RAF Benson in South Oxfordshire is a support helicopter main operating base working within the Joint Aviation Command.
RAF Benson provides rapid support for UK Military operations throughout the world. The Station is also home to a number of Resident units that deliver critical support to defence outputs.
RAF Benson hosts the civilian National Police Air Service and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance who operate 24 hours a day.
In September 2024, Wg Cdr Tierney was posted to RAF Benson as Station Commander.
In 1937, work began building an airfield near the historic village of Benson. On 1 February 1939, RAF Benson opened and accepted its first aircraft; 2 squadrons of Fairey Battle Bombers.
From 1939 until 1995, the ‘King's Flight’, and then the ‘Queen's Flight’ made its home at RAF Benson. The Queen’s Flight remained at RAF Benson until 1995, when it moved to RAF Northolt and was amalgamated with No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. Following the war, the station re-grouped under Transport Command to provide medium range tactical air transport.
In March 1992 RAF Benson began its association with helicopters, first No. 60 Squadron flying Wessex HC2 helicopters, and then in 1997 No. 33 Squadron flying Puma HC1 helicopters. Followed by the Merlin Helicopters of No. 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron in July 2001 and of No. 78 Squadron in January 2008 creating the home of the Merlin Force. In 2014 the RAF’s Merlin helicopters transferred to the Royal Navy.
In May 2020, No. 22 Squadron re-formed at RAF Benson, providing operational evaluation, trials and testing of equipment and tactical training for the crews of all helicopter types flown by the Joint Aviation Command.
1939 RAF Benson opened.
1939 - 1995 home of Royal flying.
1992 Rotary wing aircraft moved to RAF Benson.
