Operational conversion unit: Difference between revisions

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{{Redirect|Operational training unit|Operational Training Units of the United States Army Air Forces|Operational - Replacement Training Units}}

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An '''Operational Conversion Unit (OCU)''' is a unit within an [[air force]] whose role is to support preparation for the operational missions of a specific aircraft type by providing trained personnel. OCUs teach pilots how to fly an aircraft and which tactics best exploit the performance of their aircraft and its weapons. The [[Royal Air Force]] and [[Royal Australian Air Force]], among others, practice this method of training. The [[United States Navy]] calls its units in this role "Fleet Replacement Squadrons".

An '''Operationaloperational Conversionconversion Unitunit''' (OCU)''' is a unit within an [[air force]] whose role is to support preparation for the operational missions of a specific aircraft type by providing trained personnel. OCUsOperational conversion units teach pilots how to fly an aircraft and which tactics best exploit the performance of their aircraft and its weapons. The [[Royal Air Force]] and [[Royal Australian Air Force]], among others, practicepractise this method of training. The [[United States Navy]] calls its units in this role "Fleet[[fleet Replacementreplacement Squadronssquadron]]s".

An example of an OCU is [[No. 29 Squadron RAF]] which was the second RAF squadron to receive the [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]. The Squadron is currently training pilots in order to establish an initial operational capability with the aircraft around 2006.

An example of an OCU is [[No. 29 Squadron RAF]], which was the second RAF squadron to receive the [[Eurofighter Typhoon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Operational Conversion Units|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/operationalconversion.cfm|publisher=Royal Air Force|access-date=1 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222111228/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/operationalconversion.cfm|archive-date=22 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Royal Australian Air Force]] has a number of OCUs. These include [[No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF|No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit]], [[No. 6 Squadron RAAF|No. 6 Squadron]] and [[No. 292 Squadron RAAF|No. 292 Squadron]]. These units are responsible for converting aircrew to the [[F/A-18 Hornet]], [[F-111]] and [[P-3C Orion]] aircraft respectively.

The [[Royal Australian Air Force]] has a number of OCUs. These include [[No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF|No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit]], [[No. 6 Squadron RAAF|No. 6 Squadron]] and [[No. 292 Squadron RAAF|No. 292 Squadron]]. These units are responsible for converting aircrewaircrews to the [[Lockheed Martin F/A-1835 HornetLightning II]], [[Boeing F/A-11118E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F Super Hornet]] and [[Boeing P-3C8 OrionPoseidon]] aircraft, respectively.

RAF OCUs have their origin in the post-war period. Before the [[Second World War]] operational training was carried out in the squadron itself. With the coming of war, this method of training was no longer possible and some squadrons were reassigned to training duties. These were later renamed as '''Operational Training Units''' and in practice were larger than operational squadrons.

[[No. 42 Squadron RNZAF]] Is the only OCU in the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]]. It flies the RNZAF's 4 [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft Super King Air B200]] in a Twin Engine conversion role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/what-we-do/aircraft/kingair.htm|title = Royal New Zealand Air Force}}</ref> Until 2001 the RNZAF had [[No. 2 Squadron RNZAF]]. It flew the TA-4K Skyhawk in a Fighter Conversion Role but was mothballed along with the rest of the RNZAF's Air Combat Wing in 2001.

RAFRoyal Air Force OCUs have their originorigins in the post-war period. Before the [[Second World War]], operational training was carried out in the squadron itself. With the coming of war, this method of training was no longer possible and some squadrons were reassigned to training duties. These were later renamed as '''Operational"operational training Trainingunits" Units'''(OTU) and in practice were larger than operational squadrons.

==See also==

*[[List of conversion units of the Royal Air Force]] (OCU)

*[[List of Royal Air Force Operational ConversionTraining Units]] (OTU)

==References==

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[[Category:Training units and formations]]

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[[Category:Training units and formations of air forces]]

[[Category:Conversion units of the Royal Air Force| ]]

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