The Army Air Corps (AAC) is the aviation branch of the British Army, established in April 1918. Since then, it has seen dramatic changes and developments, from the horse-drawn airships of the pre-World War I era, to the technologically advanced aircraft of the modern era. Here, we take a look at the history of the Army Air Corps.
Establishing the Army Air Corps
The roots of the Army Air Corps can be traced back to the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, which were both established by the British Army during World War I. The two services merged in April 1918, forming the Royal Air Force (RAF). At the same time, the Army Air Corps was formed to provide an aviation branch to the British Army. This newly formed corps was initially responsible for the development and operation of all types of aircraft, including those used for reconnaissance, bombing, and ground attack.
Pre-World War I and World War I Developments
Prior to World War I, the Royal Engineers had developed the first successful powered military airship in 1911. This airship was used during the early stages of the war for reconnaissance and bombing missions. In addition, the Royal Flying Corps developed and operated both airplanes and airships for similar missions. During the war, the Army Air Corps made significant advancements in aircraft technology, including the development of the Sopwith Camel fighter plane.
Inter-War Years: Expansion and Reorganization
Following the end of World War I, the Army Air Corps saw a period of expansion and reorganization. It was expanded to include the development of aircraft for both civilian and military use. The Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps also joined forces to form the Royal Air Force Regiment, which was responsible for air defence and airfield security. Additionally, the Corps also saw the introduction of new aircraft, such as the Vickers Wellington bomber, and the Gloster Gladiator fighter plane.
World War II: Global Expansion
In the years leading up to World War II, the Army Air Corps saw a period of growth, with its aircraft playing a key role in the war effort. During the war, the Corps was heavily involved in both the Battle of Britain and the D-Day landings. Its aircraft were also used to support ground forces in many of the key battles of the war. After the war, the Corps was involved in a number of operations in the Far East, including the Malayan Emergency and the Battle of the Suez Canal.
The Korean and Cold Wars
During the Korean War and Cold War, the role of the Army Air Corps was mainly to provide air defence. During this period, the Corps moved away from its previous role as an offensive force and focused more on defensive tactics. The Corps was also responsible for the development of a range of aircraft to meet the needs of the Cold War era, including the Hawker Hunter, Lightning and Harrier fighter jets.
Vietnam War and Changes to the Corps
In the 1960s, the Army Air Corps saw a significant change in its role, with a focus on operations in the Vietnam War. During this time, the Corps was heavily involved in providing air support to the US and South Vietnamese forces on the ground. It was also responsible for the introduction of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, which revolutionized the way battlefield operations were conducted.
Post-Vietnam: Adapting to New Technology
Following the end of the Vietnam War, the Army Air Corps underwent a period of modernization. It adopted new technology to improve the capabilities of its aircraft and to better meet the needs of its pilots and operators. The Corps also adapted to the threat posed by the Soviet Union by investing in new and advanced aircraft, such as the Tornado and Harrier jets.
The Modern Army Air Corps
Today, the Army Air Corps is still an integral part of the British Army. It is responsible for the operation of all aircraft used by the British Army and has seen the introduction of new and advanced aircraft, such as the Apache AH-64 attack helicopter and the Merlin helicopter. The Corps is also responsible for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as other types of aircraft.
The Army Air Corps has come a long way since its establishment in 1918. From its early beginnings as a provider of reconnaissance aircraft, it has grown to become a major force in the modern battlefield. The Corps continues to evolve, adapting to the ever-changing nature of warfare, and is integral to the success of the British Army.