UNSC Air Force

The UNSC Air Force is a division of the UNSC Defense Force along with the UNSC Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. It serves as an aerial defense and support force.

Operations
Much of the Air Force's operations are currently unknown. It is likely that it is tasked with organizing aerial operations, conducting tactical strikes and bombing runs, providing close-air-support for infantry forces, and transportation of UNSCDF personnel.

The Air Force was present during the Fall of Reach, where their Pelican dropships and UH-144 Falcons provided transport and close air support to 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 was also present at the Battle of Mombasa, where Air Force F-99 UCAVs supported Marine forces.

Equipment
Air Force 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.

Structure

 * Air Combat Command.png Air Combat Command
 * 37th Tactical Fighter Wing
 * Air Mobility Command.png Air Mobility Command
 * Air Mobility Express
 * AMX-4
 * AMX-42

Behind the scenes

 * Like the Army, extremely little is known about the Air Force. 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 branch of the UNSCDF.
 * It is plausible that the Air Force makes use of bombers, such as the Shortsword, and fighters such as the SkyHawk.

List of appearances

 * Halo 3: ODST
 * Halo: Reach