About Us

RAF Benson is a front line support helicopter base working within the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC). Located in South Oxfordshire, the Station is home to Puma helicopers of 33 and 230 Squadrons, Merlin HC3 and HC3a helicopters of 28 (AC) and 78 Squadrons, and the Tutor T1 Aircraft of Oxford University Air Squadron and 6 Air Experience Flight. RAF Reserve unit 606 (Chiltern) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force are also located here as a helicopter support squadron. There are also numerous other lodger units based at Benson including Thames Valley Police helicopters of the Chiltern Air Support Unit and the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance. Follow the links on the left to find out more about our squadrons, wings, and aircraft.

Opened in 1939 as part of the RAF's expansion programme, RAF Benson was home to No 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit throughout the Second World War. Post War, in 1946, the Station became the home of Royal flying as the Queen's Flight was located here until 1995 when they moved to RAF Northolt. There is more information on the history of RAF Benson through the link on the left, as well as information on the histories of our current Squadrons.