No. 11 Squadron RAF

No. 11 Squadron RAF
Squadron badge
Squadron badge
Active
  • 14 Feb 1915 – 1 Apr 1918 (RFC)
  • 1 Apr 1918 – 31 Dec 1919 (RAF)
  • 13 Jan 1923 – 23 Feb 1948
  • 4 Oct 1948 – 15 Nov 1957
  • 21 Jan 1959 – 12 Jan 1966
  • 1 Apr 1967 – 31 Oct 2005
  • 29 Mar 2007 – present
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
TypeFlying squadron
RoleMulti–role combat
Part ofNo. 1 Group RAF
Home stationRAF Coningsby
Motto(s)Ociores acrioresque aquilis
(Latin for 'Swifter and keener than eagles')[1]
MarchMarching Through Georgia[2]
AircraftEurofighter Typhoon FGR4
Battle honours * Honours marked with an asterisk may be emblazoned on the Squadron Standard
Insignia
Squadron tail badge
Squadron badge heraldryTwo eagles volant in pale, commemorating the unit's First World War operation of two-seater fighter-reconnaissance aircraft, eagles being chosen to symbolise speed and strength. Approved by King George VI in May 1937.
Squadron roundel
Squadron CodesDA-DZ

No. 11 or XI Squadron (sometimes featuring an 'F' to represent its historic fighter role (No. 11(F) or XI(F) Squadron)), is "the world's oldest, dedicated fighter unit"[3] and continues the traditions established by the similarly numbered Royal Flying Corps squadron, established in 1915. After a history of equipment with numerous different aircraft types, the squadron most recently operated the Tornado F3 until 2005 when it was disbanded. It was reactivated in 2006 to operate the Typhoon F2, receiving its first aircraft (serial number ZJ931) on 9 October 2006.[4]

  1. ^ Pine, L.G. (1983). A dictionary of mottoes (1 ed.). London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. p. 160. ISBN 0-7100-9339-X.
  2. ^ "XI Squadron Song". XI Squadron Association. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  3. ^ "XI (F) Squadron". raf.mod.uk/. Royal Air Force. Retrieved 15 August 2020. The world's oldest, dedicated fighter unit
  4. ^ "100th Typhoon arrives at RAF Coningsby". raf.mod.uk. Royal Air Force. 9 October 2006. Archived from the original on 23 October 2006. Retrieved 26 October 2006.