Army Air Corps
The Army Air Corps is the smallest of the three combat arms in the Army, but its fleet of helicopters makes it one of the most potent. Providing firepower from the skies, it has a unique role to play on the modern battlefield by delivering hard-hitting support to ground forces during the key stages of a battle.
The Army Air Corps operates alongside the other two Combat Arms (Infantry and Royal Armoured Corps) and the Special Forces,engaging in direct contact with the enemy.
Army Aviation is employed in five roles on the battlefield. These are:
Offensive action - the application of firepower and manoeuvre in order to defeat the enemy.
Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) - the use of Army Aviation to gather information using optical and electronic devices.
Control and direction of firepower - Army Aviation can rapidly move to observe enemy forces and engage with other weapon systems such as Fighter Ground Attack, Main Battle Tanks, Artillery and mortars, land based rocket systems or even Naval Fire Support Systems.
Command support - providing the capability for commanders to move around quickly.
Movement of personnel and materiel - the support to specialist operations, helicopter medical evacuation and delivery of vital equipment.
The opportunities offered in the Army Air Corps, both in the air and on the ground, are as varied as its role.
The Army Air Corps in action