Country Bangladesh Type Military aviation | ||
Active 26 March 1978 - Present Size 100+ personnel(30+ pilots) | ||
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.
Contents
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.
Future modernization
Under Forces Goal 2030, the Army Aviation Group continues to develop. In 2015, six Mi-17 helicopters were ordered for the Aviation Group. One C-295W transport aircraft has been ordered which is expected to be delivered in 2017.