Operational conversion unit: Difference between revisions

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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. Operational 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, practise this method of training. The [[United States Navy]] calls its units in this role "fleet replacement squadrons".

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|accessdateaccess-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 aircrews to the [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]], [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F Super Hornet]] and [[Lockheed AP-3C Orion]] aircraft, respectively.