0143 5450 Milberry Larry ed Sixty Years The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924 1984 Toronto Canav Books 1984 ISBN 0 9690703 4 9 Piggott Peter Flying Canucks Famous Canadian Aviators Toronto Hounslow Press 1996 ISBN 0 88882 175 1 Piggott Peter Flying Canucks II Pioneers of Canadian Aviation Toronto Hounslow Press 1997 ISBN 0 88882 193 X External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Royal Canadian Air Force Official website Canadian Air Force aircraft and equipment of Canada Air recognition Roundel Round Up Vintage Wings of Canada s history of British and Canadian roundel styles from 1914 through and into the 21st century Archived 2015 04 03 at the Wayback Machine The Royal Canadian Air Force in the Arctic and Sub Arctic Manuscript at Dartmouth College Library Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Royal Canadian Air Force 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