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. 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, practicepractise 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]]. The Squadronsquadron is currently training pilots in order to establish an initial operational capability with the aircraft around 2006.

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.

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''' (OTUs) and in practice were larger than operational squadrons.

==See also==