List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons

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Typhoons representing the RAF Typhoon squadrons - 1 Sqn, 2 Sqn, 3 Sqn, 6 Sqn, 29 Sqn, 11 Sqn, 41 Sqn, 1435 Flight, and BOB75 in the centre to commemorate the Battle of Britain

Squadrons are the main form of flying unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF). These include Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) squadrons incorporated into the RAF when it was formed on 1 April 1918, during the First World War. Other squadrons of the RAF include those from Commonwealth air forces which have served within the RAF structure and squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm before it transferred to the Royal Navy in 1939.

Some squadrons have an individual tradition of presenting their squadron number in Roman numerals or using a suffix to their squadron number (such as "(F)" for "Fighter", "(B)" for "Bomber" or "(AC)" for "Army Co-operation") to indicate a past or present role. An example would be No. 18 (Bomber) Squadron RAF which currently actually operates the heavy-lift Chinook helicopter. However, these practices have, at least in the past, been deprecated at higher levels and generally only apply to certain squadrons with long traditions, especially those numbered from 1-20.[1] Historical Squadrons can choose to 'lay up' their standards at RAF Cranwell or in places of worship following disbandment.

Flying training units and operational evaluation squadrons have generally been (Reserve) squadrons, although they are regular active-duty units. The policy of the (Reserve) numberplate was rescinded in February 2018, to coincide with the renaming of 22 (Training) Group to just 22 Group in line with other RAF Groups.

Some Squadron names include the location they were originally formed.

Regular RFC, RNAS, and RAF squadrons (Nos. 1–299)[]

Squadrons in Bold Type are currently active

Nos. 1–50[]

  • No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
  • No. II (Army Cooperation) Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
  • No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
  • No. IV Squadron RAF (Hawk T2)[3]
  • No. V (Army Cooperation) Squadron RAF
  • No. 6 Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
  • No. 7 Squadron RAF (Chinook HC4)[4]
  • No. 8 Squadron RAF (Sentry AEW1)[5]
  • No. IX (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
  • No. 10 Squadron RAF (Voyager KC2/KC3)[6]
  • No. XI (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
  • No. 12 (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Typhoon T3 and FGR4)[7]
  • No. 13 Squadron RAF (MQ-9A Reaper)[8]
  • No. 14 Squadron RAF (Shadow R1)[9]
  • No. XV Squadron
  • No. 16 Squadron RAF (Tutor T1)[10]
  • No. XVII Test and Evaluation Squadron RAF (F-35B Lightning OEU)[11]
  • No. 18 (Bomber) Squadron (Chinook HC2)[4]
  • No. 19 Squadron RAF
  • No. 20 Squadron RAF
  • No. 21 Squadron RAF
  • No. 22 Squadron RAF (Joint Helicopter Command OEU)[12]
  • No. 23 Squadron RAF[13]
  • No. XXIV (Commonwealth) Squadron RAF (Hercules C4/5, C-17 Globemaster & Atlas C1 OCU)[14]
  • No. XXV (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Hawk T2)[3]
  • No. 26 (South African) Squadron RAF
  • No. 27 Squadron RAF (Chinook HC2)[4]
  • No. 28 Squadron RAF (Chinook HC4/6 and Puma HC2 OCU)[15]
  • No. 29 Squadron RAF (Typhoon T3 and FGR4 OCU)[2]
  • No. 30 Squadron RAF
  • No. 31 Squadron RAF
  • No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron RAF (BAe 146 & AW109)[16]
  • No. 33 Squadron RAF (Puma HC2)[17]
  • No. 34 Squadron RAF
  • No. 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF
  • No. 36 Squadron RAF
  • No. 37 Squadron RAF
  • No. 38 Squadron RAF
  • No. 39 Squadron RAF (MQ-9A Reaper)[8]
  • No. 40 Squadron RAF
  • No. 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron (Typhoon T3 and FGR4)[2]
  • No. 42 Squadron RAF
  • No. 43 (China-British) Squadron RAF
  • No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF
  • No. 45 Squadron RAF (Phenom T1)[18]
  • No. 46 (Uganda) Squadron RAF
  • No. 47 Squadron RAF (Hercules C4/5)[19]
  • No. 48 Squadron RAF
  • No. 49 Squadron RAF
  • No. 50 Squadron RAF

Nos. 51–66[]

Nos. 67–71[]

During the First World War, in order to avoid confusion with similarly-numbered British flying squadrons, units of the separate Australian Flying Corps were known for administrative purposes as 67, 68, 69, and 71 squadrons. Since the Second World War these numbers have always been used by RAF units.

However, the designation 70 (or LXX) Squadron has always been used for RFC/RAF units.

  • No. 67 Squadron
  • No. 68 Squadron
    • 1916–18: No. 2 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps
    • From 1941: No. 68 Squadron RAF
  • No. 69 Squadron RAF
  • No. LXX Squadron RAF (Atlas C1)[26]
  • No. 71 Squadron
    • 1916–18: No. 4 Squadron Australian Flying Corps
    • From 1940: No. 71 Squadron RAF (staffed by US volunteers in 1940–42)

Nos. 72–100[]

Nos. 101–150[]

Nos. 151–200[]

Nos. 201–250[]

The first squadrons to carry numbers above 200 were former RNAS squadrons that were renumbered upon amalgamation with 200 added to their RNAS squadron number. Independent flights of the RNAS were grouped together in squadrons and given numbers in the 200 series.

  • No. 201 Squadron RAF
  • No. 202 Squadron RAF (Jupiter HT.1)[34]
  • No. 203 Squadron RAF
  • No. 204 Squadron RAF
  • No. 205 Squadron RAF
  • No. 206 Squadron RAF (Atlas & Hercules OEU)[35]
  • No. 207 Squadron RAF (F-35B Lightning OCU)[36]
  • No. 208 Squadron RAF
  • No. 209 Squadron RAF
  • No. 210 Squadron RAF
  • No. 211 Squadron RAF
  • No. 212 Squadron RAF
  • No. 213 (Ceylon) Squadron RAF
  • No. 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron RAF
  • No. 215 Squadron RAF
  • No. 216 Squadron RAF[37]
  • No. 217 Squadron RAF
  • No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron RAF
  • No. 219 (Mysore) Squadron RAF
  • No. 220 Squadron RAF
  • No. 221 Squadron RAF
  • No. 222 (Natal) Squadron RAF
  • No. 223 Squadron RAF
  • No. 224 Squadron RAF
  • No. 225 Squadron RAF
  • No. 226 Squadron RAF
  • No. 227 Squadron RAF
  • No. 228 Squadron RAF
  • No. 229 Squadron RAF
  • No. 230 Squadron RAF (Puma HC2)[17]
  • No. 231 Squadron RAF
  • No. 232 Squadron RAF
  • No. 233 Squadron RAF
  • No. 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF
  • No. 235 Squadron RAF
  • No. 236 Squadron RAF
  • No. 237 Squadron RAF second formation as No. 237 (Rhodesia) from No. 1 Squadron Southern Rhodesian Air Force
  • No. 238 Squadron RAF
  • No. 239 Squadron RAF
  • No. 240 Squadron RAF
  • No. 241 Squadron RAF
  • No. 242 (Canadian) Squadron RAF
  • No. 243 Squadron RAF
  • No. 244 Squadron RAF
  • No. 245 (Northern Rhodesia) Squadron RAF
  • No. 246 Squadron RAF
  • No. 247 (China-British) Squadron RAF
  • No. 248 Squadron RAF
  • No. 249 (Gold Coast) Squadron RAF
  • No. 250 (Sudan) Squadron RAF

Nos. 251–299[]

Nos. 300–352[]

Squadrons in the 300–352 series were staffed during the Second World War by volunteers from countries in occupied Europe. In some cases, these RAF squadrons and personnel were regarded by a relevant government-in-exile as serving concurrently with its air force.

Similarly, in 1940–42, three "Eagle Squadrons" were composed of volunteers from the USA: No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron, later 334th Fighter Squadron USAAF; No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron, later 335th Fighter Squadron USAAF and No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron, later 336th Fighter Squadron USAAF.

Polish (300–309)[]

See also Squadrons Nos. 315–318, 663 and Polish Fighting Team (under Other)
  • No. 300 "Land of Masovia" Polish Bomber Squadron (Ziemi Mazowieckiej)
  • No. 301 "Land of Pomerania" Polish Bomber Squadron (Ziemi Pomorskiej)
  • No. 302 "City of Poznań" Polish Fighter Squadron (Poznański)
  • No. 303 "Kosciuszko" Polish Fighter Squadron (Warszawski im. Tadeusza Kościuszki)
  • No. 304 "Land of Silesia" Polish Bomber Squadron (Ziemi Śląskiej im. Ks. Józefa Poniatowskiego)
  • No. 305 "Land of Greater Poland" Polish Bomber Squadron (Ziemi Wielkopolskiej im. Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego)
  • No. 306 "City of Toruń" Polish Fighter Squadron (Toruński)
  • No. 307 "City of Lwów" Polish Fighter Squadron (Lwowskich Puchaczy)
  • No. 308 "City of Kraków" Polish Fighter Squadron (Krakowski)
  • No. 309 "Land of Czerwień" Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron (Ziemi Czerwieńskiej)

Czechoslovakian (310–313)[]

  • No. 310 (Czechoslovak) Squadron
  • No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron
  • No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron
  • No. 313 (Czechoslovak) Squadron

(Note: the RAF has never had a flying unit named 314 Squadron, although it has used the number for . A proposed 314 Squadron was allocated squadron code "UY" during the period April to September 1939,[38] but was never formed.)

Polish (315–318)[]

See also Squadrons Nos. 300–309, 663 and Polish Fighting Team (under Other)
  • No. 315 "City of Dęblin" Polish Fighter Squadron (Dębliński)
  • No. 316 "City of Warsaw" Polish Fighter Squadron (Warszawski)
  • No. 317 "City of Wilno" Polish Fighter Squadron (Wileński)
  • No. 318 "City of Gdańsk" Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron (Gdański)

Note: the RAF never had a No. 319 Squadron; the "Polish Fighting Team" was attached to No. 145 Fighter Squadron. A proposed 319 Squadron was allocated squadron codes VE for the period April to September 1939.[38] There was also 663 Artillery Observation Squadron; No. 138 Special Duty Squadron Polish Flight "C" and No. 1586 Polish Special Duty Flight.

Dutch (320–325)[]

  • No. 320 (Netherlands) Squadron
  • No. 321 (Netherlands) Squadron
  • No. 322 (Dutch) Squadron

Note: Nos. 323 to 325 Squadrons were not formed, but allocated Squadron Codes GN, PQ and EA respectively for the period April to September 1939.[38] However these numbers were used for post-war Royal Netherlands Air Force squadrons.

French (326–329)[]

See also Nos. 340–347 Squadron

Norwegian (330–334)[]

  • No. 330 Squadron RAF
  • No. 331 Squadron RAF
  • No. 332 Squadron RAF
  • No. 333 Squadron RAF
  • No. 334 Squadron RAF

Greek (335–339)[]

  • No. 335 Squadron RAF
  • No. 336 Squadron RAF

Note: Nos: 337–339 never formed,[39] but were allocated Squadron Codes OK, ML and KN respectively for the period April to September 1939.[38] The Royal Hellenic Air Force 13th Light Bomber Squadron was also under RAF command in World War II.

French (340–347)[]

See also Nos. 326–329 Squadron

Note: No. 348 Squadron was not formed,[40] but Squadron codes letters FR were allocated for the period April to September 1939.[38]

Belgian (349–350)[]

  • No. 349 Squadron RAF
  • No. 350 Squadron RAF

Yugoslavian (351–352)[]

  • No. 351 (Jugoslav) Squadron RAF
  • No. 352 (Jugoslav) Squadron RAF

Nos. 353–361[]

Note: Nos. 362–399 Squadrons were not formed.[41]

Article XV squadrons of World War II (Nos. 400–490)[]

Under Article XV of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the air forces of Australia, Canada and New Zealand formed squadrons for service under RAF operational control. Most were new formations, however some had already existed prior to the creation of Article XV and had already been operational during the war, including combat operations.

Royal Canadian Air Force (400–443)[]

  • No. 400 Squadron RCAF (City of Toronto)
  • No. 401 Squadron RCAF (Ram)
  • No. 402 Squadron RCAF (City of Winnipeg)
  • No. 403 Squadron RCAF (Wolf)
  • No. 404 Squadron RCAF (Buffalo)
  • No. 405 Squadron RCAF (Vancouver)
  • No. 406 Squadron RCAF (Lynx)
  • No. 407 Squadron RCAF (Demon)
  • No. 408 Squadron RCAF (Goose)
  • No. 409 Squadron RCAF (Nighthawk)
  • No. 410 Squadron RCAF (Cougar)
  • No. 411 Squadron RCAF (Grizzly Bear)
  • No. 412 Squadron RCAF (Falcon)
  • No. 413 Squadron RCAF (Tusker)
  • No. 414 Squadron RCAF (Sarnia Imperials)
  • No. 415 Squadron RCAF (Swordfish)
  • No. 416 Squadron RCAF (City of Oshawa)
  • No. 417 Squadron RCAF (City of Windsor)
  • No. 418 Squadron RCAF (City of Edmonton)
  • No. 419 Squadron RCAF (Moose)
  • No. 420 Squadron RCAF (Snowy Owl)
  • No. 421 Squadron RCAF (Red Indian)
  • No. 422 Squadron RCAF (Flying Yachtsman)
  • No. 423 Squadron RCAF (Bald Eagle)
  • No. 424 Squadron RCAF (Tiger)
  • No. 425 Squadron RCAF (Alouette)
  • No. 426 Squadron RCAF (Thunderbird)
  • No. 427 Squadron RCAF (Lion)
  • No. 428 Squadron RCAF (Ghost)
  • No. 429 Squadron RCAF (Bison)
  • No. 430 Squadron RCAF (City of Sudbury)
  • No. 431 Squadron RCAF (Iroquois)
  • No. 432 Squadron RCAF (Leaside)
  • No. 433 Squadron RCAF (Porcupine)
  • No. 434 Squadron RCAF (Bluenose)
  • No. 435 Squadron RCAF (Chinthe)
  • No. 436 Squadron RCAF (Elephant)
  • No. 437 Squadron RCAF (Husky)
  • No. 438 Squadron RCAF (Wildcat)
  • No. 439 Squadron RCAF (Westmount)
  • No. 440 Squadron RCAF (City of Ottawa and Beaver)
  • No. 441 Squadron RCAF (Silver Fox)
  • No. 442 Squadron RCAF (Caribou)
  • No. 443 Squadron RCAF (Hornet)

Note: Although squadron numbers 444 to 449 were also reserved for the RCAF, it did not use them during the Second World War.

Royal Australian Air Force (450–467)[]

  • No. 450 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 451 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 452 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 453 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 454 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 455 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 456 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 457 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 458 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 459 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 460 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 461 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 462 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 463 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 464 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 466 Squadron RAAF
  • No. 467 Squadron RAAF

Note: Although squadron numbers 465 and 468 to 479 were also reserved for the RAAF during the Second World War, it did not use them.

Royal New Zealand Air Force (485–490)[]

  • No. 485 Squadron RNZAF
  • No. 486 Squadron RNZAF
  • No. 487 Squadron RNZAF
  • No. 488 Squadron RNZAF
  • No. 489 Squadron RNZAF
  • No. 490 Squadron RNZAF

Note: Although the squadron numbers 491 to 499 were reserved for RNZAF units during the Second World War, no such squadrons were formed.

Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons (Nos. 500–509)[]

Formed as "Special Reserve" squadrons but absorbed into the Royal Auxiliary Air Force

  • No. 500 (County of Kent) Squadron
  • No. 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron
  • No. 502 (Ulster) Squadron
  • No. 503 (City of Lincoln) Squadron
  • No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron

Note: No. 505, 506, 507, 508 and 509 Squadrons allocated Squadron codes YF, FS, GX, DY and BQ respectively for the period April to September 1939, but were never formed.[38]

Regular RAF squadrons (Nos. 510–598)[]

Note: No No. 599 Squadron seems to have been formed.[41] There were to have been Reserve squadrons using numbers 551–566 which would have been created by adding 500 to existing Operational Training Unit designations.[42] In the event the plan was never put into effect, although there was some desultory use of some of the numbers by some of the OTUs for a short period. Despite their lack of formal activation, this block of numbers has never been re-allocated for use by other units.

Advanced Training Squadrons (550–565)[]

In the event of a German Invasion the Operational Training Units would have been re-formed into the Squadrons below, under plans as part of , formulated in Spring 1940, which were later revised as Operation Banquet. Some reserve Squadron numbers were used by their respective OTU's during operational tasks until at least May 1944.[38]

  • No. 550 Squadron RAF – Air Fighting Development Unit (Banquet)
  • – 51 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 51 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 53 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 53 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 55 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 56 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 57 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 58 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 59 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 56 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
  • – 61 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
  • – 57 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
  • – 58 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
  • – 59 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
  • – 61 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)

Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons (600–616)[]

  • No. 600 (City of London) Squadron
  • No. 601 (County of London) Squadron[43]
  • No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron
  • No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron
  • No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron
  • No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron
  • No. 606 (Chiltern) Squadron
  • No. 607 (County of Durham) Squadron
  • No. 608 (North Riding) Squadron
  • No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron
  • No. 610 (County of Chester) Squadron
  • No. 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron
  • No. 612 (County of Aberdeen) Squadron
  • No. 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron
  • No. 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron
  • No. 614A Squadron
  • No. 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron
  • No. 616 (South Yorkshire) Squadron[44]

Note: No. 606 Squadron RAF was allocated Squadron codes BG for the period April to September 1939, but was not formed.[38] A non-flying No. 606 Helicopter Support Squadron of the RAuxAF was later formed in 1999.[45]

Regular RAF squadrons (Nos. 617–650)[]

  • No. 617 Squadron RAF ("The Dambusters") (F-35B Lightning)[11])
  • No. 618 Squadron RAF
  • No. 619 Squadron RAF
  • No. 620 Squadron RAF
  • No. 621 Squadron RAF
  • No. 622 Squadron RAF
  • No. 623 Squadron RAF
  • No. 624 Squadron RAF
  • No. 625 Squadron RAF
  • No. 626 Squadron RAF
  • No. 627 Squadron RAF
  • No. 628 Squadron RAF
  • No. 630 Squadron RAF
  • No. 631 Squadron RAF
  • No. 635 Squadron RAF
  • No. 639 Squadron RAF
  • No. 640 Squadron RAF
  • No. 644 Squadron RAF
  • No. 650 Squadron RAF

Note: Nos. 629, 632–634, 636–638, 641–643 and 645–649 were never formed,[46] but some were allocated Squadron codes for the period April to September 1939 – 629 (LQ), 632 (LO), 636 (VZ), 637 (UK), 638 (PZ), 641 (EV), 645 (KF), 646 (YG), 647 (ZS), 648 (YT) and 649 (HA).[38] However a fictitious "633 Squadron" was featured in the eponymous novel and film. In addition, a fictitious 641 Squadron featured in the film "Mosquito Squadron". Also, RAF Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (formerly Volunteer Gliding Schools until 2005) have been numbered in the range 611 to 671 since 1955.

Air Observation Post squadrons[]

These squadrons were formed during the Second World War to perform artillery spotting and liaison roles, in co-operation with Army units. Most AOP squadron aircrew were provided by the Army. Nos. 661–664 and 666 Squadron were re-formed as Royal Auxiliary Air Force units in 1949. Nos. 651, 652 and 656 Squadron were transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1957.[47]

  • No. 651 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 652 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 653 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 654 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 655 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 656 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 657 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 658 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 659 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 660 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 661 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 662 (AOP) Squadron RAF
  • No. 663 (AOP) Squadron RAF (Polish)
  • No. 664 (AOP) Squadron RCAF (Canadian) – reformed in 1949 as No. 664 Squadron RAuxAF
  • No. 665 (AOP) Squadron RCAF (Canadian)
  • No. 666 (AOP) Squadron RCAF (Canadian) – reformed in 1949 as No. 666 Squadron RAuxAF

Regular RAF squadrons (Nos. 667–695)[]

Note: Nos. 693–694 and 696–699 Squadrons were never formed.[46]

Fleet Air Arm squadrons[]

Main article: List of Fleet Air Arm aircraft squadrons

While still under the control of the RAF, flights of the Fleet Air Arm were organized into squadrons with numbers in the 700 and 800 range. The range 700 to 750 had been previously used for Fleet Air Arm Catapult Flight numbers.[48]

  • No. 712 Squadron
  • No. 715 Squadron
  • No. 718 Squadron
  • No. 800 Squadron
  • No. 801 Squadron
  • No. 802 Squadron
  • No. 803 Squadron
  • No. 810 Squadron
  • No. 811 Squadron
  • No. 812 Squadron
  • No. 813 Squadron
  • No. 814 Squadron
  • No. 820 Squadron
  • No. 821 Squadron
  • No. 822 Squadron
  • No. 823 Squadron
  • No. 824 Squadron
  • No. 825 Squadron

These squadrons were transferred to the Royal Navy in 1939, becoming Naval Air Squadrons (NAS).[49] The 700 and 800 range of squadron numbers continued to be used by the Royal Navy for newly formed Naval Air Squadrons.

Training Depot Stations[]

Training Depot Stations (TDS) were still in use after the formation of the RAF in 1918.[50]

  • No. 5 Training Depot Station
  • No. 8 Training Depot Station
  • No. 9 Training Depot Station
  • No. 15 Training Depot Station
  • No. 28 Training Depot Station
  • No. 34 Training Depot Station
  • No. 38 Training Depot Station
  • No. 40 Training Depot Station
  • No. 49 Training Depot Station
  • No. 59 Training Depot Station
  • No. 98 Depot Squadron
  • No. 99 Depot Squadron
  • No. 210 Training Depot Station

University Air Squadrons[]

Main article: University Air Squadron

The majority of Universities in the United Kingdom are, or have been, represented by University Air Squadrons where under-graduates can sample the Royal Air Force and learn to fly, as well as take advantage of scholarship schemes. They operate the Tutor T.1.

  • Aberdeen University Air Squadron
  • Aberystwyth University Air Squadron
  • Aberdeen, Dundee and St. Andrews University Air Squadron
  • Belfast University Air Squadron
  • Birmingham University Air Squadron
  • Bristol University Air Squadron - (RAF Colerne)
  • Cambridge University Air Squadron - (RAF Wittering)
  • Cardiff University Air Squadron
  • Derby University Air Squadron
  • Durham University Air Squadron
  • East Lowlands University Air Squadron
  • East Midlands University Air Squadron - (RAFC Cranwell)
  • East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron - (Glasgow Airport)
  • Edinburgh University Air Squadron
  • Exeter University Air Squadron
  • Glasgow University Air Squadron
  • Hull University Air Squadron
  • Leeds University Air Squadron
  • Liverpool University Air Squadron - (RAF Woodvale)
  • London University Air Squadron - (RAF Wittering)
  • Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron - (RAF Woodvale)
  • Manchester University Air Squadron
  • Northern Ireland University Air Squadron - (JHFS Aldergrove)
  • Northumbrian Universities Air Squadron - (RAF Leeming)
  • Nottingham University Air Squadron
  • Oxford University Air Squadron - (RAF Benson)
  • Perth University Air Squadron
  • Queen's University Air Squadron
  • St. Andrews University Air Squadron
  • St. Andrews and Dundee Universities Air Squadron
  • Southampton University Air Squadron - (MOD Boscombe Down)
  • Swansea University Air Squadron
  • Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron - (Leuchars Station)
  • University of Birmingham Air Squadron - (RAF Cosford)
  • University of Liverpool Air Squadron
  • University of London Air Squadron - (RAF Wittering)
  • University of Wales Air Squadron - (MOD St Athan)
  • Wales University Air Squadron
  • Wolverhampton University Air Squadron
  • Yatesbury University Air Squadron
  • Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron - (RAF Linton-on-Ouse)

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons[]

Main article: Volunteer Gliding Squadron

Initially formed as Volunteer Gliding Schools, these squadrons retained their gliding school numbers when reformed as squadrons. Conflicts with the main Squadron numbers resolved by the VGS suffix. These Squadrons operate the Viking TX.1 glider.

  • 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 102 GS
  • 612 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 104 GS
  • 613 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 122 GS
  • 614 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 142 GS, 146 GS and 147 GS - (MDPGA Wethersfield)
  • 615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 141 GS and 168 GS - (RAF Kenley)
  • 616 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 106 GS
  • 617 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
  • 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 146 GS and 168 GS
  • 621 Volunteer Gliding Squadron - (RAF Hullavington)
  • 622 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 89 GS - (Trenchard Lines)
  • 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 84 GS
  • 625 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 83 GS
  • 626 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 82 GS - (RNAS Predannack)
  • 631 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 186 GS - (RAF Woodvale)
  • 632 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 45 GS - (RAF Ternhill)
  • 633 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
  • 634 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 68 GS
  • 635 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
  • 636 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
  • 637 Volunteer Gliding Squadron - (RAF Little Rissington)
  • 642 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 23 GS
  • 643 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 107 EGS (merged with 644 VGS)
  • 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 29 EGS - (RAF Syerston)
  • 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 26 GS - (RAF Topcliffe)
  • 661 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 1 EGS - (RAF Kirknewton)
  • 662 Volunteer Gliding Squadron formerly 2 GS and 5 GS
  • 663 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
  • 664 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
  • HQ No. 2 Flying Training School RAF - (RAF Syerston)
  • Central Gliding School - (RAF Syerston)

    • Independent Flights[]

    The RAF maintains a number of independent flights, some on a permanent basis, others on an ad-hoc basis as required. For a full list, see List of Royal Air Force aircraft independent flights.

    • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - 6 x Spitfire (various Marks), 2 x Hurricane, 1 x Lancaster, 1 x Dakota, 2 x Chipmunk - (RAF Coningsby)
    • 1310 Flight - 2 x Chinook HC.2s - (RAF Mount Pleasant)
    • 1312 Flight - 1 x Voyager KC.2, 1 x Hercules C.3 - (RAF Mount Pleasant)
    • 1435 Flight - 4 x Typhoon FGR.4 - (RAF Mount Pleasant)

    Air Experience Flights[]

    These units are co-located with UAS units (or regular Air Force units) to pool resources and share aircraft. Air Experience Flights provide flying experience to Royal Air Force Air Cadets and other air-minded youth groups such as Air Scouts and the Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets.

    • No. 1 Air Experience Flight - (MOD St Athan) - Wales UAS
    • No. 2 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Boscombe Down) - Southampton UAS
    • No. 3 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Colerne) - Bristol UAS
    • No. 4 Air Experience Flight - (Glasgow Airport) - Glasgow & Strathclyde UAS
    • No. 5 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Wittering) - London/Cambridge/East Midlands UAS
    • No. 6 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Benson) - Oxford UAS
    • No. 7 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Cranwell) - East Midlands UAS
    • No. 8 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Cosford) - Birmingham UAS
    • No. 9 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Leeming) - Yorkshire UAS
    • No. 10 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Woodvale) - Liverpool/Manchester UAS
    • No. 11 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Leeming) - Northumbrian UAS
    • No. 12 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Leuchars) - East of Scotland UAS

    Dormant Squadrons[]

    RAF College Cranwell stores some Standards for disbanded Squadrons that have the potential to be re-activated in the future, preserving the heritage of historic units. Once a Squadron Standard is 'laid up' in a place of worship, upon the disbandment of the Squadron, that Standard can no longer be reactivated. Many UK churches have Standards from the RAF following a service of Disbandment. However, some Squadrons choose to lay up their Standards in College Hall at RAF Cranwell, the spiritual home of the RAF, and may be reactivated as active Squadrons in the future. Old disbanded squadrons that have laid up their Standards can be presented new Standards to reactivate them, but this is currently extremely rare.

    Squadron Standards (and their last operated aircraft) that are on display in the College Hall Rotunda in order of seniority[51] are:

    • No. 31 Squadron Tornado GR.4 (to be reformed as a General Atomics Protector RG1 squadron)[52]
    • No. V (Army Cooperation) Squadron Sentinel R1[53]
    • No. 111 Squadron Tornado F.3
    • No. XV Squadron Tornado GR.4
    • No. 42 Squadron Nimrod MR.2
    • No. 50 Squadron Vulcan B.2/K.2
    • No. 74 Squadron Hawk T.1
    • No. 44 Squadron Vulcan B.2
    • No. 3 Squadron RAF Regiment
    • No. 58 Squadron RAF Regiment

    Other Squadrons[]

    The Royal Air force and Royal flying corps has always comprised a certain number of non-numbered Squadrons to fulfil special duties, experimental or one-off tasks.

    • Ferry Squadron
    • Ferry Support Squadron
    • Glider Exercise Squadron
    • - See No. 6 Flying Training School RAF
    • - See No. 6 Flying Training School RAF
    • Service Ferry Squadron
    • Service Ferry Training Squadron
    • No. 1435 Squadron RAF
    • - See No. 4 Flying Training School RAF
    • - See No. 4 Flying Training School RAF

    Communication Squadrons[]

    Main article: List of Royal Air Force Communication units

    To allow rapid transport of Air Officers, staff and other important people many units and Headquarters operated communication Sections, Flights, Squadrons or wings.

    Barrage Balloon Squadrons of the Auxiliary Air Force[]

    [54]

    Squadron codes[]

    Main article: List of RAF Squadron Codes

    Most units of the Royal Air Force are identified by alphabetical (or similar) characters, known as a "squadron code", that is painted on all aircraft belonging to that unit. When individual units are assigned unusually large numbers of aircraft, multiple squadron codes have been used.

    Other air forces, especially those from other Commonwealth countries, have often used similar systems of identification. During the Second World War, when units from other air forces were attached to the RAF – such as the Article XV squadrons (also known as "400 series squadrons") – their squadron codes were often changed, to avoid confusion with RAF units.

    Historically, the codes have usually been two letters of the alphabet, painted on the rear fuselage next to the RAF roundel. These formed a suffix or prefix to the call sign of each aircraft (on the other side of the roundel) which was usually a single letter (e. g. "G for George"). In general, when an aircraft is lost or withdrawn from use, its call sign has been applied to its replacement or another aircraft.

    See also[]

    Notes[]

    1. ^ Why do some Squadrons have letter after their number? – PPRuNe
    2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h "Typhoon FGR4". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    3. ^ Jump up to: a b "Hawk T2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    4. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Chinook". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    5. ^ "E-3D". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    6. ^ Jump up to: a b "Voyager". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    7. ^ "12 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    8. ^ Jump up to: a b "MQ-9A Reaper". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    9. ^ "Shadow R1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    10. ^ Jump up to: a b "Tutor T1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    11. ^ Jump up to: a b "F-35B Lightning". New RAF website. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
    12. ^ "22 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    13. ^ "The space domain and UK security". ADS Advance. 6 January 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
    14. ^ "XXIV Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    15. ^ "28 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    16. ^ "32 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    17. ^ Jump up to: a b "Puma HC2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    18. ^ "1st Phenom flight under military register for UK military flying training system". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    19. ^ "C-130J Hercules". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    20. ^ "RC-135W Rivet Joint". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    21. ^ "54 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    22. ^ "56 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    23. ^ "LVIII Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
    24. ^ "120TP Prefect". New RAF website. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
    25. ^ Curtis, Howard J. (2019). Military Aircraft Markings 2019. Manchester: Crécy Publishing Ltd. p. 104. ISBN 9781910809204.
    26. ^ "LXX Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
    27. ^ "72 Squadron 'Stood Up' at RAF Valley". DefPost. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    28. ^ "Griffin HAR2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    29. ^ "92 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    30. ^ "C-17 Globemaster III". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    31. ^ "Hawk T1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    32. ^ "120 Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
    33. ^ See RAF Eagle Squadrons
    34. ^ Curtis, Howard J. (2019). Military Aircraft Markings 2019. Manchester: Crécy Publishing Ltd. p. 105. ISBN 9781910809204.
    35. ^ "206 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    36. ^ "Second Lightning Fight Jet Squadron Arrives In UK". www.raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    37. ^ Jennings, Gareth (31 March 2020). "UK stands-up 'swarming drones' development unit". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
    38. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Lake, Alan (1999). Flying units of the RAF. Airlife Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84037-086-7.
    39. ^ Axis History Forum: RAF Unit Numbers query?
    40. ^ No 330 – 352 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 23 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
    41. ^ Jump up to: a b Axis History Forum • View topic – RAF Unit Numbers query?
    42. ^ "No 541 – 598 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority". Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
    43. ^ "601 Squadron RAuxAF". Official RAF Website. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
    44. ^ "Royal Air Force".
    45. ^ "No 605 – 610 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority". Archived from the original on 2 September 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
    46. ^ Jump up to: a b The Royal Air Force – History Section
    47. ^ No 651 – 670 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 31 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
    48. ^ "FleetAirArmArchive.net". Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
    49. ^ No 712 – 825 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 12 January 2003 at the Wayback Machine
    50. ^ "RAF Museum".
    51. ^ "As of 1 August 2019, the 30 senior dormant RAF flying squadrons are" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
    52. ^ "#FINale – 31 Squadron Standard retires to RAF College Cranwell". Royal Air Force. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
    53. ^ "Royal Air Force bids farewell to V(AC) Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 1 April 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
    54. ^ RAF Squadrons 901 – 980, Air of Authority Archived 11 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine

    References[]

    • Halley, James J. The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force & Commonwealth 1918–1988. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1988. ISBN 0-85130-164-9.
    • Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912. Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988 (second edition 2001). ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
    • Lake, Alan. "Flying Units of the RAF".Airlife Publishing. Shrewsbury. 1999. ISBN 1-84037-086-6

    External links[]

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