Current Title:	Aviation Legere de L'Armee de Terre
Title in English:	French Army Light Aviation
Abbreviation:	ALAT

Narrative Summary:
From 1943 several observation units had been formed with American assistance within the French Air Force, for artillery spotting using light aircraft. At the end of the war, these units were greatly reduced in numbers. The war in Indochina showed once again the importance of these units and in March 1953 a degree of autonomy within the Air Force was achieved with the creation of the Aviation Legere d'Observation d'Artillerie (ALOA). On 22 November 1954 these units became a wholly Army-maintained force called the Aviation Legere de L'Armee de Terre (ALAT). It's main roles were observation, reconnaissance, assault and supply duties.

Key Dates:
1943		Artillery observation units formed in AdlA
3 March 1953		Aviation Legere d'Observation d'Artillerie created within AdlA
1953		First helicopters received - Bell 47D
22 November 1954		French Army air arm established

Current Status:
To be added

Future Plans:
Eurocopter Tigre attack helicopter to enter service in 2003 with Franco-German School at Le Luc. 80 currently on order (10 HAC and 70 HAP versions), with eventual requirement for 214.
Procurement of 68 NH.90 TTH, with deliveries from 2011.

National Insignia:
Current --- Historical

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):

French Army aircraft carry French military serial numbers which are usually based on the manufacturers construction number for the airframe concerned, e.g. SA.330B Puma 1062. In addition, each aircraft carries a 3-letter code, e.g. AZE for the same Puma, which corresponds to it's radio callsign - with letters in the range F-MAAA to F-MIZZ.

Aircraft Designation System(s):
None - Manufacturers designations used.

Current Aircraft Inventory:
Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Alphabetical Order --- Chronological Order

Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service

Main Headquarters:
Commandement de l'ALAT, 78129 Villacoublay-Air

Current Organisational Structure:
The basic unit of ALAT is the Regiment d'Helicopteres de Combat (RHC). Each of which comprises:
One Escadrille de Commandement et des Services (ECS - HQ Squadron)
One Escadrille de Soutien et de Ravitaillement (ESR - Supply and Provision Squadron)
One Escadrille d'Helicopteres de Reconnaissance (EHR - Recce Squadron)
One or two Escadrille d'Helicopteres d'Appui Protection (EHAP - Strike Helicopter Squadron)
Three Escadrille d'Helicopteres d'Attaque (EHA - Attack Helicopter Squadron)
One Escadrille d'Helicopteres de Manoeuvre (EHM - Assault Transport and Heavy Lift Squadron)

Regional liaison squadrons are designated Groupe d'Helicopteres Legers (GHL)

Current Order of Battle:
Table of Current Order of Battle

Historical Orders of Battle:
List of Historical Orders of Battle - to be added.

All-Time Flying Units List:
To be added.

Current Air Bases:
See orbat listing.

All-Time Air Bases Used List:
In addition to the main bases there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Army.
Military Air Bases Listing - to be added.

Books:

French Military Aviation Bibliography - to be added.

Magazines:

World Air Power Journal No.10 p.152
Air Forces Research Nos.10, 11 & 12

Websites:

Official Homepage of the French Army

wikipedia: French_Army

Air-Britain: French Army photos

Airliners.net