Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:25:36-3:29:31

How the Royal Navy covers light transport aviation

The smaller naval transport requirement can draw on RAF support, while accounts of occasional Jetstream use remain secondhand.

750 Naval Air SquadronAvenger T1Aviation TrainingFleet Air ArmJetstreamNaval AviationRoyal Navy
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Question

Does the Royal Navy need a transport aircraft equivalent to the US Navy's C-9 Skytrain II?

Short answer

A dedicated fleet is judged unnecessary for the smaller requirement; occasional transport use of training aircraft is recalled secondhand.

Notes

The Royal Navy's smaller size reduces the case for a permanent transport fleet on the US model. RAF aircraft can meet comparable needs. Clarke recalls stories of 750 Squadron's Jetstreams at Culdrose being used for occasional transport, but does not establish a regular transport role. The aircraft identification is then corrected to the Beechcraft Avenger T1, still with 750 Squadron.