Army Aviation Regiment
Philippine Army Aviation Regiment
ActiveApril 1978 [citation needed]
Country
Flag of the Philippines
Flag of the Philippines
Philippines
BranchFlag of the Philippine Army Philippine Army
TypeAviation
RoleAerial Reconnaissance
Part ofArmor "Pambato" Division
Garrison/HQFort Magsaysay
Nickname(s)Hiraya
Motto(s)"Soaring the horizons, Securing the land"
EngagementsCommunist rebellion in the Philippines

Islamic Rebellion in the Philippines

Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines

Battle of Marawi[citation needed]
Commanders
Commander-in-ChiefPresident Bongbong Marcos
Secretary of the Department of National Defense (Philippines)Carlito Galvez Jr.
57th Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the PhilippinesGeneral Andres Centino AFP
Commanding General of the Philippine ArmyLieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr PA
Commander of the Philippine Army Armor DivisionBrigadier General Facundo O. Palafox IV PA
Army Aviation Regiment CommanderColonel Andre B. Santos PA [1]

Philippine Army Aviation Regiment

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The Philippine Army Aviation Regiment[1], nicknamed "Hiraya," is the sole aviation unit of the Philippine Army, operating under the Armor "Pambato" Division. This specialized unit is responsible for conducting surveillance, aerial reconnaissance, airdrop operations, transportation, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. Through its dedicated personnel and airborne capabilities, the PA Aviation Regiment plays a crucial role in supporting ground forces and ensuring the defense and security of the nation.

History

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The origins of the unit can be traced back to the Army Aviation Battalion, which operated under the Philippine Army from 1978 to 1983. In 1986, the battalion was transferred to the Philippine Army Light Armor Brigade, which is now known as the Armor Division. In 1996, the Army Aviation "Bagwis" Battalion was reactivated under the Philippine Army but was subsequently transferred back to the Light Armor Brigade. Currently, the Army Aviation Regiment operates under the Armor Division.

Organization

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Units

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  • Headquarters Service Battalion
  • Aviation School Center
  • Aviation Regiment
  • Special Mission Aviation Company / Aeroscout Company
  • Aircraft Maintenance Company
 
Army Aviation "Hiraya" personnel Inspecting their Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105

Active Aircraft

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See: List of active military aircraft of the Philippines

The Philippine Army Aviation Regiment operates a range of active aircraft, including:

  1. Short 330: 1 aircraft.[2]
  2. Cessna 206: 1 aircraft.
  3. Cessna 172: 2 aircrafts.
  4. Cessna 150: 1 aircraft.
  5. Cessna 421B: Unknown [3]
  6. Mbb Bo 105: 4 aircrafts. [4]
  7. Robinson R44: 2 aircrafts. [5]
 
Army Aviation Basic Pilot Badge


 
Army Aviation Service Aircrew Badge

References

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  1. ^ "Army Aviation Regiment, muling magsasanay ng mga bagong piloto". PIA. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  2. ^ Orpiano, Pitz. "The Donated SD3-30 (C-23) Sherpa Aircraft of the Philippine Army". Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  3. ^ "Welcome Home, Golden Eagle! Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – The Aviation "Hiraya" Regiment welcomed back the return of the Cessna 421B... | By Aviation 'Hiraya' Regiment, Philippine Army | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  4. ^ Ganta, Himaja (2021-01-11). "Philippine Army receives MBB Bo 105 multi-purpose helicopter". Army Technology. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  5. ^ "Philippine Army commissions two R44 Raven lightweight training helicopters". Janes.com. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
 
Mechanics of the Army Aviation Regiment Inspecting the engine of a Cessna 172L for mandatory maintenance