Non-Subscriber Extract
UK spending cuts force army aviation regiment to disband
By Tim Ripley
26 June 2008
The British Army's only homeland security and civil-emergency support aviation regiment is to disband by April 2009 as an economy measure.
Some 22 Westland Gazelle AH.1 light-observation and utility helicopters are to be withdrawn three years ahead of schedule and 84 Territorial Army aircrew are to be made redundant in the disbandment of the Netheravon-based 7 Regiment Army Air Corps (Volunteers). In addition to its two squadrons based on Salisbury Plain, detached flights at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and RAF Leuchars in Scotland will also cease operations.
A British Army spokesman told Jane's the cost-saving measure was being made because of a reduction in Gazelle flying hours across the Army Air Corps (AAC). The spokesman said that "other AAC aircraft would be used in place of 7 Regiment's helicopters where there is a task requirement".
The age and experience profile of 7 Regiment's aircrew meant it would be unlikely they would be re-trained and re-deployed to other parts of the AAC, said the spokesman.
Image: Some 22 Westland Gazelle AH.1 helicopters are to be withdrawn ahead of schedule as part of the disbandment of 7 Regiment Army Air Corps (Volunteers). (Jane's/Patrick Allen)