822X Squadron RAN
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=822X Squadron
| image=
| image_size =
|caption=Unit badge for 816 Squadron
|dates=2018–Current
|country={{flag|Australia}}
|allegiance=
|branch={{navy|Australia}}
|type=Trials unit
|role=
|equipment=Boeing Insitu ScanEagle
Schiebel Camcopter S-100
|size=One squadron
|command_structure=Fleet Air Arm
|current_commander=
|garrison=HMAS Albatross
|garrison_label=Airbase
|ceremonial_chief=
|nickname=
|patron=
|motto="See the Enemy"
|colors=
|march=
|mascot=
|battle_honours=
|notable_commanders=
|anniversaries=
}}
822X Squadron is a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm squadron established in October 2018. Its role is to trial unmanned aerial vehicles.
History
The RAN established a Navy UAS Development Unit in late 2012. This unit was tasked with experimenting with a UAV to test the type's suitability and begin developing procedures. It began flying its first UAV, a leased Boeing Insitu ScanEagle, in March 2013. The Navy purchased two ScanEagles in June 2015, and the unit was renamed the Naval Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit. Schiebel Camcopter S-100 UAVs were acquired in late 2016, and accepted into RAN service on 30 April 2018.{{cite web |title=822X Squadron |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/about/organisation/fleet-air-arm/822x-squadron |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=30 October 2018}}
822X Squadron was formed at HMAS Albatross on 25 October 2018 by redesignating the Naval Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit.{{cite news |last1=Department of Defence |title=Navy commissions new 822X Squadron to operate unmanned aerial systems Navy commissions new 822X Squadron to operate unmanned aerial systems |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Oct2018/Fleet/4900#.W9OH5ZMzaUk |access-date=26 October 2018 |work=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |date=25 October 2018}} The X in its title indicates that it is a developmental unit; this is the first time the Royal Australian Navy has used such a designation.{{cite news |last1=Zupp |first1=Owen |title=Navy Commissions 822X Squadron to Operate UAVs |url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2018/10/navy-commissions-822x-squadron-to-operate-uavs/ |access-date=26 October 2018 |work=Australian Aviation |date=26 October 2018}}
The squadron's role is to experiment with operating UAVs and develop procedures for integrating them into the Navy. Upon formation, the squadron was equipped with Insitu ScanEagle and Camcopter S-100 UAVs. These are intelligence UAVs equipped with high quality cameras. 822X Squadron's title was drawn from the serial number of the Naval Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit's first aircraft, a ScanEagle designated AV1422.
As of October 2018, the RAN intended to trial the Camcopter S-100s and ScanEagles for three to five years, and purchase other UAVs in the 2022-23 financial year.{{cite news |last1=Clifford |first1=Jessica |title=Australian Navy commissions first unmanned aircraft squadron |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-26/navy-commissions-new-squadron-to-experiment-unmanned-aircraft/10428794 |access-date=26 October 2018 |work=ABC News |date=26 October 2018}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Portal bar|Australia|Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Royal Australian Navy}}
{{RAN FAA squadrons}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:822 Squadron Ran}}
Category:Flying squadrons of the Royal Australian Navy