An '''Operational''operational 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, practise this method of training. The [[United States Navy]] calls its units in this role "Fleet''fleet Replacementreplacement Squadrons"squadrons''.
An example of an OCU is [[No. 29 Squadron RAF]], which was the second RAF squadron to receive the [[Eurofighter Typhoon]].
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 [[F/A-18 Hornet]], [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F Super Hornet]] and [[AP-3C Orion]] aircraft, respectively.
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 '''Operationaloperational Trainingtraining Units'units'' (OTUsOTU) and in practice were larger than operational squadrons.
