RAF Structure

Question 1

Who is in charge of the RAF?

Answer 1

Chief of the Air Staff: Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston.

Question 2

What is the structure of the RAF?

Answer 2

Air Force Board, HQ Air Command, Groups, Squadrons, Wings.

Question 3

What is a group?

Answer 3

A group is a subdivision authority of responsibility for a specific capability in the RAF.

Question 4

What are the responsibilities of 1 Group?

Answer 4

• Combat Air through Lightning Force and Typhoon Force.
• Intelligence through ISTAR Force. Research and testing through Air & Space Warfare Centre.
• the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Question 5

What are the responsibilities of 2 Group?

Answer 5

• Parachute training and development through Airborne Delivery Wing.
• Air Mobility through Air Mobility Force.
• Logistics and engineering through A4 Support Force.
• Force protection through the Force Protection Force comprised of the RAF Regiment and RAF Police.
• UK and operational air control through the Space & Battle Management Force.

Question 6

What are the responsibilities of 11 Group?

Answer 6

• Joint Force Air Component Headquarters.

Question 7

What are the responsibilities of 22 Group?

Answer 7

• Training of personal and battle management through Directorate of Ground Training.
• Pilot, aircrew and air control through Directorate of Flying Training.
• Engineering training through the Defence College of Technical Training.
• RAF Cadets.
• Sports through Directorate of RAF Sport.

Question 8

What is the current Expeditionary Air Group?

Answer 8

83 Expeditionary Air Group responsible for Middle Eastern operations.

Question 9

How many Expeditionary Air Wings comprise the Expeditionary Air Group?

Answer 9

4. • 901 EAW.
   • 902 EAW.
   • 903 EAW.
   • 904 EAW.

Question 10

How is the A4 Support Force organised?

Answer 10

It is comprised of the Operations Wing and Support Wing. The operations wing consists of 1 Air Mobility Wing and 90 Signals Unit. The Support Wing is comprised of 42 Expeditionary Logistics Wing, 85 Expeditionary Logistics Wing, RAF Medical Services, and RAF Music Services.

Question 11

Who is responsible for rotary-wing operations?

Answer 11

Joint Helicopter Command. Helicopter assets are operated by the Support Helicopter Force at RAF Odiham and RAF Benson.

Question 12

Which front-line squadrons operate rotary-wing aircraft?

Answer 12

• 7 Squadron
• 27 Squadron
• 33 Squadron
• 230 Squadron