Number 10 Squadron

virtual Acting Officer Commanding: vACM Alec Walker

Stationed at RAF Brize Norton and flying various versions of the L1011 Tristar and the new Voyager KC2/KC3, based around the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Aircraft, Number 10 Squadron provides the vRAF with a combined organic AAR and transportation role, allowing our fast jet squadrons to deploy with a minimal number of support aircraft.

Formed as part of the Royal Flying Corps in 1915, 10 Squadron served on the Western Front in an artillery spotting and bombing role flying variants of the BE2 until it was disbanded, along with many other squadrons, at the end of the war

The squadron reformed in 1928 as a nbight bomber unit flying the Handley Page Hyderabad. Between it's reformation and and the commencement of WWII, the squadron operated a variety of types including Handley PAge Heyfords. The squadron also earned the distinction of being the first unit to be equipped with the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. Part way throught the war, the Squadron was requipped with the Handley Page Halifax. Following the end of the war, the squadron was re-roled and served for Transport Command, flying the Douglas Dakota, taking part in the Berlin Airlift before again disbanding in 1950

Post war, the Squadron had a dotted history, being active Jan 1953 - Jan 1957 equipped with the Canberra B Mk2 and again active Apr 1958 - Mar 64 flying the Handley Page Victor B Mk 2 in the strategic bomber role.

On 1st July 1966, the Squadron was yet again reformed, this time at RAF Fairford with the new Vickers VC-10 C Mk 1. A short while later, in 1967, the Squadron moved up the road to RAF Brize Norton, where it remained as a VC-10 operator until it was last disbanded in 2005.

Number 10 Squadron's VC-10 C Mk 1's differed from the remaining VC-10 aircraft in that they were all purposely built as military aircraft, while the RAF's other variants were all converted airliners. During the first Gulf War, the VC-10s of Number 10 Squadron were kept busy transporting 1,000lb bombs to the Middle East for use by the RAF's Tornado Force. In this operation alone, Number 10 Squadron aircraft logged over 5,000 hours on over 1,300 flights.

Most recently, Number 10 Squadron aircraft were operating a VIP and aeromedical role ahead of their disbandment in 2005. The vRAF's Number 10 Squadron was stood up on 07 January to cater for the new Voyager KC2/KC3 aircraft.