Tri-service badge of the United Kingdom's armed forces.
List of active United Kingdom military aircraft is a list of military aircraft currently in service with the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom.[1] For RAF aircraft no longer in service see List of aircraft of the Royal Air Force. For aircraft expected to enter service with the RAF in the future, see Future of the Royal Air Force.
Royal Air Force[]
See also: Royal Air Force
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number[2][3][4] | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| Boeing Sentry | 
|
United States | AEW&C | AEW1 | 6 | Airborne early warning and control aircraft. An additional aircraft has been withdrawn from use.[5] |
| Raytheon Sentinel | 
|
 CanadaUnited States |
Battlefield Surveillance | R1 | 5 | ISTAR aircraft. Will be retained until suitable replacement is found.[6] The aircraft has multiple origins, the airframe was manufactured in Canada while the aircraft's electronics were developed in the United States. |
| Beechcraft Shadow | 
|
United States | Battlefield Surveillance | R1 | 5 | ISTAR aircraft. 5th Shadow R1 delivered to RAF in December 2011.[7] A 6th Shadow will be delivered soon.[8] |
| Lockheed Martin Lightning II | 
|
United States | Fighter Aircraft | 3 | Initial batch of 48 announced. 1st operational squadron to stand up in 2016.[9] Decision on final orders to be made in 2015.[10] Aircraft jointly operated by the FAA and RAF.[11] | |
| Eurofighter Typhoon | 
|
 United Kingdom
|
Fighter Aircraft | T3 FGR4 |
22 85 |
Initially designed as an air superiority fighter, but additional ground attack capabilities are being introduced. |
| Panavia Tornado | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Strike Aircraft | GR4 GR4A |
112 | The GR4A variant performs an additional reconnaissance role. The Tornado fleet will be retired in 2019 and will be replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon |
| Boeing Air Seeker | 
|
United States | Signals Intelligence | 1 | The first out of three aircraft has been delivered.[12] The three Air Seeker's due to be delivered will fly in No. 51 Squadron RAF. | |
| Britten-Norman Islander | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Surveillance Aircraft | CC2A | 3 | Used for photographic mapping and light communications.[13] |
| Lockheed TriStar | 
|
United States | Tanker Aircraft | K1 KC1 C2 C2A |
1 4 2 1 |
To be replaced by Airbus Voyager. Due to leave service by March 2014.[14] |
| Airbus Voyager | 
|
 France Spain
|
Tanker Aircraft | KC2 KC3 |
6 | 8 more on order, deliveries underway. IOC for passenger transport operations, with 9 aircraft to be in service for regular operations.[15] The aircraft are jointly operated by the RAF and the AirTanker consortium. |
| BAe 125 | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Transport Aircraft | CC3 | 6 | No. 32 Squadron RAF (Royal Squadron). |
| BAe 146 | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Transport Aircraft | CC2 C3 |
2 2 |
Two CC2's used for Royal Family. No. 32 Squadron RAF (Royal Squadron). Two 146–200 (C3) purchased for use as tactical transports.[16] |
| Lockheed Hercules (C-130J) | 
|
United States | Transport Aircraft | C4 C5 |
10 14 |
To be withdrawn from service by 2022, 10 years earlier than planned. |
| Boeing Globemaster III | 
|
United States | Transport Aircraft | 8 | Deliveries started May 2001 with the eighth delivered in May 2012. First four originally leased. | |
| BAE Systems Hawk | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Trainer Aircraft | T1 T2 |
126 28 |
Single-engine advanced jet trainer and lead-in fighter trainer. More T2 under delivery. |
| Short Tucano | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 92 | A two seat turboprop trainer. |
| Beechcraft King Air | 
|
United States | Trainer Aircraft | 10 | Twin-turboprop advanced trainer. | |
| Grob Vigilant | 
|
 Germany
|
Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 65 | A two-seat, self-launching motor glider used for Royal Air Force Air Cadets. |
| Grob Viking | 
|
Germany
|
Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 81 | Glider used for Royal Air Force Air Cadets. |
| Grob Tutor | 
|
Germany
|
Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 119 | Elementary flying trainer. |
| Helicopters | ||||||
| Boeing Chinook | 
|
United States | Transport Helicopter | HC2 HC2A HC3 |
46 | HC2/HC2A's being upgraded to HC4/HC4A standard, and the HC3's to be upgraded to HC5 standard. This upgrade program is called Project Julius. 14 HC6 aircraft on order. |
| Westland Puma | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Transport Helicopter | HC1 HC2 |
30 1 |
A total of 24 Puma HC1 aircraft will be upgraded to HC2 standard. The 1st Puma HC2 has been delivered.[17] |
| AgustaWestland Merlin | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Transport Helicopter | HC3 HC3A |
27 | 25 Merlin aircraft are to be upgraded and transferred to the Fleet Air Arm. |
| Agusta A109E | 
|
 Italy
|
Transport Helicopter | 4 | No. 32 Squadron RAF (Royal Squadron). | |
| Bell Griffin | 
|
Canada
|
Utility Helicopter | HAR2 | 4 | The Griffin HAR2 is operated at RAF Akrotiri and is apart of No. 84 Squadron. The aircraft's primary role is search & rescue, however they are also used for UN duties in maintaining the Buffer Zone which divide the Cypriot and Turkish forces. |
| Westland Sea King | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Search & Rescue | HAR3 HAR3A |
18 6 |
Capability to be replaced by civilian search & rescue fleet. |
| UAVs | ||||||
| MQ-9 Reaper | 
|
United States | Battlefield Surveillance | 10 | XIII Squadron has been reformed operating 5 MQ-9s from RAF Waddington. No. 39 Squadron based at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada will return to UK during 2013, As of April 2013 they are operating in Afghanistan supporting coalition forces stationed there.[18] | |
Defence Helicopter Flying School[]
See also: Defence Helicopter Flying School
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | ||||||
| Bell Griffin | 
|
Canada
|
Training Helicopter | HT1 | 11 | This aircraft is based at RAF Shawbury and at the Search and Rescue Training Unit at RAF Valley. |
| Eurocopter Squirrel | 
|
France
|
Training Helicopter | HT1 | 32 | Based at RAF Shawbury.[19] |
RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight[]
See also: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| Hawker Hurricane | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Fighter aircraft | Mk IIc | 2 | |
| Supermarine Spitfire | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Fighter aircraft | Mk IIa Mk Vb LF.IXe LF.XVIe PR.XIX |
1 1 1 1 2 |
|
| Avro Lancaster | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Heavy bomber | B.I | 1 | |
| Douglas Dakota | 
|
United States | Transport aircraft | C.3 | 1 | |
| De Havilland Canada Chipmunk | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Trainer aircraft | T.10 | 2 | |
Fleet Air Arm[]
See also: Fleet Air Arm
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number[20] | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| Lockheed Martin Lightning II | 
|
United States | Fighter aircraft | 3 | Aircraft jointly operated by FAA and RAF. First squadron flights from HMS Queen Elizabeth expected during 2018. | |
| Beechcraft Avenger |
|
United States | Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 4 | This aircraft is used as an twin engine advanced trainer. They replaced the Jetstream T2 aircraft in 2011. |
| BAE Systems Hawk | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 14 | Used for training and target facilities. Has been used for short range Reconnaissance[21] |
| Grob Tutor |
|
Germany
|
Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 5 | The Grob Tutor is apart of 727 Naval Air Squadron and is used for training. |
| Helicopters | ||||||
| Westland Lynx | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Maritime Helicopter (ASW/ASuW) | HMA8 HAS3 AH7 |
37 | AH7 is an attack helicopter. To be replaced by 28 Wildcat. |
| AgustaWestland Wildcat | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Maritime Helicopter (ASW/ASuW) | HMA2 | 4 | [22] |
| Westland Sea King |  
|
United Kingdom
|
Transport Helicopter Search & Rescue AEW&C |
HC4 HU5 ASaC7 |
34 15 13 |
To be replaced by 25 RAF Merlin upgraded to HC4 standard. Will be replaced by civilian SAR fleet in 2016. To be replaced by spare FAA Merlin HM1 refitted with equipment from the Sea King ASaC7. |
| AgustaWestland Merlin | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Maritime Helicopter (ASW) | HM1 HM2 |
~25 5 |
30 Merlin HM1 to be upgraded to HM2 standard. The first 5 have been delivered to the Royal Navy.[23] |
| Eurocopter Dauphin | 
|
France
|
Transport Helicopter | 3 | FOST support. | |
[]
Main article: Royal Navy Historic Flight
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| Hawker Sea Hawk | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Fighter Bomber | FGA6 | 1 | |
| Hawker Sea Fury | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Fighter Bomber | FB11 | 1 | |
| Fairey Swordfish | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Torpedo Bomber | Mk.I/II | 2 | |
| de Havilland Canada Chipmunk | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Trainer Aircraft | T10 | 1 | |
Army Air Corps[]
See also: Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number[2][20] | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| Britten-Norman Islander | United Kingdom
|
Reconnaissance | AL1 | 7 | Also has a limited use in transporting personnel.[24] | |
| Britten-Norman Defender | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Reconnaissance | AL2 T3 |
9 | Also has a limited use in transporting personnel. |
| Helicopters | ||||||
| AgustaWestland Apache | 
|
United States United Kingdom
|
Attack Helicopter | AH1 | 66 | The AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter. |
| Westland Lynx | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Battlefield Helicopter | AH7 AH9A |
50 22 |
The Westland Lynx is a battlefield utility helicopter although it has been used for both anti–tank and reconnaissance operations. The addition of door gunners has allowed Lynx to operate in the very close air support role. The AH7 aircraft are going to be replaced by 34 Wildcat. The AH9s have been upgraded to AH9A standard.[25] |
| AgustaWestland Wildcat | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Battlefield Helicopter | AH1 | 5 | 5 Lynx Wildcats have been delivered out of a total order of 34. The aircraft is due to enter operational service in 2014.[22] |
| Bell 212 | 
|
United States | Battlefield Helicopter | AH1 | 8 | Used in the jungle areas of Belize and Brunei. |
| Eurocopter Dauphin | 
|
France
|
Special Forces | 5 | 8 Flight Army Air Corps attached to SAS. A fifth aircraft was added to the fleet because of the security commitments the SAS had to fulfill the London Olympics.[26] | |
| Westland Gazelle | 
|
United Kingdom
|
Reconnaissance | AH1 | 23 | Capability to be replaced by Watchkeeper UAV. |
| UAVs | ||||||
| Elbit Hermes 450 | 
|
 Israel
|
Battlefield Surveillance | 12 | ISTAR UAV. Entered service in 2008. Due to be replaced by Watchkeeper. Is currently in use in Afghanistan. | |
| Watchkeeper WK450 | 
|
United Kingdom Israel
|
Battlefield Surveillance | 54 | ISTAR UAV. Entered service in 2011 and currently on operational trials with the Royal Artillery.[27] 54 were ordered.[28] | |
Army Historic Aircraft Flight[]
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| Auster AOP.9 |  |
United Kingdom |
Reconnaissance | AOP9 | 1 | |
| de Havilland Canada Beaver | Canada |
Reconnaissance | AL1 | 1 | ||
| de Havilland Canada Chipmunk | United Kingdom |
Trainer Aircraft | T10 | 1 | ||
| Helicopters | ||||||
| Saro Skeeter | United Kingdom |
Reconnaissance | AOP12 | 1 | ||
| Bell Sioux |  |
Italy |
Training Helicopter | AH1 | 1 | |
| Aerospatiale Alouette |  |
France |
Utility Helicopter | AH2 | 1 | |
| Westland Scout | United Kingdom |
Utility Helicopter | AH1 | 1 | ||
Empire Test Pilots' School[]
Main article: Empire Test Pilots' School
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| JAS 39B Gripen |  |
 Sweden |
Fighter Aircraft | 1 | Leased from Saab/Swedish Air Force. | |
| Avro RJ100 |  |
United Kingdom |
Jet airliner | RJ100 | 1 | |
| Beagle Bassett | United Kingdom |
Experimental Aircraft | CC1 | 1 | Variable Stability System. | |
| Hawker Siddeley Hawk | United Kingdom |
Trainer Aircraft Experimental Aircraft |
T1 ASTRA |
2 1 |
- Advanced Stability Training and Research Aircraft. | |
| Short Tucano | United Kingdom |
Trainer Aircraft | T1 | 2 | ||
| Helicopters | ||||||
| Agusta A109E Power |  |
Italy |
Military Helicopter | 2 | ||
| Westland Gazelle | United Kingdom |
Military Helicopter | HT2 HT3 |
1 1 |
||
| Westland Lynx | United Kingdom |
Military Helicopter | AH7 | 2 | ||
| Westland Sea King | United Kingdom |
Military Helicopter | HC4 | 1 | ||
Ministry of Defence[]
As well as the military services a number of defence contractors operate military aircraft on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
| Aircraft | Photo | Origin | Role | Version | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing aircraft | ||||||
| Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet |  |
Germany |
4 | QinetiQ, Boscombe Down. | ||
| Eurofighter Typhoon |  |
United Kingdom |
2 | BAE Systems, Warton for trials and development. | ||
| Gloster Meteor T.7 (Mod) |  |
United Kingdom |
2 | Martin Baker Aerospace, Chalgrove for ejector seat trials. | ||
| Hawker Hunter F58 |  |
 Switzerland |
2 | Hawker Hunter Aviation, used as airborne targets for naval trails and exercises. | ||
| Hawker Hunter T8B | United Kingdom |
1 | Hawker Hunter Aviation, used as airborne targets for naval trails and exercises. | |||
| North American Harvard | Canada |
1 | QinetiQ, Boscombe Down for trials and photographic chase aircraft, active in military service since 1944. | |||
| Panavia Tornado | United Kingdom |
GR4A GR4 |
1 1 |
BAE Systems, Warton for trials and development. BAE Systems, Warton for trials and development. | ||
| Helicopters | ||||||
| Agusta A109E | Italy |
1 | QinetiQ Boscombe Down. | |||
| Westland Sea King Mk 4X | United Kingdom |
1 | QinetiQ, Boscombe Down. | |||
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ "UKDS 2013"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 31 Jan 2012 (pt 0002)". Publications.parliament.uk. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/cmhansrd/cm120131/text/120131w0002.htm#120131143001971. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/world-air-forces-2013-101015.aspx
- ↑ Military Aircraft, Hansard 17 July 2013
- ↑ "Out of Service British Military Aircraft". Demobbed. http://www.demobbed.org.uk/image_view.php?a=27401&s=zh105.jpg. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ "Sentinel R1/ASTOR". RAF. 2012-03-07. http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/sentinelr1.cfm. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raytheon-touts-future-roles-for-rafs-at-risk-sentinel-r1-370715/
- ↑ http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130704/text/130704w0003.htm#13070463000016
- ↑ UK set to procure first F-35 Lightning II squadron
- ↑ Brooke-Holland, Louisa (12 April 2013). "The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter - Commons Library Standard Note". http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN06278. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
- ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/ben-farmer/10186131/Dambusters-to-get-new-F-35-Lightning-II-fighter.html
- ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-rivet-joint-aircraft-delivered-to-the-uk
- ↑ "Islander BN2T CC Mk2". RAF. 2012-03-07. http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/islander.cfm. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/riat-raf-tristar-makes-final-air-tattoo-appearance-388518/
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ Ex-TNT BAe 146s enter conversion for Royal Air Force
- ↑ http://www.eurocopter.com/mobile/en/press/Major-milestone-achieved-as-Eurocopter-hands-over-its-first-Puma-Mk2-aircraft-to-the-UK-Ministry-of-Defence_966.html
- ↑ http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=21215
- ↑ "FB Heliservices Ltd. clocks up 250,000 Flight Hours with Eurocopter AS350 BB ‘Squirrel’ Fleet as Defence Helicopter Flying School celebrates 10th Anniversary – Eurocopter, an EADS company". Eurocopter.com. http://www.eurocopter.com/site/FO/scripts/myFO_publication.php?news_id=474&lang=EN. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 "House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 02 Nov 2011 (pt 0002)". Publications.parliament.uk. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm111102/text/111102w0002.htm#111102109001132. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ http://www.rafnews.co.uk/readstory.asp?storyID=770&returnto=search.asp&page=5&departmentID=36&categoryID=&search=
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-royal-navy-primed-to-receive-first-lynx-wildcat-380124/
- ↑ http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=23502
- ↑ "Defender – British Army Website". Army.mod.uk. 1989-03-10. http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/aircraft/1536.aspx. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ "Lynx AH9A Upgrade Program and Lynx Wildcat « Fast Air Photography". Fast-air.co.uk. 2011-12-15. http://www.fast-air.co.uk/lynx-ah9a-upgrade-program-and-lynx-wildcat/. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ http://www.helihub.com/2012/01/13/uk-special-forces-add-fifth-n3-dauphin/
- ↑ Editor, Unmanned (2011-09-11). "Watchkeeper flies to new endurance record | Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) News". Unmanned.co.uk. http://www.unmanned.co.uk/unmanned-vehicles-news/unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uav-news/watchkeeper-flies-to-new-endurance-record/. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
- ↑ Michael A. Taverna (28 February 2011). "Watchkeeper Gets New Delivery Date". http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2011/02/28/14.xml. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
The original article can be found at List of active United Kingdom military aircraft and the edit history here.