Support Helicopter Force

Officer Commanding: Gp Capt Scott Eastwood

Stationed at RAF Benson, Odiham, Wattisham and Lossiemouth, the Support Helicopter Force is one of the largest (in aircraft terms) Squadrons in the vRAF.

The Support Helicopter Force (SHF) operates under the command of the Joint Helicopter Force which is the Unified command for all RAF, RN and Army Helicopter Assets.

The SHF flies (amongst other aircraft), the instantly recognizable Westland Sea King in the Search and Rescue Role wearing its traditional bright yellow color scheme. As well as this the SHF flies the RAF Odiham based Chinooks in a troop/cargo transport and CASEVAC roles. At RAF Benson the SHF uses the RAFs latest helicopter the Merlin HC3, including 6 HC3A's that were acquired in early 2008 from Denmark to increase the capabilities of the force due to ongoing deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also at RAF Benson are the Puma battlefield support Helicopters. Dating back to the 1970s these aircraft are the combat tested workhorses of the Support Helicopter Force.

vRAF's Support Helicopter Force is set to lead the way in battlefield support and vSOA Rotary Flying.