List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons
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.
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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 The policy of the (Reserve) numberplate was rescinded in February 2018, to coincide with the renaming of 22 (Training) Group to just 22 Group in line with other RAF Groups.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 (Sentinel R1)[4]
- No. 6 Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
- No. 7 Squadron RAF (Chinook HC4)[5]
- No. 8 Squadron RAF (Sentry AEW1)[6]
- No. IX (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
- No. 10 Squadron RAF (Voyager KC2/KC3)[7]
- No. XI (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Typhoon FGR4)[2]
- No. 12 (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Typhoon T3 and FGR4)[8]
- No. 13 Squadron RAF (MQ-9A Reaper)[9]
- No. 14 Squadron RAF (Shadow R1)[10]
- No. XV Squadron
- No. 16 Squadron RAF (Tutor T1)[11]
- No. XVII Test and Evalution Squadron RAF (F-35B Lightning)[12]
- No. 18 (Bomber) Squadron (Chinook HC2)[5]
- No. 19 Squadron RAF
- No. 20 Squadron RAF
- No. 21 Squadron RAF
- No. 22 Squadron RAF (Joint Helicopter Command OEU)[13]
- No. 23 Squadron RAF
- 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)[5]
- 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)[9]
- 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
- No. 51 Squadron RAF (RC-135W Rivet Joint)[20]
- No. 52 Squadron RAF
- No. 53 Squadron RAF
- No. 54 Squadron RAF (Sentry/Sentinel/Rivet Joint/Reaper ISTAR OCU)[21]
- No. 55 Squadron RAF
- No. 56 (Punjab) Squadron RAF (Air C2ISR Test & Evaluation Squadron) The Firebirds[22]
- No. LVII Squadron RAF[23] (Prefect T1)[24]
- No. 58 Squadron RAF
- No. 59 Squadron RAF
- No. 60 Squadron RAF (Juno HT1)[25]
- No. 61 Squadron RAF
- No. 62 Squadron RAF
- No. 63 Squadron RAF
- No. 64 Squadron RAF
- No. 65 (East India) Squadron RAF
- No. 66 Squadron RAF
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
- 1916–18: No. 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps
- From 1941: No. 67 Squadron RAF
- No. 68 Squadron
- 1916–18: No. 2 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps
- From 1941: No. 68 Squadron RAF
- No. 69 Squadron RAF
- 1916–18: No. 3 Squadron Australian Flying Corps
- From 1941: 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
- No. 72 (Basutoland) Squadron RAF (Texan T1)[27]
- No. 73 Squadron RAF
- No. 74 (Trinidad) Squadron RAF
- No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF
- No. 76 Squadron RAF
- No. 77 Squadron RAF
- No. 78 Squadron RAF
- No. 79 (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF
- No. 80 Squadron RAF
- No. 81 Squadron RAF
- No. 82 (United Provinces) Squadron RAF
- No. 83 Squadron RAF
- No. 84 Squadron RAF (Griffin HAR2)[28]
- No. 85 Squadron RAF
- No. 86 Squadron RAF
- No. 87 (United Provinces) Squadron RAF
- No. 88 (Hong Kong) Squadron RAF
- No. 89 Squadron RAF
- No. 90 Squadron RAF
- No. 91 (Nigeria) Squadron RAF
- No. 92 (East India) Squadron RAF Tactics and Training Squadron[29]
- No. 93 Squadron RAF
- No. 94 Squadron RAF
- No. 95 Squadron RAF
- No. 96 Squadron RAF
- No. 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron RAF
- No. 98 Squadron RAF
- No. 99 (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF (C-17 Globemaster)[30]
- No. 100 Squadron RAF (Hawk T1)[31]
Nos. 101–150
- No. 101 Squadron RAF (Voyager KC2/KC3)[7]
- No. 102 (Ceylon) Squadron RAF
- No. 103 Squadron RAF
- No. 104 Squadron RAF
- No. 105 Squadron RAF
- No. 106 Squadron RAF
- No. 107 Squadron RAF
- No. 108 Squadron RAF
- No. 109 Squadron RAF
- No. 110 (Hyderabad) Squadron RAF
- No. 111 Squadron RAF
- No. 112 Squadron RAF
- No. 113 Squadron RAF
- No. 114 (Hong Kong) Squadron RAF
- No. 115 Squadron RAF (Tutor T1)[11]
- No. 116 Squadron RAF
- No. 117 Squadron RAF
- No. 118 Squadron RAF
- No. 119 Squadron RAF
- No. 120 Squadron RAF (Poseidon MRA1)[32]
- No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron RAF later 335th Fighter Squadron USAAF[33]
- No. 122 (Bombay) Squadron RAF
- No. 123 (East India) Squadron RAF
- No. 124 (Baroda) Squadron RAF
- No. 125 (Newfoundland) Squadron RAF
- No. 126 (Persian Gulf) Squadron RAF
- No. 127 Squadron RAF
- No. 128 Squadron RAF
- No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron RAF
- No. 130 (Punjab) Squadron RAF
- No. 131 (County of Kent) Squadron RAF
- No. 132 (City of Bombay) Squadron RAF
- No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron
- No. 134 Squadron RAF
- No. 135 Squadron RAF
- No. 136 Squadron RAF
- No. 137 Squadron RAF
- No. 138 Squadron RAF
- No. 139 (Jamaica) Squadron RAF
- No. 140 Squadron RAF
- No. 141 Squadron RAF
- No. 142 Squadron RAF
- No. 143 Squadron RAF
- No. 144 Squadron RAF
- No. 145 Squadron RAF
- No. 146 Squadron RAF
- No. 147 Squadron RAF
- No. 148 Squadron RAF
- No. 149 (East India) Squadron
- No. 150 Squadron RAF
Nos. 151–200
- No. 151 Squadron RAF
- No. 152 (Hyderabad) Squadron RAF
- No. 153 Squadron RAF
- No. 154 (Motor Industries) Squadron RAF
- No. 155 Squadron RAF
- No. 156 Squadron RAF
- No. 157 Squadron RAF
- No. 158 Squadron RAF
- No. 159 Squadron RAF
- No. 160 Squadron RAF
- No. 161 Squadron RAF
- No. 162 Squadron RAF
- No. 163 Squadron RAF
- No. 164 (Argentine British) Squadron RAF
- No. 165 (Ceylon) Squadron RAF
- No. 166 Squadron RAF
- No. 167 (Gold Coast) Squadron RAF
- No. 168 Squadron RAF
- No. 169 Squadron RAF
- No. 170 Squadron RAF
- No. 171 Squadron RAF
- No. 172 Squadron RAF
- No. 173 Squadron RAF
- No. 174 (Mauritius) Squadron RAF
- No. 175 Squadron RAF
- No. 176 Squadron RAF
- No. 177 Squadron RAF
- No. 178 Squadron RAF
- No. 179 Squadron RAF
- No. 180 Squadron RAF
- No. 181 Squadron RAF
- No. 182 Squadron RAF
- No. 183 (Gold Coast) Squadron RAF
- No. 184 Squadron RAF
- No. 185 Squadron RAF
- No. 186 Squadron RAF
- No. 187 Squadron RAF
- No. 188 Squadron RAF
- No. 189 Squadron RAF
- No. 190 Squadron RAF
- No. 191 Squadron RAF
- No. 192 Squadron RAF
- No. 193 (Fellowship of the Bellows) Squadron RAF
- No. 194 Squadron RAF
- No. 195 Squadron RAF
- No. 196 Squadron RAF
- No. 197 Squadron RAF
- No. 198 Squadron RAF
- No. 199 Squadron RAF
- No. 200 Squadron RAF
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
- No. 251 Squadron RAF
- No. 252 Squadron RAF
- No. 253 (Hyderabad State) Squadron RAF
- No. 254 Squadron RAF
- No. 255 Squadron RAF
- No. 256 Squadron RAF
- No. 257 (Burma) Squadron RAF
- No. 258 Squadron RAF
- No. 259 Squadron RAF
- No. 260 Squadron RAF
- No. 261 Squadron RAF
- No. 262 Squadron RAF
- No. 263 (Fellowship of the Bellows) Squadron RAF
- No. 264 (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF
- No. 265 Squadron RAF
- No. 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF
- No. 267 (Malta) Squadron RAF
- No. 268 Squadron RAF
- No. 269 Squadron RAF
- No. 270 Squadron RAF
- No. 271 Squadron RAF
- No. 272 Squadron RAF
- No. 273 Squadron RAF
- No. 274 Squadron RAF
- No. 275 Squadron RAF
- No. 276 Squadron RAF
- No. 277 Squadron RAF
- No. 278 Squadron RAF
- No. 279 Squadron RAF
- No. 280 Squadron RAF
- No. 281 Squadron RAF
- No. 282 Squadron RAF
- No. 283 Squadron RAF
- No. 284 Squadron RAF
- No. 285 Squadron RAF
- No. 286 Squadron RAF
- No. 287 Squadron RAF
- No. 288 Squadron RAF
- No. 289 Squadron RAF
- No. 290 Squadron RAF
- No. 291 Squadron RAF
- No. 292 Squadron RAF
- No. 293 Squadron RAF
- No. 294 Squadron RAF
- No. 295 Squadron RAF
- No. 296 Squadron RAF
- No. 297 Squadron RAF
- No. 298 Squadron RAF
- No. 299 Squadron RAF
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)
(Note: the RAF has never had a flying unit named 314 Squadron, although it has used the number for No. 314 Technical Services Unit. 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)
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)
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
- No. 326 (GC 2/7 Nice)
- No. 327 (GC 1/3 Corse)
- No. 328 (GC 1/7 Provence)
- No. 329 (GC 1/2 Cigognes)
Norwegian (330–334)
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)
Yugoslavian (351–352)
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)
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
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)
- No. 510 Squadron RAF
- No. 511 Squadron RAF
- No. 512 Squadron RAF
- No. 513 Squadron RAF
- No. 514 Squadron RAF
- No. 515 Squadron RAF
- No. 516 Squadron RAF
- No. 517 Squadron RAF
- No. 518 Squadron RAF
- No. 519 Squadron RAF
- No. 520 Squadron RAF
- No. 521 Squadron RAF
- No. 524 Squadron RAF
- No. 525 Squadron RAF
- No. 526 Squadron RAF
- No. 527 Squadron RAF
- No. 528 Squadron RAF
- No. 529 Squadron RAF
- No. 530 Squadron RAF
- No. 531 Squadron RAF
- No. 532 Squadron RAF
- No. 533 Squadron RAF
- No. 534 Squadron RAF
- No. 535 Squadron RAF
- No. 536 Squadron RAF
- No. 537 Squadron RAF
- No. 538 Squadron RAF
- No. 539 Squadron RAF
- No. 540 Squadron RAF
- No. 541 Squadron RAF
- No. 542 Squadron RAF
- No. 543 Squadron RAF
- No. 544 Squadron RAF
- No. 547 Squadron RAF
- No. 548 Squadron RAF
- No. 549 Squadron RAF
- No. 550 Squadron RAF
- No. 567 Squadron RAF
- No. 569 Squadron RAF
- No. 570 Squadron RAF
- No. 571 Squadron RAF
- No. 575 Squadron RAF
- No. 576 Squadron RAF
- No. 577 Squadron RAF
- No. 578 Squadron RAF
- No. 582 Squadron RAF
- No. 586 Squadron RAF
- No. 587 Squadron RAF
- No. 595 Squadron RAF
- No. 597 Squadron RAF
- No. 598 Squadron RAF
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 Operation Saracen, 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)
- No. 551 Squadron RAF – 51 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 552 Squadron RAF – 51 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 553 Squadron RAF – 53 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 554 Squadron RAF – 53 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 555 Squadron RAF – 55 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 556 Squadron RAF – 56 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 557 Squadron RAF – 57 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 558 Squadron RAF – 58 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 559 Squadron RAF – 59 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 560 Squadron RAF – 56 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
- No. 561 Squadron RAF – 61 Operational Training Unit (Saracen and Banquet)
- No. 562 Squadron RAF – 57 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
- No. 563 Squadron RAF – 58 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
- No. 564 Squadron RAF – 59 Operational Training Unit (Banquet)
- No. 565 Squadron RAF – 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)[12])
- 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)
- No. 667 Squadron RAF
- No. 668 Squadron RAF
- No. 669 Squadron RAF
- No. 670 Squadron RAF
- No. 671 Squadron RAF
- No. 672 Squadron RAF
- No. 673 Squadron RAF
- No. 679 Squadron RAF
- No. 680 Squadron RAF
- No. 681 Squadron RAF
- No. 682 Squadron RAF
- No. 683 Squadron RAF
- No. 684 Squadron RAF
- No. 691 Squadron RAF
- No. 692 (Fellowship of the Bellows) Squadron
- No. 695 Squadron RAF
Note: Nos. 693–694 and 696–699 Squadrons were never formed.[46]
Fleet Air Arm 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. 1 Training Depot Station
- No. 2 Training Depot Station
- No. 3 Training Depot Station
- No. 4 Training Depot Station
- No. 5 Training Depot Station
- No. 6 Training Depot Station
- No. 7 Training Depot Station
- No. 8 Training Depot Station
- No. 9 Training Depot Station
- No. 10 Training Depot Station
- No. 11 Training Depot Station
- No. 12 Training Depot Station
- No. 13 Training Depot Station
- No. 14 Training Depot Station
- No. 15 Training Depot Station
- No. 16 Training Depot Station
- No. 17 Training Depot Station
- No. 18 Training Depot Station
- No. 19 Training Depot Station
- No. 20 Training Depot Station
- No. 21 Training Depot Station
- No. 22 Training Depot Station
- No. 23 Training Depot Station
- No. 24 Training Depot Station
- No. 25 Training Depot Station
- No. 26 Training Depot Station
- No. 27 Training Depot Station
- No. 28 Training Depot Station
- No. 29 Training Depot Station
- No. 30 Training Depot Station
- No. 31 Training Depot Station
- No. 32 Training Depot Station
- No. 33 Training Depot Station
- No. 34 Training Depot Station
- No. 35 Training Depot Station
- No. 36 Training Depot Station
- No. 37 Training Depot Station
- No. 38 Training Depot Station
- No. 39 Training Depot Station
- No. 40 Training Depot Station
- No. 41 Training Depot Station
- No. 42 Training Depot Station
- No. 43 Training Depot Station
- No. 44 Training Depot Station
- No. 45 Training Depot Station
- No. 46 Training Depot Station
- No. 47 Training Depot Station
- No. 48 Training Depot Station
- No. 49 Training Depot Station
- No. 50 Training Depot Station
- No. 51 Training Depot Station
- No. 52 Training Depot Station
- No. 53 Training Depot Station
- No. 54 Training Depot Station
- No. 55 Training Depot Station
- No. 56 Training Depot Station
- No. 57 Training Depot Station
- No. 58 Training Depot Station
- No. 59 Training Depot Station
- No. 60 Training Depot Station
- No. 61 Training Depot Station
- No. 98 Depot Squadron
- No. 99 Depot Squadron
- No. 190 (Depot) Squadron
- No. 191 (Depot) Squadron
- No. 192 (Depot) Squadron
- No. 198 (Depot) Squadron
- No. 199 (Depot) Squadron
- No. 201 Training Depot Station
- No. 202 Training Depot Station
- No. 203 Training Depot Station
- No. 204 Training Depot Station
- No. 205 Training Depot Station
- No. 206 Training Depot Station
- No. 207 Training Depot Station
- No. 208 (Temporary) Training Depot Station
- No. 209 (Seaplane) Training Depot Station
- No. 210 Training Depot Station
- No. 211 Training Depot Station
- No. 212 Training Depot Station
- No. 213 Training Depot Station
University Air Squadrons
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
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)
- No. 8 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Cosford) - Birmingham UAS
- No. 9 Air Experience Flight - (RAF Linton-on-Ouse) - 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 are:
- No. XV Squadron Tornado GR.4
- No. 23 Squadron Sentry AEW.1 (to be reformed as a 'Space Squadron')[51]
- No. 31 Squadron Tornado GR.4 (to be reformed as a General Atomics Protector RG1 squadron)[52]
- No. 42 Squadron Nimrod MR.2
- No. 44 Squadron Vulcan B.2
- No. 50 Squadron Vulcan B.2/K.2
- No. 58 Squadron Hunter F.8
- No. 74 Squadron Hawk T.1
- No. 111 Squadron Tornado F.3
- No. 3 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.
- Air Command Southeast Asia (Internal Air Service) Squadron
- Air Council Inspection Squadron
- Air Despatch Letter Service Squadron
- Air Training Squadron
- All-Weather Development Squadron
- All-Weather Fighter Combat Squadron
- Andover Training Squadron
- Antler Squadron
- Arrow Squadron
- Artillery Co-operation Squadron
- Auxiliary Fighter Squadron (Malaya)
- Auxiliary Fighter Squadron (Singapore)
- Singapore Squadron
- B-29 Training Squadron
- Burmese Conversion Squadron
- Composite Fighting Squadron
- Composite Royal Naval Air service/Royal Flying Corps Squadron
- Communications Electronics Basic Training Squadron
- Demonstration Squadron
- Development Squadron, Gosport
- Elementary Flying Training Squadron
- Experimental Armament Squadron
- Far East Air Force Examining Squadron
- Far East Air Force Training Squadron
- Ferry Squadron
- Ferry Support Squadron
- Floatplane Training Squadron
- Flying Selection Squadron
- Glider Exercise Squadron
- Glider Training Squadron
- Ground Controlled Approach Squadron
- Guided Weapons Development Squadron
- No.1 Guided Weapons Trials Squadron
- Headquarters Service Ferry Pools/Squadron
- Home Defence Squadron
- Hong Kong Auxiliary Squadron
- Hong Kong Fighter Squadron
- Javelin Instrument Rating Squadron
- Joint Trials and Training Squadron
- Kuala Lumpur Fighter Squadron
- Kuala Lumpur Squadron
- Low Level and Air Defence Training Squadron - See No. 6 Flying Training School RAF
- Low Flying Operations Squadron
- Multi-Engine Training Squadron - See No. 6 Flying Training School RAF
- Nimrod Line Squadron
- Offensive Support Role Support Squadron
- Parachute Exercise Squadron
- Penang Squadron
- Penang Fighter Squadron
- Radar Research Squadron
- Refresher Flying Squadron
- Reserve Training Squadron
- Royal Air Force College Air Squadron
- Royal Naval Fighter Squadron
- Seaplane Squadron, Alexandria
- Seaplane Squadron, Port Said
- Seaplane Training Squadron
- Sentry Training Squadron
- Service Ferry Squadron
- Service Ferry Training Squadron
- Signals Command Development Squadron
- Signals Squadron
- Southeast Asia (Internal Air Service) Squadron
- Special Installation Squadron
- Special Transport Squadron
- No. 1 Torpedo Training Squadron
- Training Squadron, Sylt
- Western Union Examining Squadron
- UK Mobile Air Movements Squadron
- No. 1435 Squadron RAF
- 'B' Squadron
- 'B' Squadron, Aegean
- 'C' Squadron, Aegean
- 'D' Squadron, Aegean
- 'S' Squadron
- 'T' Squadron, Egypt
- 'X' (Canadian) Reserve Squadron
- 'X' Squadron
- 'X' Squadron, Egypt
- 'Y' (Canadian) Reserve Squadron
- 'Y' Squadron, Egypt - See No. 4 Flying Training School RAF
- 'Y' Squadron, Iraq - See No. 4 Flying Training School RAF
- 'Z' Squadron, Aegean
- 'Z' Squadron, Egypt
Communication Squadrons
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
- No. 901 (County of London) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 902 (County of London) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 903 (County of London) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 904 (County of Surrey) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 905 (County of Surrey) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 906 (County of Middlesex) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 907 (County of Middlesex) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 908 (County of Essex) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 909 (County of Essex) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 910 (County of Essex) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 911 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 912 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 913 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 914 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 915 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 916 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 917 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 918 (County of Derby) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 919 (West Lancashire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 920 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 921 (West Lancashire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 922 (West Lancashire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 923 (West Lancashire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 924 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 925 (East Lancashire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 926 (East Lancashire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 927 (County of Gloucester) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 928 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 929 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 930 (Hampshire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 931 (Hampshire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 932 (Hampshire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 933 (Hampshire) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 934 (County of Devon) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 935 (County of Glamorgan) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 936 (County of Northumberland) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 937 (County of Northumberland) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 936/937 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 938 (County of Northumberland) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 939 (West Riding) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 940 (West Riding) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 941 (West Riding) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 942 (East Riding) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 943 (East Riding) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 942/943 (East Riding) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 944 (East Riding) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 945 (City of Glasgow) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 946 (City of Glasgow) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 947 (City of Glasgow) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 948 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 949 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 950 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 951 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 952 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 953 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 954 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 955 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 956 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 957 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 958 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 959 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 960 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 961 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 962 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 963 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 964 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 965 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 966 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 967 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 968 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 969 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 970 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 971 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 972 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 973 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 974 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 975 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 976 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 977 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 978 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 979 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 980 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 981 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 982 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 983 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 984 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 985 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 986 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 987 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 988 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 989 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 990 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 991 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 992 (Mobile) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 993 (Mobile) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 994 (Mobile) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 995 (Mobile) Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 996 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 997 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 998 Balloon Squadron AAF
- No. 999 Balloon Squadron AAF
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
Royal Air Force
Army Air Corps
|
Fleet Air Arm
Others
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Notes
- Why do some Squadrons have letter after their number? – PPRuNe
- "Typhoon FGR4". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Hawk T2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Sentinel R1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Chinook". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "E-3D". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Voyager". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "12 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "MQ-9A Reaper". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Shadow R1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Tutor T1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "F-35B Lightning". New RAF website. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- "22 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "XXIV Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "28 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "32 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Puma HC2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "1st Phenom flight under military register for UK military flying training system". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "C-130J Hercules". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "RC-135W Rivet Joint". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "54 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "56 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "LVIII Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- "120TP Prefect". New RAF website. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
- Curtis, Howard J. (2019). Military Aircraft Markings 2019. Manchester: Crécy Publishing Ltd. p. 104. ISBN 9781910809204.
- "LXX Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- "72 Squadron 'Stood Up' at RAF Valley". DefPost. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Griffin HAR2". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "92 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "C-17 Globemaster III". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Hawk T1". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "120 Squadron". New RAF website. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- See RAF Eagle Squadrons
- Curtis, Howard J. (2019). Military Aircraft Markings 2019. Manchester: Crécy Publishing Ltd. p. 105. ISBN 9781910809204.
- "206 Squadron". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Second Lightning Fight Jet Squadron Arrives In UK". www.raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 17 July 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- Jennings, Gareth (31 March 2020). "UK stands-up 'swarming drones' development unit". Jane's 360. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- Lake, Alan (1999). Flying units of the RAF. Airlife Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84037-086-7.
- Axis History Forum: RAF Unit Numbers query?
- No 330 – 352 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 23 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- Axis History Forum • View topic – RAF Unit Numbers query?
- "No 541 – 598 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority". Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
- "601 Squadron RAuxAF". Official RAF Website. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
- https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/616-squadron-rauxaf/
- "No 605 – 610 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority". Archived from the original on 2 September 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
- The Royal Air Force – History Section
- No 651 – 670 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 31 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- "FleetAirArmArchive.net". Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
- No 712 – 825 Squadron Histories, Air of Authority Archived 12 January 2003 at the Wayback Machine
- "RAF Museum".
- Jennings, Gareth (17 July 2019). "RAF announces AEW&C, space, 'drone' test squadrons". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 17 July 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- "#FINale – 31 Squadron Standard retires to RAF College Cranwell". Royal Air Force. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
- 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