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WHO WE ARE

Army Air Corps

The Sky's no limit

The Army Air Corps (AAC) is the combat aviation arm of the British Army. Recognisable by their distinctive blue berets, AAC soldiers deliver firepower from battlefield helicopters and fixed wing aircraft to overwhelm and defeat enemy forces.

FACTS & FIGURES

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ACTIVE FROM

1 September 1957

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ROLE

Aviation Combat Arm

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SPECIALISM

Search and Strike

our skills

As well as using firepower to support and protect troops on the ground, the Army Air Corps acts as an eye in the sky, collecting vital intelligence on enemy forces. AAC groundcrew and aircrew work together to fly, refuel and rearm their aircraft.

  • Operating helicopters and airplanes
  • Navigation and reconnaissance 
  • Refuelling and rearming aircraft
  • Evacuating casualties and delivering supplies
  • Operating weapons from the air
  • Delivering air-to-ground communications 
  • Driving HGV and HAZMAT vehicles 
  • Transporting senior personnel 

Current Deployment

The AAC is currently deployed in operation across the world.

We have troops serving in Brunei, Northern Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, Canada and more.

Our People

Army Air Corps soldiers really do live the high life. From pilots to groundcrew and communications specialists, AAC soldiers work together to keep their aircraft in the sky – and all soldiers are actively encouraged to apply for pilot training.

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This AAC Airtrooper gained a qualification through an apprenticeship.
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This AAC Signaller now trains other soldiers in communications skills.
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This AAC Lieutenant has gained his wings and is now a pilot.

Our Location

HQ Army Air Corps

The AAC is based at HQ Army Air Corps in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

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Army Air Corps

The work’s exciting and everyone matters Kelly, 21

Our Role

Army Air Corps soldiers have been wearing the blue beret with pride since 1957. They use Army aircraft, such as the Apache attack helicopter, to deliver hard-hitting and effective support to ground forces during the key stages of battle.

The AAC’s role also includes reconnaissance. From high above the action, they observe enemy forces and pass information to troops on the ground.

This fearsome combination of manoeuvrability and firepower makes the AAC one of the most potent of the Army’s combat arms.

Past to Present

The Army Air Corps was formed in 1957 on the foundations of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadrons of the Royal Artillery and Royal Air Force. Since then, they’ve watched over the UK and taken part in combat operations across the world.

  1. 1957

    The Army Air Corps is created.

  2. 1962-67

    The AAC deploys on operations in Brunei, Borneo and Aden.

  3. 1964-2007

    The regiment takes part in Operation Banner in Northern Ireland.

  4. 1979-2007

    Further deployments in Rhodesia, Falklands, Kuwait, Balkans, Kosovo and Sierra Leone.

  5. 2002-06

    The regiment takes part in Operation Fingal and Operation Herrick in Afghanistan.

  6. 2003-11

    The AAC participates Operation Telic in Iraq and Operation Ellamy in Libya.

Our Locations

  • Army Aviation Centre

    Middle Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 8DY Contact Number: 01264 784272

  • Attack Helicopter Force

    11 Roman Road, Ipswich, IP7 7RA

  • Aviation Reconnaissance Force

    1 Regt AAC, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, BA22 8HT

  • 6 (Reserve) Regiment AAC

    RHQ, 6 Regt AAC, Blenheim Camp, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3SW Contact Number: 01284 753 407

AAC Apache - Clear for Descent!

Explore our equipment

Apache Attack Helicopter

Elite Fleet The Apache attack helicopter can operate in all weathers, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds.

Aircraft

Wildcat Mk1

Role Range of tasks include on the battlefield including reconnaissance, command and control, transportation of troops and material, and the provision of force protection

Aircraft

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British Army Wildcat helicopters arrive in Lithuania

British Army Wildcat Reconnaissance Helicopters operated by 659 Sqn, 1 Regiment Army Air Corps have begun their 2-month deployment, arriving at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania.

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Keeping helicopters at high readiness

From the heat of the desert to Arctic cold, and from the high seas to high mountains, 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team (1 Avn BCT) trains to provide helicopters for the British Army’s Global Response Force.

New Apache enters service

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