AIR OBSERVATION POST PILOT WING RA

[HamandJam]

Hello

Is this wing a genuine or a reproduction?

I note in Edwards/Langley 117 that these wings were introduced in 1948 for RA officers who qualified as AIR OP Pilots including those who had qualified for the Army Flying badge(glider pilot wing) and that this badge was phased out again the late 50-ties in favour of the Army Flying Badge.

In fact they are often advertised as ww2 which they are not.

Thanks
Jean-Baptiste

[54Bty]

To me it looks like a reproduction, and not even one that was sold by the AAC Museum at one time.

This is one of mine that came from an AOP Pilot that qualified in WWII and continued to wear his RA badge right through to the 1970's, as a Colonel you can do what you want.

[HamandJam]

Thanks -not aware they are also reproducing post ww2 badges! Could you post a picture of the back?

Kind regards

Jean-Baptiste

[54Bty]

The back is covered with cloth as most issued badges are.

[HamandJam]

Hi

I attach a better picture, it look a lot like yours only much more worn.May be it is ok? Note sure there is an interest in faking these ones?

Regards

Jean-Baptiste

[tynesideirish]

H&J,
There's certainly an interest in faking these scarce Air OP badges. I agree with 54Bty, who is every bit the resident RA boffin on here, that it is 99% a fake.

The QM's usual urgency for a 100 or so 'in theatre' local made ones, to dress a Company or furnish a change in title whilst abroad wouldn't have applied in this case. Thus making the private in theatre purchase of this badge improbable.

I cannot understand why you would post a badge with a "Is it real?" query and then be reluctant to accept the concencious of the forum members.

I think it's a space filler. It's your badge, you're either happy with it or not.

[Gaznav]

Watchkeeper UAV/RPAS Pilots have started wearing the AOP flying badge again. Here is a picture of it on their uniform.

[grey_green_acorn]

Close view of UAV/RPAS wings

Tim

[bess55]

Gents, I posted this on an earlier thread, but here again for interest. Pics I took at the museum of army flying at Middle Wallop last year - relates to this badge and its genius. . .

[54Bty]

The new badge called "Tactical Unmanned Air System Pilots Badge" was approved in November 2014. In some documentation it is referred to as Aerial, and Brevet.
It is for all appropriate current and future TUAS., defined by aspects of capability that exclude hand launched or short range, low altitude systems. May be worn in perpetuity by all ranks on all Uniforms.

Marc