Bangladesh Army Aviation Group
| Bangladesh Army Aviation Group | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 26 March 1978 - Present |
| Country |
 Bangladesh |
| Branch |
 Bangladesh Army |
| Type | Military aviation |
| Size |
100+ personnel (30+ pilots) |
| Headquarters/Garrison | Dhaka Cantonment |
| Nickname(s) | Army Aviation Group |
| Engagements | Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict |
| Decorations | See Medals of the Bangladesh Armed Forces |
| Commanders | |
| Army Air Commander | BGen Abdullah Al Azhar |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack helicopter | Mil Mi-171Sh |
| Utility helicopter | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |
| Trainer | Cessna 152, Bell 206 |
| Transport | Mil Mi-171Sh, CASA CN-235, Cessna 208 Caravan |
The Army Aviation Group is the army aviation unit of the Bangladesh Army. The AAG conducts military air operations and is responsible for doctrine, manning and configuration for all aviation units in the Army.
History
Origin
The Army Aviation Group was formed in 1978 in the form of a squadron and named Army Aviation Squadron. That time, there was no training facilities of its own. Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh took up the responsibility of the pilot training and continued that for a long time. In 1982, the branch goes through first expansion program where it was expanded to a wing strength and named Army Aviation Wing. In 1990, it was finally brought to a group strength and named Army Aviation Group. Aircraft such as Cessna 152 and Cessna 208 Caravan were procured to modernize the Aviation Group.
Present
The strength of the unit is more than 100 with 30+ pilots. Members from all the branches of Bangladesh Army can join this unit with proper qualification and training. At present, Army Aviation Group operates two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopters and one Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft for transport and utility purpose. Three Bell 206 helicopters and four Cessna 152 aircraft are there for the training of the army aviators.
801 Army aviation maintenance unit
This unit is responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft of the army aviation group. Previously, personnel from Bangladesh Air Force did all the maintenance task of army aviation. Later on, army came up with its own maintenance unit with its own personnel.
Aircraft
Current Inventory
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing Aircraft (8) | ||||
| Cessna 208B Grand Caravan |  USA |
Utility aircraft | 1[1] | |
| CASA C-295W |  Spain |
Transport aircraft | 1 | Will be delivered in the second half of 2017.[2][3] |
| Cessna 152 | USA |
Trainer Aircraft | 5 | Military Balance 2011 |
| Helicopters (11) | ||||
| Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |  France |
Utility helicopter | 2[1] | |
| Mi-171Sh |  Russia |
Combat helicopter | 6 | Six helicopters on order.[4] |
| Bell 206 | USA |
Trainer Helicopter | 3[5][6] | |
Retired
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing Aircraft | ||||
| Piper PA-31T Cheyenne | USA |
Utility aircraft | 1 | |
Future Modernization
Under Forces Goal 2030, the Army Aviation Group continues to develop. During 2015, six Mi-17 helicopters and two CASA/IPTN CN-235 transport aircraft were ordered for the Aviation Group. Bangladesh's Government is also looking to introduce more attack helicopters, transport aircraft and attack aircraft to the Army Aviation Group.[4]
References
- 1 2 World Air Forces 2015. Flightglobal Insight. 2015. p. 10. (registration required (help)).
- ↑ "Bangladesh To Join The Family Of C295W Operators" (Press release). Airbus Defence and Space. 11 October 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
- ↑ Stevenson, Beth (11 October 2016). "Bangladesh orders single C295W". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
- 1 2 "Modernisation of army to continue:PM.". UNB. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
- ↑ "Bangladesh Army Arms Histories". Global Security.
- ↑ "Army helicopter crashes". bdnews24.com. 3 July 2013.
