UNSC Air Force

The UNSC Air Force is a branch of the UNSC Armed Forces along with the UNSC Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Spartans. A component of the UNSC Armed Forces (UNSCAF) along with the Army, the Air Force serves as an aerial defense and support force. It is tasked with organizing aerial operations, conducting tactical strikes and bombing runs, providing close-air-support for ground forces, and transportation of UNSC personnel.

History
The human Outer Colony of Meridian was home to an impressive UNSC Air Force garrison. When the colony was attacked by the Covenant in 2548, the Air Force aided in Meridian's defense, leading to an extended battle lasting three years. The Air Force was present during the Fall of Reach, where their D77-TC Pelican dropships and UH-144 Falcons provided transport and close air support to UNSC Army and Marine forces. Additionally, Air Force Longsword interceptors provided air support for ground forces, and YSS-1000 Sabre fighters had a significant role in Operation: UPPER CUT. The Air Force would later participate in the Battle for Earth, notably engaging in an operation with Marine forces to destroy Type-27 Mantis emplacements, allowing Battle Group Victory to attempt to destroy the High Prophet of Truth's Forerunner Dreadnought.

In February 2558, the Air Force was involved in the Requiem Campaign alongside other UNSC forces.

Organization
The UNSC Air Force is subordinate to UNSC High Command, organized under the UNSC Armed Forces. Like the UNSC Army and most elements of the Marine Corps, the Air Force is structured under the Unified Ground Command. Within the Air Force are a number of major commands tasked with different administrative and operational roles. Among these are the Air Combat Command, which is tasked with gaining air superiority and providing support for ground forces, and the Air Mobility Command, which contains Air Mobility Express, assigned to airlift materiél and personnel during wartime. The Air Force also contains security forces which are responsible for airbase and spaceport defense.

Personnel
Large numbers of airmen serve in the UNSC Air Force. Rank is divided between officers and enlisted. For a list of ranks within the Air Force, see UNSC rank structure.

UNSC Air Force personnel wear distinctive uniforms. Pilots wear fatigues with teal-toned camouflage and white chest armor. The suit lacks the additional knee, shin or shoulder armor plating worn by most Army troopers or Marines. On missions in a vacuum, the suit can be sealed off and an enclosed standard combat helmet is worn with it. Additionally, the air force operates its own pilot helmet, which is compatible with all other UNSC armor systems. This helmet is presumably used in normal missions while the combat helmet is worn on operations where direct combat, such as boarding action, is expected.

Infantry weapons
The UNSC Air Force maintains an inventory of small arms and other infantry weapons and appears to share some resources with the UNSC Army. The Air Forces use the MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System as the standard assault weapon during the Human-Covenant War, although this was replaced by the MA5D assault rifle by 2557. The M392 DMR was used for medium-range suppression, although after 2548 they would replace it with the BR55 series. Ultimately, however, the succeeding M395 DMR would once again be adopted by the Air Force. In addition, the M6 series is the standard personal sidearm of the Air Force. During the Fall of Reach, the M6G magnum was used by Air Force personnel, while the M6H magnum became the standard personal sidearm as of 2555. The M45 shotgun is used by personnel for close-quarters combat.

Snipers operate with the SRS99-AM sniper rifle for long-range suppression and anti-matériel operations. The M319 grenade launcher is used for medium-range suppression and anti-fortification duties. The Air Force also operates the M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade. Anti-armor fire is provided by the M41 rocket launcher.

Vehicles
The UNSC Air Force operates several vehicles for Security, including the M290 Mongoose and the M290-M Gungoose, specifically the Urban variant.

Aircraft
The UNSC Air Force operates a wide variety of aircraft. The D77-TC Pelican is used primarily for the pickup and transportation of personnel, vehicles and equipment, but also has significant offensive capabilities. It is capable of carrying numerous armament configurations, including Scorpion anti-tank missiles, Anvil II air-to-surface missiles, as well as a chin-mounted 20mm autocannon. The Air Force also operates EV-44 Nightingales, utilized by rescue squadrons of the Air Force.

The UNSC Air Force operates a number of space fighters, the most common of which is the GA-TL1 Longsword. The Longsword is a multi-role fighter that can be used in a variety of missions, including ground support, anti-ship attacks, and combat with other fighters. The Air Force also maintains the YSS-1000 Sabre as a space superiority fighter. This prototype aircraft possesses powerful energy shielding technology, and is designed for the dual purposes of peak acceleration and maneuverability in orbital combat. In addition to the Sabre, the Air Force also fielded the F-41 Broadsword throughout the Human-Covenant War and the post-war conflicts. Following the Human-Covenant War, the remaining B-65 Shortswords were transferred from the UNSC Navy to the Air Force Reserve.

Behind the scenes
Initially, author Eric Nylund expressed the opinion that its role and function would have been absorbed into the UNSC Navy, though denied that this was canon. Later, in an interview, Frank O'Connor confirmed the existence of an Air Force as a branch of the UNSC, specifically the UNSC-DF along with the UNSC Army.

List of appearances

 * Halo 3
 * Halo: Reach
 * Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
 * Halo 4
 * Spartan Ops
 * Halo: Escalation
 * Halo: Mortal Dictata
 * Halo: Fleet Battles
 * Halo 5: Guardians
 * Halo Wars 2