Royal Air Force

The Puma HC.Mk 2 medium support helicopter operates under Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) control. The aircraft is used in a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and stores on the battlefield, as well as the extraction of casualties and in response to medical emergencies on the frontline. It is also employed during non-combatant evacuations, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

(RAF Northolt, 23 October 2014, Frank Noort)

Since been taken into service, the Chinook fleet has seen many upgrades during the years. From HC1 to HC6 which is known as CH-47F in the rest of the world. Only models HC5, HC6 and HC6A are now being used at RAF Benson and Odiham

(Melchior Timmers)

Twelve Airbus A330 "Voyager" tanker and transport aircraft are used by the RAF at Brize Norton. The Voyager aircraft are owned by Air Tanker Ltd and jointly operated by 10sq and 101sq. Here the ZZ338 participating at the Red Flag excercise in 2019.

(Nellis AFB, 29 January 2019, Frank Noort)

The Atlas A400M is used by the RAF since 2015. 20 have now been delivered and future expansion is expected. The aircraft are used by 24, 30 and 70 squadron but do not carry squadron badges.

(RAF Coningsby, Stephan van den Krommenacker, 25 April 2018)

The majority of Typhoons at RAF Coningsby still have no squadron markings unfortunately. Hopefully that will change in the future

(RAF Coningsby 10 September 2019, Frank Noort)

41Squadron Typhoon setting of a good example and showing squadron markings

(RAF Coningsby, Pieter van Polanen)

The Embraer Phenom 100 (Phenom T Mk1) is a Multi Engine Pilot Training (MEPT) aircraft that replaced the King Air B200. It is used for both Pilot, Mission Aircrew and Airborne Specialist training. These aircraft can be found with 45 squadron at RAF Cranwell

Pieter van Polanen

Nominally based at Cranwell but operating out of nearby RAF Barkston Heath, the Grob 120 Prefect brings turboprop power, digital avionics and retractable undercarriage to elementary flying training. These features make it entirely relevant to the next stage in UK MFTS, whether students progress to the Juno helicopter, Texan II basic trainer or Phenom multi-engine platform. It will eliminate the need for students to learn glass cockpit flying later in their training and establish a digital precedent all the way to the frontline.

(Barkston Heath, Stephan van den Krommenacker, 26-04-2018)

The Joint Hawk Training Squadron, which formally started on the 24th of November 2021, will deliver advanced training to both QEAF and RAF pilots in its nine new Hawk Mk 167s, which wear Qatari national insignia but UK military serial numbers. The squadron is also known as 11 QAEF Squadron.

(BAE Warton, Oct 25, 2021, Chales Gunliffe)

The Grob Tutor T.Mk 1 is utilised by the Royal Air Force for University Air Squadron (UAS) and Air Experience Flight (AEF) elementary flying training . All UAS and AEF fall under the 6 Flying Training School, the badge visible in the tail.

(Pieter van Polanen)

All nine P-8 Poseidon aircraft have now been delivered to RAF Lossiemouth. Finally the replacement of the Nimrod is now complete after it was taken out of service in 2010.

(RAF Lossiemouth, Ian Watson 14-09-2021)

ZK378/378 Typhoon FGR4 2 Sqn is based at Lossiemouth but could be seen at the RIAT in 2018

(Fairford, 12-07-2018, Stephan van de Krommenacker)

After a few years of flying without squadron markings, some Typhoons can be seen with squadron badges and colours again. A good development! Here is one with 6sq markings.

(Manolito Jaarsma, RAF Coningsby, 18-07-2019)

FGR4 ZJ914 / 914 IX (B) Squadron RAF in its new Aggressor “Shark Grey" colour scheme taken as it taxied in at RAF Coningsby on 14 Sep 20 following its successful air test using call sign, Typhoon 101.

(Paul Thompson)

The latest addition to the RAF fighter fleet is the F-35B Lightning. Some F-35s like this one, carry a lightning bolt on their tail, some aircraft fly without. This is not however to indicate to which squadron they belong to. The pool of aircraft can be used by both 207 and 617sq.

(RAF Marham, 4 Nov 2020, Paul Thompson)

The F-35B has replaced the Harrier with its VSTOL capabilities. Here is one with all flaps expanded preparing for a vertical landing. Note that this ZM146 has no lightning symbol in its tail.

(RAF Marham 06 jun 2018, Ronald Oost)

With all but a handful of the UK’s frontline military helicopters equipped with glass cockpits, the H135 (Juno HT1) has brought helicopter training into the modern era. It also ensures continuity and a logical progression for Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps students through the UK Military Flying Training System.

(14 Sept 2020, Victor Priday)

Like the Juno HT Mk.1 (H135), the Jupiter HT Mk.1 (H145) has introduced digital technology to the helicopter training programme. The Juno and Jupiter cockpits include the very latest in Airbus Helicopters avionics which delivers enhanced safety and improved situational awareness. The type serves with 202 Squadron at RAF Valley and 60sq at RAF Benson.

(RAF Valley 22 July 2021, Paul Markman)

The Beechcraft Texan T MK1 (Texan T1) has taken over the basic fast jet training role which was fulfilled by the Tucano T.Mk 1. Students will progress onto the aircraft from the Prefect and move forwards to the Hawk T2.

(26 Feb 2019 Hywel 'Taff' Evans)

The Hawk T1 served the Air Force and Navy well for many years but an upgrade with a drastically revised airframe, glass cockpit and more power was needed to train pilots to fly the latest generation of fighter jets. This has become the Hawk T2 of which 25 are flying with number 4 and 25 squadron at RAF Valley.

(RAF Valley, Roel Reijne, July 2015)

Although the RC-135 is already in service with the USAF since 1960, the Royal Air Force took delivery of its first RC-135W "Airseeker" in 2013. The fleet consist of the ZZ664, ZZ665 and the ZZ666.

(Waddington 10/07/2018, Alex van der Goot)

Six RC-12 "Shadow" aircraft are based at RAF Waddington. Through a combination of sensors, the Shadow contributes to the comprehensive intelligence gathering of the RAF's ISTAR Force. Its output is particularly valuable to ground commanders.

(Waddington 10/07/2018, Alex van der Goot)