673 Sqn AAC

673 Squadron Army Air Corps conducts Conversion to Type training on the Apache aircraft for both newly qualified and experienced Army pilots, who then go on to their respective regiments to complete their combat training.

673 Squadron Army Air Corps

Cavere Primae Tenebrae

673 Squadron Army Air Corps (673 Sqn AAC) is part of 7 (Training) Regiment Army Air Corps (7 (Trg) Regt AAC). This Squadron is located at the Army Aviation Centre (AACen), Middle Wallop, co-located with 670 Sqn AAC and 671 Sqn AAC.

The Squadron badge is a black panther.

673 Squadron was formerly part of 344 Wing Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Airborne Assault Force, a glider squadron role, during the latter half of the Second World War.

Training

673 Sqn AAC is the Attack Helicopter Training Squadron of the Corps. The role of the Squadron is to conduct Conversion to Type training on the Apache helicopter for both newly qualified and experienced Army pilots. Once this training is complete pilots are posted to their respective regiments to complete their combat training.

The Squadron also conducts Qualified Helicopter Instructor training as well as refresher training for qualified pilots after non-flying tours of duty. The Apache AH Mk1, powered by Rolls Royce engines and fitted with the Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (HIDAS) for self-protection is the British Army's first dedicated Attack Helicopter.

Squadron History

673 Squadron was formed up as part of 344 Wing RAF on 1 January 1945 at Bikram, India, as a glider squadron with the intention of being used for airborne operations by South East Asia Command. 344 Wing was comprised of three Squadrons:

671 Sqn - formed at Bikram on 31 Dec 44, disbanded 25 Oct 45
672 Sqn - formed at Bikram on 16 Nov 44, disbanded 1 Jul 46
673 Sqn - formed at Bikram on 1 Jan 45, disbanded 25 Oct 45

673 Squadron continued to train, as part of No. 344 Wing, until the surrender of Japan when it became surplus to requirement. Both 343 and 344 Wing were never used in operations and were disbanded between October 1945 and July 1946. The majority of the manpower transferred to 670 Squadron, part of 343 Wing , prior to returning back to the United Kingdom via Palestine.

On 1 April 2003 673 Squadron was reformed for Attack Helicopter Training at the School of Army Aviation, Middle Wallop, subsequently retitled the Army Aviation Centre on 1 August 2009.