SBS Air Support Units

With much of the war on terror taking place in land-locked arenas such as Afghanistan, now more than ever the SBS needs specialised, clandestine insertion and extraction by air.

Commando Helicopter Force (CHF)

The commando helicopter force (CHF) consists of 845, 846, 847 & 848 Royal Navy Air Squadrons. CHF operates Seaking HC4s and Lynx AH7 helicopters and is tasked to support SBS and Royal Marine Commando operations.

It was a flight of Seakings from 848 Squadron (along with RAF Chinooks) that delivered the SBS into Kuwait City in 1991 on their mission to reclaim the British Embassy. The Seakings dropped SBS sniper teams onto nearby buildings to cover main the force as it roped in from the Chinooks.

related info :
more info on the Commando Helicopter Force
(elite uk forces info on the CHF)

RAF Squadron No. 7

The RAF's Special Forces Helicopter Flight fly the Chinook HC2 helicopters. The unit is trained to perform long range behind the lines insertion and extraction of special operations troops. This often entails flying for hundreds of miles at treetop level to avoid enemy air defense radar. Chinooks from No. 7 Squadron inserted SAS scud hunting patrols during Desert Storm (1991) and also carried SBS sabotage teams deep into Iraq. 7 Squadron are in line to have their fleet of Chinooks replaced with upgraded versions kitted out with improved navigation and defensive equipment, however the future of the upgrade is uncertain due to budgetary concerns.

related info :
No. 7 Squadron RAF
(elite uk forces info on the squadron)
video of SBS fastroping from Chinooks
(streaming video from the 1st Gulf War)

RAF Squadron No. 47

The C130K Hercules of Squadron No. 47 are used to fly the SBS deep into hostile territory. They can be used as a platform for HALO/HAHO parachute jumps over land or they can drop SBS troops and boats into the sea for maritime operations. The Hercules can also be used to re supply SBS operations via airdrop.

related info :
No 47 Squadron RAF
(elite uk forces info on the squadron)
Ambassador in RAF Hercules crash
(Times report on a C130K crash in Afghanistan)

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