Army Aviation
History
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In 1947, at the time of independence, Pakistan inherited four fabric covered Auster airplanes. These were part of an “Air Observation Post Squadron”, which was deployed in Lahore in support of Punjab Boundary Commission. These four Auster aircrafts were grouped in Chaklala as 1st Air Observation Post flight.
The first important acquisition of Army Aviation was the induction of L-19s in 1958 and OH-13s which were received after the Korean conflict as part of US Aid. 1960s saw induction of Alloutte-III from France and MI-8s from Russia. With the enhanced canvas now possible, the induction of pilots which was being made from Artillery alone was made open to all arms. It became a separate Corps in 1977.
The next important land mark was the induction of Puma Cargo helicopters from France in 1978 and yet another major leap was the Combat Group raised through 20 Cobra helicopters received from USA in1985. The decade of nineties saw induction of MI-17 helicopters from Russia.
Army Aviation today has a reckonable fleet poised for a definite and critical role be it peace or war.
Role
Army Aviation provides mainly four types of aviation support during operations of the field Army, namely composite or light aircraft support, cargo, combat and high altitude support. Composite support is available at all times, however, availability of cargo and combat support subjects to Army’s overall plans.  Light Aircraft SupportComposite squadron integral to each corps comprises single engine fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Tasking of these aircrafts is:-
Cargo Aviation Support The Cargo Aviation Support comprises cargo helicopters mainly the Pumas and MI-17s. The cargo Aviation support includes the following:-
Combat Aviation Support The Combat Aviation Support comprises the combination of Attack (Cobras) and Scout helicopters (Jet Rangers) grouped into combat flights in a Combat Squadron. The two combat squadrons form part of Aviation Combat Group. High Altitude Support
Alouette-III helicopter of French origin was inducted in mid sixties to support the construction of Karakuram Highway. This helicopter proved extremely effective in Northern and AK areas. Siachin conflict, however, confronted Army Aviation with altitudes, where Alouette-III helicopter was stretched to the maximum limits of its capabilities and its load carrying capacity reduced tremendously. A need was felt to induct a suitable high altitude helicopter. Induction of Lama and MI-17 helicopters significantly enhanced Aviation support to troops deployed in high altitudes. However, Alouette-III and Puma helicopters are still operating upto 4000 and 6000 meters respectively. This high altitude aviation support mainly includes:-
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| Siachin Operations Early eighties saw Siachin flare up and Alouette-III, Lama and Puma helicopters played an important part. Effort generated in last 5 years in FCNA are as under:-
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| United Nation missions Somalia Combat Group elements were deputed for providing security to the United Nation’s mission in 1994. The mission was effectively conducted, and aviation elements were the last to withdraw on completion of assignment. Details are as under:- Cobra helicopters were provided by United Nations.
Aviation contingent deputed for UNAMSIL consists of following pilots/helicopters:-
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 List of Honours and Awards
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