In addition to building models, I have other hobbies. One of these is tabletop wargames. In one game, some friends and I have custom-designed forces in a futuristic setting. The problem is I want to base the organization of my “Air Force” on USAF standards, but I’ve been unable to get an answer as to the basics. Here are the questions:
How many planes generally make up a figher squadron? A bomber squadron?
Beyond squadrons, what are the designations and organization for larger air units ( Fighter Wings, etc. )?
Before you suggest that I just ask the USAF, I already have. The people at the recruiting office had no idea and the response to my email to the USAF was that it depended on the type of squadron, but gave no numbers. I realize that the numbers will vary greatly between, say, a fighter squadron and an EW unit, so I’m just asking for generalized figures for fighter, bomber, and cargo units.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Scott
I couldn’t find my way to “normal” with the Hubble!
A fighter squadron normally consist of 18 to 24 aircraft. Within a fighter squadron there will be three or four flights. A Fighter wing will consist of two to four squadrons. An air division will consist of two to three wings. I an not sure of how the other aircraft type squadrons are made up but they should follow the same concept.
Number of aircraft per squadron varies between 18 and 24. Currently the ACC is consolidating squadrons to bring each up to 24 aircraft, With three squadrons per wing for a total of 72 aircraft per wing. During the Clinton years squadrons were thinned out to 18 aircraft each. The Airforce believes this configuration provides more flexibility for deployment. Consolidation is cheaper to maintain though. Most squadrons have been increased and decreased several times throughout their history depending on the Airforce’s need.