No.22 Sqn Reformed

[Motley]

Just seen on the RAF Benson facebook page that No.22 Sqn has been reformed at Benson as the new Operational Evaluation Unit of Joint Helicopter Command. With the new role the Sqn will be flying every type of helicopter under the Joint Helicopter Command banner. It will also provide Qualified Warfare instructors to the operational frontline sqns.

Full article from the RAF found below:
https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation ... af-benson/

[F4JPhantomII]

Seeing this reminded me of the squadron seniority lists that have been shared in the past. Based off these two lists: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... 706102.pdf and https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ ... s%20OS.pdf, would that now make No. 43 Sqn the most senior dormant squadron? As 23, 31 and 201 have already been earmarked for reformation.

[thevulcan]

Does that mean there will be some of each type based at Benson?

[Fighterfoto]

It’s a renumbering I believe so I’d guess they will use other units’ cabs as and when required.

[Agent K]

Does that mean there will be some of each type based at Benson?

I'd doubt that very much, this is more of an organisational structure, as is usual in this kind of set up (e.g. 54 squadron etc) they will use the types as and when needed from the equipped squadrons.

[roger4]

Perhaps the re-manufactured AH-64E Apache Guardians will be the first "new" aircraft for 22Sq to get their hands on for operational evaluation. That said, I am not sure how much of each AH-64E is actually new, given that they are described as being re-manufactured.

The fifty aircraft are allocated ZM700 to ZM749, the first is due to fly this year and deliveries are due to be complete by 2024.

[Nighthawke]

RAF Apaches? The AAC operate them.

[thevulcan]

RAF Apaches? The AAC operate them.

22 squadron is the test and evaluation squadron for joint helicopter force so all RAF, RN and AAC helicopters.

[Nighthawke]

Thanks.

[tommc]

Perhaps the re-manufactured AH-64E Apache Guardians will be the first "new" aircraft for 22Sq to get their hands on for operational evaluation. That said, I am not sure how much of each AH-64E is actually new.....

Most of it

[Mark]

Would the re-manufactured aircraft be re-worked in the states? Apologies if this is a stupid question, but as i'm in the shipping industry and Seaforth have handled Apaches previously this could be an invaluable lead to help generate future revenue for the shipping line I work for..

[MRTT]

Understand they're being converted by Boeing at Mesa, AZ.

Flown out on a C-17, whether they return as such remains to be seen.

[Mark]

Understand they're being converted by Boeing at Mesa, AZ.

Flown out on a C-17, whether they return as such remains to be seen.

Thanks for that.. I'm sure we (ACL) could do it cheaper by RoRo Cargo...