The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF; ) is the air and space force of Canada. Its role is to "provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower". The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2020, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 12,074 Regular Force and 1,969 Primary Reserve personnel, supported by 1,518 civilians, and operates 258 manned aircraft and nine unmanned aerial vehicles. Appointed in 2025, Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet is the current Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program.

The RCAF traces its history to the Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V to form the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands: Air Defence Command (ADC; interceptors), Air Transport Command (ATC; airlift, search and rescue), Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command (TC).

In 1975, some commands (ADC, ATC, TC) were dissolved, and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command (AIRCOM; ). Air Command reverted to its historic name of "Royal Canadian Air Force" in August 2011.

The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, as well as several United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.

History

1920–1945: Pre-unification

The Canadian Air Force (CAF) was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron Canadian Air Force that was formed during the First World War in Europe. Wing Commander John Scott Williams was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF, handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon. The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots. Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board's Civil Operations Branch on operations that included forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols.

In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada, including civil aviation. In 1924, the Canadian Air Force, was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Most of its work was civil in nature, with forest patrols of the northwest a major part of its operations; however, in the late 1920s other agencies took up most civil tasks, with the notable exception of aerial photography surveys, and the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization. After budget cuts in the early 1930s, the air force began to rebuild.

Second World War

During the Second World War, the RCAF was a major contributor to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, the north Atlantic, North Africa, southern Asia, and with home defence. Eight thousand, eight hundred and sixty-four Americans came north to volunteer for the RCAF and over 850 died in action. By the end of the war, the RCAF had become the fourth largest Allied air force. During World War II the RCAF was headquartered at a six-storey office building at 20-23 Lincoln's Inn Fields (built 1937), London. A commemorative plaque can be found on the outside of the building.

1945–1968

After the war, the RCAF reduced its strength. Because of the rising Soviet threat to the security of Europe, Canada joined NATO in 1949, and the RCAF established No. 1 Air Division RCAF consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each, based in France and West Germany. In 1950, the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies to the Korean War; however, it did not provide RCAF combat units. Members of the RCAF served in USAF units as exchange officers and several flew in combat. Both auxiliary and regular air defence squadrons were run by Air Defence Command. At the same time, the Pinetree Line, the Mid-Canada Line and the DEW Line radar stations, largely operated by the RCAF, were built across Canada because of the growing Soviet nuclear threat. In 1957, Canada and the United States created the joint North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.

1968–present: Unification

In 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form the unified Canadian Forces. This initiative was overseen by the Defence Minister, Paul Hellyer. The controversial merger maintained several existing organizations and created some new ones: In Europe, No. 1 Canadian Air Group, operated Canadair CF-104 Starfighter nuclear strike/attack and reconnaissance under NATO's Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force; Air Defence Command: operated McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo interceptors, CIM-10 Bomarc missiles and the SAGE radar stations within NORAD; Air Transport Command: provided strategic airlift for the NATO and UN peacekeeping missions; and Training Command. Aviation assets of the Royal Canadian Navy were combined with the RCAF Canadair CP-107 Argus long-range patrol aircraft under Maritime Command. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM).

In the early 1990s, Canada provided a detachment of CF-18 Hornets for the air defence mission in Operation Desert Shield. The force performed combat air patrols over operations in Kuwait and Iraq, undertook a number of air-to-ground bombing missions, and, on one occasion, attacked an Iraqi patrol boat in the Persian Gulf. In the late 1990s, Air Command's CF-18 Hornetss took part in the Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia, and in the 2000s, AIRCOM was heavily involved in the Afghanistan War, transporting troops and assets to Kandahar. Later in the decade-long war, AIRCOM set up a purpose-specific air wing, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, equipped with several CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook helicopters, CC-130 Hercules, CU-161 Sperwer and leased CU-170 Heron UAVss in support of the Canadian Forces and ISAF mission. The wing stood down on 18 August 2011.

From 18 March to 1 November 2011, the RCAF was engaged in Operation Mobile, Canada's contribution to Operation Unified Protector in Libya. Seven CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft and several other aircraft served under Task Force Libeccio as part of the military intervention. On 16 August 2011, the Government of Canada announced that the name "Air Command" was being changed to the air force's original historic name: Royal Canadian Air Force (along with the change of name of Maritime Command to Royal Canadian Navy and Land Force Command to Canadian Army). The change was made to better reflect Canada's military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth countries whose military units use the royal designation. The RCAF adopted a new badge in 2013, which is similar to the pre-unification RCAF badge (although placed in the modern frame used for command badges). The Latin motto of Air Command which was the motto of the Canadian Air Force when first formed after the First World War (before it became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924) was retained. Though traditional insignia for the RCAF was restored in 2015, there has been no restoration of the traditional uniforms or rank structure of the historical service (apart from a rank of "aviator", which replaced that of "private" in 2015).

On 17 April 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada was dispatching six CF-18s and military personnel to assist NATO in operations in Eastern Europe.

Structure

The Royal Canadian Air Force is the air and space force component of the Canadian Armed Forces, led by the commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The commander, typically a lieutenant general, is based at RCAF Headquarters in Ottawa. In addition to the commander, RCAF Headquarters also includes the deputy commander, typically a major-general, and the Chief Warrant Officer of the Air Force. The commander of the RCAF reports to the chief of Defence Staff, who, in turn, reports to the minister of National Defence, the head of the Department of National Defence.

The RCAF has four major formations responsible to the commander of the RCAF. They include 1 Canadian Air Division, 2 Canadian Air Division, 3 Canadian Space Division, and the RCAF Aerospace Warface Centre. There are 15 wings spread across the three divisions, with most wings typically including flying and non-flying squadrons.

1 Canadian Air Division

1 Canadian Air Division, based in Winnipeg, is the operational headquarters of the RCAF, responsible for maintaining readiness and providing air power and personnel for rapid deployment on domestic and international operations. The commander of the division also serves as commander of the Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component commander, and commander of Search and Rescue Region Trenton.

It oversees 11 wings across Canada, encompassing fighter, tactical aviation, maritime aviation, air mobility, search and rescue, and surveillance capabilities. Also reporting to the division's commander are the Combined Aerospace Operations Centre and the Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron.

2 Canadian Air Division

2 Canadian Air Division, based in Winnipeg, is the formation responsible for training and education and ensures continuity throughout the RCAF training continuum. As the delegated training authority, it oversees individual education and training, core developmental courses, and broader RCAF training management.

Three wings report to the 2 Canadian Air Division, 15 Wing Moose Jaw, 16 Wing Borden, and 17 Wing Winnipeg. The Canadian Forces Aircrew Selection Centre also reports to the division's commander.

3 Canadian Space Division

3 Canadian Space Division, based in Ottawa, delivers space power effects in support of CAF operations and reports to RCAF Headquarters, with the RCAF serving as the authority for the DND/CAF Joint and Combined Space Program. The division's four prioritized mission areas are satellite communication and navigation, space domain awareness, space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and space control. The commander of the division also serves as Joint Force Space Component Commander and oversees space domain awareness, space-based support to military operations, and the protection of military space capabilities. The division includes one wing, 7 Wing (Space), itself comprising two squadrons.

RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre

The RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre in Trenton, Ontario, is the RCAF's centre of excellence for advancing techniques, technology, innovation, and concepts in air and space power. It supports the development of doctrine, professional education, operational test and evaluation, and electronic warfare. The centre also serves as the steward of RCAF history and heritage.

Units and organizations under the RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre include 414 Electronic Warfare Support Squadron, 434 Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron, the Air and Space Power Development Centre, the Centre for Operational Research and Analysis, and RCAF History and Heritage. These units and organizations provide electronic warfare support and training, coordinate operational testing and evaluation, develop air and space power knowledge and education, conduct qualitative and quantitative research, and preserve and integrate RCAF history and heritage into its programs and practices.

Equipment

Aircraft

The Royal Canadian Air Force has about 406 aircraft in service, theoretically making it the third-largest air force in the Americas, after the United States Armed Forces, and the Brazilian Air Force. However, an internal National Defence military readiness report noted that only about 40 per cent of aircraft could be considered "serviceable" as of early 2025. A 2025 report by the Auditor General of Canada found that one of the RCAF's biggest obstacles was a shortage of both trained fighter pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians.

Current inventory

Fixed-wing

Rotary wing

Leased and contractor aircraft

The Canadian Forces have leased aircraft from vendors to help transport troops and equipment from Canada and other locations in the past decade. Transport aircraft have been leased as required. Despite RCAF marking all aircraft have civilian registration numbers.

1. Dornier Alpha Jet Type A

2. 16 aircraft are operated by Top Aces for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB Cold Lake and CFB Bagotville.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

RCAF UAS

1. SAGEM Sperwer

2. Designated CU-161; entered service in 2003, retired

3. IAI Heron

4. 3 leased in 2009 for use in Afghanistan; turned over to the Royal Australian Air Force in 2011

Canadian Army/RCN UAS

1. BAE Systems Silver Fox

2. Acquired in 2004 by the Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre

3. Boeing Insitu ScanEagle

4. Designated CU-165; operated by the Canadian Army 2008–2014

5. Elbit Skylark

6. Designated CU-168; operated by the Canadian Army

7. AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

8. Operated by the Canadian Army

9. AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma

10. Acquired in 2018; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy

11. Prioria Robotics Maveric

12. Operated by the Canadian Army

13. Saab Skeldar

14. Designated CU-176 Gargoyle. Acquired in 2019; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy and CANSOFCOM

15. Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack

16. Designated CU-172; operated by the Canadian Army

17. Teal Drones, Inc. Teal 2

18. Introduced to Army and RCN circa 2024. Fifty acquired.

Future inventory

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

On 28 March 2022, the Government of Canada announced that the competition had placed the F-35A first and planned to buy 88 aircraft. On 9 January 2023, the Government of Canada officially ordered 88 F-35As. Previously, a unique Canadian CF-35 variant was proposed that would differ from the F-35A by adding a drogue parachute and possibly an F-35B/C-style refuelling probe. In 2012, it was revealed that the CF-35 would employ the same boom refuelling system as the F-35A. Following the 2015 Federal Election the Liberal Party, whose campaign had included a pledge to cancel the F-35 procurement, formed a new government and commenced an open competition to replace the existing CF-18 Hornet.

General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian

On 19 December 2023, the Government of Canada announced that a contract was signed for 11 MQ-9B drones, 219 Hellfire missiles, and 12 Mk82 500-pound bombs in a deal worth $2.49 billion CAD. The drones are expected to be first delivered in 2028 with full operation expected in 2033. The drones are to be stationed in 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. with 55 personnel and with 25 personnel at 19 Wing Comox, B.C. and in Ottawa with 160 staff to control the drones. Personnel will also forward deploy to northern Canada as needed.

Boeing P-8A Poseidon

On November 30, 2023, the Government of Canada finalized a government-to-government agreement with the US government for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the RCAF. Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to two additional aircraft.

Saab GlobalEye

On May 27, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection of the Saab GlobalEye for airborne early warning and control, with the purchase of 6 aircraft to be negotiated and over 40 to be built in Canada for allied partners.

Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program

SkyAlyne was selected to provide the training for pilots and aircrew of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The training includes the following aircraft:

Aircraft:

• Grob G 120TP, designated as the CT-102B Astra II, to be used as basic flight training.

• Beechcraft King Air 260, designated as the CT-145E Expeditor II, to be used as multi-engine trainer, to be based at Portage la Prairie/Southport Airport (Manitoba).

• Pilatus PC-21, designated as the CT-157 Siskin II. This aircraft will be based at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and used for advanced fixed-wing flying training and for jet programs.

• De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, designated as the CT-142Q Citadel, which will be used to train air combat system officers and airborne electronic sensor operators, and will be operated out of 17 Wing Winnipeg.

Helicopter:

• Airbus H135, designated as the CT-153 Juno, to be based at Portage la Prairie/Southport Airport (Manitoba).

Weapons and other equipment

Weapons systems are used by the CF-18 Hornet, CP-140 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-148 Cyclone.

Retired weapons

Bases and facilities

Ten Canadian Forces bases are used primarily by the RCAF. They include CFB Bagotville in Quebec, CFB Cold Lake in Alberta, CFB Comox in British Columbia, CFB Gander and CFB Goose Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador, CFB Greenwood in Nova Scotia, CFB Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, CFB North Bay and CFB Trenton in Ontario, and CFB Winnipeg in Winnipeg.

In addition to its ten bases, the RCAF also operate out of several other facilities. This includes Shearwater Heliport and CFS Alert. The former is a heliport in Halifax that is used by 12 Wing Shearwater and its units to provide maritime helicopter support for the Royal Canadian Navy. The latter is a Canadian Forces station with signal intelligence facilities under the command of the RCAF. The station is also used to maintain geolocation capability and support search and rescue operations.

Personnel

As of September 2023, the Royal Canadian Air Force included 15,553 Regular Force members and 2,160 Primary Reserve members. In addition to RCAF personnel, there are also 1,448 Department of National Defence public service employees that support the RCAF as of 2025.

Rank and insignia

Military ranks in the RCAF denote an individual's position within the command's hierarchy. Advancement through the ranks corresponds to increased responsibility and authority. The rank structure is used to facilitate the transmission of orders during operations, ensure clarity of command, and maintain discipline and order.

The RCAF's rank structure has evolved over the decades to reflect changing roles and operational requirements. From 1924 to 1968, it used ranks such as Wing Commander, Squadron Leader, and Flight Lieutenant. However, a 1965 report noted that these ranks no longer accurately reflected the commands held by personnel and recommended adopting the Army's rank structure to address these discrepancies. Following the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCAF largely adopted this Army-based structure. The modern RCAF rank structure was introduced in 2014, with the redesignation of its lowest ranks as Aviator, chosen because it is nearly identical in French, reflects the rank's historical French designation, and retains a gender-neutral wording. However, the Army-rank structure was largely retained, in part because of its compatibility with NATO rank systems.

Commander-in-Chief

In their capacity as the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces, the governor general of Canada exercises several ceremonial military duties, and is entitled to wear a distinctive general officer uniform from any of three environmental commands, the navy, army, or air force. The air force uniform features a unique sleeve braid embellished with the governor general's badge. The badge is also embroidered on the uniform's shoulder straps.

Officers

RCAF officers hold positions of command and responsibility. Their roles typically include overseeing personnel, planning, and directing operations, making decisions within their scope of authority, and providing advice to achieve operational objectives.

RCAF officers are commissioned through multiple entry plans that are tailored for officer candidates with different educational backgrounds and military experience, to develop them to the proficiency expected of an officer. This typically includes providing pathways to complete an academic degree, either through a Canadian military college or another Canadian university. Other pathways include the Direct Entry Officer Plan for candidates who already possess an academic degree, and the Continuing Education Officer Training Plan for select candidates who are otherwise qualified for service as officers but lack an academic degree. There are also several entry plans to facilitate the transition of non-commissioned members.

All RCAF officer candidates seeking entry into the CAF are required to pass Basic Military Officer Qualification at Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

The rank insignia for senior and junior officers is made up of pearl-grey braid edged in black, with the number and spacing of the laces varying by rank. The rank insignia for subordinate officers is made up of only a singular pearl-grey braid. Historically, officers rank insignias were coloured blue. However, the colour was changed in 2014 to match non-commissioned RCAF members and convey a "one team" emphasis. The rank insignia worn on the shoulder straps of RCAF general officers, like those of other Canadian Armed Forces general and flag officers, features maple leaves, the number of which corresponds to the officer's rank.

Non-commissioned members

Non-commissioned members in the RCAF perform operational and support duties and contribute to maintaining safety, discipline, and the welfare of their units. Non-commissioned members of the RCAF typically enter the service through Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) at Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, followed by air force environmental and occupation-specific training for their chosen trade.

Non-commissioned RCAF members' rank insignia are coloured pearl-grey. The insignia for Aviator uses a single propeller. Rank insignia for junior non-commissioned officer (NCO) and enlisted ranks, except Aviator, feature a chevron, while junior NCO insignia also incorporating a maple leaf. Senior NCO insignia feature St Edward's Crown, with chief warrant officer insignia incorporating the coat of arms of Canada. From 1968 to 2014, the command’s lowest rank was represented by a single chevron. In 2014, this was replaced with a pearl-grey propeller, restoring the RCAF's historical insignia for its lowest rank.

Uniforms

All CAF uniforms, including the RCAF, are categorized into five types, including No. 1 Dress (ceremonial dress), No. 2 Dress (mess dress), No. 3 Dress (service dress), No. 4 Dress (occupational dress), and No. 5 Dress (operational dress). Each category contains several orders that specify variations for particular occasions.

RCAF uniforms are regulated by the Dress Instructions for the Canadian Forces. Misuse of the likeness of RCAF's uniforms is an offence under Article 419 of the Criminal Code of Canada and is punishable by summary conviction.

Daily duty and operational

The RCAF's No. 3 service dress is an environmentally coloured uniform used for daily routine, parades and ceremonies. The pattern includes service-dress jackets and trousers or slacks. Service dress may be worn with authorized undress ribbons, flying and specialist skill badges, and occupation badges. Depending on the order of dress, season and circumstances, personnel may wear different authorized footwear, headdress and outerwear, including a gabardine topcoat, lightweight raincoat, DEU parka, and RCAF leather jacket. Neckties are optional for RCAF personnel.

Operational uniforms are used across the entire CAF and are not specific to any single environmental command. These can range from field combat clothing featuring CADPAT digital camouflage to aviation dress.

Formal and mess dress uniform

RCAF personnel generally wear an appropriate order of air force service dress uniform with authorized medals and accoutrements for formal ceremonies. The CAF's Dress Instructions maintain a No. 1B full dress for RCAF pipers and drummers, made up of a light blue tunic, trousers, and facings, with a blue plume where the headdress permits. It is worn with the appropriate rank insignia and accoutrements, with air force piper and drummers authorized to wear dark blue capes and air force blue outerwear where applicable.

The RCAF's No. 2 mess dress is a formal dinner uniform featuring an air force blue mess dress jacket. Cummerbunds or waistcoats are worn according to the order of dress and authorized designs. Miniature orders, decorations and medals, and a single miniature flying or specialist skill badge may be worn on the jacket, although headdress are not worn. The No. 2B order is an alternative authorized mess dress based on service dress for members who do not have standard No. 2 mess dress. Authorized mess dress outerwear includes the gabardine topcoat, lightweight raincoat and white gloves.

Symbols

The Royal Canadian Air Force uses several symbols to represent the command and its units, including badges, flags, and other symbols. The RCAF also has an official mascot to represent the force, Astra, introduced in March 2024.

Badges

The latest badge of the RCAF was approved on 15 March 2013, with the letters patent approving the badge published in the Canada Gazette on 30 November 2013. It features a gold eagle facing forward with its head turned to the left, set against a light blue background. The light blue colour and eagle had been associated with the RCAF for decades. The eagle's wings were outstretched on the RCAF's pre-unification badge, and the design was restored following the restoration of the RCAF's historical name in 2012.

The badge bears the RCAF motto, sic itur ad astra, which is Latin for "such is the pathway to the stars". The motto was adopted in 1975 with the formation of Air Command, and was also the motto used by the Canadian Air Force established in 1920. From 1924 to unification in 1968, the RCAF used the same motto as the British Royal Air Force's motto, per Ardua Ad Astra, Latin for "through adversity to the stars".

In addition to the RCAF badge, its commands, air divisions, wings, squadrons and support units have their own badges.

Flags

Flags are used as visual identifiers by the RCAF. This includes RCAF squadrons and support units, which typically have flags featuring the RCAF roundel and the unit's badge.

Colours

The RCAF and its squadrons have colours that are used as ceremonial flags to represent the RCAF's pride, honour, and devotion to the Sovereign and Canada. The King's Colour used by the RCAF is a Canadian maple leaf flag with the Sovereign's cypher in the centre, and represents is loyalty to The Crown. The current King's Colours is the third stand of colours, received on 1 September 2017. The Command Colour is a blue flag bearing the RCAF badge at the centre and represents the RCAF's pride, cohesion and valour. The maple leaves at the four corners of the Command Colour point outward, as they did on the first RCAF Command Colour presented in 1950. In addition to the command, the flying squadrons are also issued their own colours.

Ensign

The RCAF ensign consists of a blue field, with the flag of Canada in the upper-left corner and an RCAF roundel on the fly.

The Canadian Air Force adopted its first ensign in 1921, using an ensign identical to that of the Royal Air Force, with the Union Jack in the upper-left corner and the British roundel on the fly. In June 1940, the use of a distinct RCAF ensign was approved, replacing the roundel's original red centre with a red maple leaf. However, this ensign was later retired in 1965 with the introduction of the unified Canadian Armed Forces ensign. The current RCAF ensign was introduced in 1982 with the creation of Air Command, which was authorized its own ensign.

Roundel

The RCAF's roundel evolved from a design derived from that of the British Royal Flying Corps, which had reversed the colours of the French Air Force's roundel, itself based on the French tricolour flag. The Canadian Air Force and the succeeding RCAF continued to use the British roundel, with that symbol used throughout the British Empire to identify imperial military aircraft.

The proposal for a unique RCAF roundel was first raised in 1921, with Canadian Air Force commander Arthur Kellam Tylee proposing an adapted roundel with a maple leaf at its centre. However, this was rejected by British Chief of Air Staff. In 1940, a unique RCAF roundel was authorized for use by King George VI, to replace the inner red circle with a red maple leaf. However, the introduction of a unique RCAF roundel did not take place until 1946. In 1965, the maple leaf featured on the RCAF roundel was updated with the eleven-point maple leaf used on the flag of Canada.

Tartan

The RCAF tartan uses light blue, dark blue and maroon, with a white line incorporated into the design. The tartan was designed in January 1942 by Group Captain Elmer G. Fullerton, the station commander of No. 9 Service Flying Training School RCAF. Fullerton designed the tartan to represent the RCAF for a planned Robbie Burns Day mess dinner. The original design featured a light blue, dark blue and maroon, with the white line later added by weavers in Gagetown, New Brunswick.

The design was endorsed by the Air Council, and a sample was sent to the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland for approval and registration as the RCAF's official tartan. The design was approved by Lord Lyon on 15 August 1942, with the RCAF becoming the first air force to have its own distinctive tartan. The tartan has since been worn by members of RCAF pipe and drum bands and used for items such as ties, mess kit cummerbunds and women's sashes.

See also

• List of aircraft of Canada's air forces

• Planned Canadian Forces projects

• Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft

Notes

References

Further reading

• Douglas, W. A. B. The Creation of a National Air Force: Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, v. 2. Toronto: University of Toronto Press (in co-operation with the Department of National Defence), 1986. .

• Milberry, Larry, ed. Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. .

• Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks: Famous Canadian Aviators. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1996. .

• Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks II: Pioneers of Canadian Aviation. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1997. .

External links

• forces.ca - Royal Canadian Air Force