815 NAS

815 Naval Air Squadron

815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) is the home of the Wildcat – the Royal Navy’s latest generation Maritime Attack Helicopter; as well as the talented teams which operate and maintain the aircraft.

815 Naval Air Squadron is currently on deployment

Operation Kipion

Middle East

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This unit is currently on deployment, find out how that might affect you.

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About this forum

815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) is home to the Wildcat HMA 2, the Royal Navy’s latest generation Maritime Attack Helicopter. These capable, multi-role aircraft demand the best of the best when it comes to Aircrew, Engineers and support.

The squadron consists of 5 Sections: Rascal, Inferno, Vengeance, Cartel and Harp, each containing multiple Flights of aircrew and maintainers held at varying levels of readiness to deploy on operations around the world. Each section has a different focus, but all are optimised for embarked aviation and war fighting at sea.

Although the Squadron is made up of around 240 people, they’re rarely found in one place. They will normally be conducting pre-deployment training, away on operations or providing homeland defence.

Facts & figures

Facts & figures

240+ miles

Total range

158 knots

Maximum speed

20 Martlet

Maximum number of Laser Guided Missiles

Our operations

Current operation

Operation Kipion

Middle East

We have been on patrol in the Gulf since 1980, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to peace and stability.

Our base

Our base

RNAS Yeovilton

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Commanding Officer

Commander Stuart Crombie RN

815 Naval Air Squadron's role

As the Royal Navy’s front line Maritime Attack Helicopter squadron, 815 NAS’ primary role is to be ready to fight and win at sea. The Wildcat’s primary weapon systems are the Martlet and Sea Venom missiles, and the aircraft also operates with the .50 cal machine gun and airborne maritime snipers. In addition, the Wildcat performs a wide range of other roles including fast roping, load lifting, reconnaissance, search and rescue and the delivery of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) to those in need.

Underpinning all these capabilities is the ability to operate a helicopter from the small flight deck of a Frigate or Destroyer, undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges in aviation. Solidarity and companionship are essential ingredients for life on a Small Ship’s Flight. The backdrop may change from one ship to the next, but the reliance and trust between the close-knit team involved in keeping a Wildcat airborne at sea provide an enduring resilience which is critical to a deployed Flight’s success.

Unit history

Royal Navy careers

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815 NAS