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Scouts Air Researcher Activity Badge

Scouts Air Researcher Activity Badge

Air Researcher badge

We have recently merged this badge with the Air Spotter activity badge. This badge name and badge image will remain as part of the programme. If you are working towards the old requirements of this badge, you can continue to do so until June 2027. 

Discover one of man’s greatest accomplishments – developing the technology to fly through the air.

Choose 1 of the following options:

  1. Option 1
    1. Research one historical aspect of flight, and share what you find out with the Troop.

      You might like to find out about:

      • the development of aviation or flight over a period of time agreed with your leader
      • balloons or airships, from their first appearance to the present day
      • a type of aero engine, such as a jet or piston engines in general, or a specific engine like the Rolls-Royce Merlin
      • the development of an aircraft type, like a Spitfire, Boeing 747, Harrier, Stealth Bomber, space shuttle or the Wessex helicopter. You could find out details about its history, role and  achievements
    2. While you’re doing your research, visit at least one place of interest that relates to your chosen subject.

      It could be a museum, an air display or an aeronautics factory.

    3. Present what you have found out.

      Your presentation should include a model that you have made based on your subject. You should also include diagrams and pictures wherever you can.

  2. Option 2
    1. Learn to recognise 38 out of the 50 aircraft listed in The Scout Association’s Aircraft Recognition List
    2. Complete one of these activities:
      • By yourself or with another Scout, take photographs or collect pictures of at least 10 different aircraft types.

        Name the different types and their uses.

      • Visit an airfield or airport viewing area, for at least an hour.

        Record the aircraft you spot, including any distinctive features and the aircraft’s approximate heading.

    3. Complete 1 of these activities:
      • Recognise and name the national aircraft markings, both service and civil, of at least six countries including the United Kingdom.
      • Learn the RAF and NATO system of letter designation according to aircraft function.

        Give examples of three designations.

      • Name three basic training aircraft used in private flying.

        Give a brief report on one, naming a club and airfield where it is used.

        Try to make it a local airfield, if possible.

    4. Describe the main features you would use to recognise six aircraft, which have been chosen by an appropriate adult.

Tips

  • You can find the previous requirements for the Air Researcher activity badge on this document.

  • Combat aircraft   

    1. BAe Hawk
    2. BAe / McDonnell-Douglas Harrier II   
    3. Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon   
    4. Lockheed Martin F35 Lightning II   
    5. Eurofighter Typhoon   
    6. McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle   
    7. McDonnell-Douglas F-18 Hornet   
    8. Panavia Tornado   
    9. SAAB Gripen   
    10. McDonnell Douglas F-22 Raptor   
    11. Dassault Rafale   
    12. Sukhoi Su-27/30/35 Flanker

    Large military aircraft   

    1. Airbus A400M   
    2. Boeing C-17 Globemaster   
    3. Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker/E-3 Sentry   
    4. Lockheed C-130/J Hercules

    Light and executive aircraft   

    1. BAe Jetstream 32/41   
    2. Cessna 150/152   
    3. Grumman Gulfstream 2/3/4/5   
    4. Piper PA-28 Cherokee   
    5. Beechcraft King Air   
    6. Robin DR.400/500 series   
    7. Cessna Citation   
    8. LearJet   
    9. Grob Tutor G115E

    Helicopters

    1. McDonnell Douglas MD-900 Explorer   
    2. Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook   
    3. Eurocopter EC135   
    4. McDonnell-Douglas AH-64 Apache   
    5. Robinson R-22/R-44   
    6. Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma   
    7. Agusta Westland Merlin   
    8. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk   
    9. Sikorsky S-92

    Airliners   

    1. Aerospatiale/Aeritalia ATR-42/72   
    2. Airbus A-318/319/320/321   
    3. Airbus A-350   
    4. Airbus A-380   
    5. Boeing 737   
    6. Boeing 747   
    7. Boeing 777   
    8. Boeing 787 Dreamliner   
    9. Bombardier Dash-8   
    10. Bombardier Regional Jet CRJ700/900/1000   
    11. Embraer ERJ-135/145   
    12. Embraer EMB170/190

    Heritage aircraft   

    1. Hawker Hurricane   
    2. Supermarine Spitfire   
    3. Avro Vulcan   
    4. Avro Lancaster
    • Dean Hatcher (Training Officer, RAFAC)  
    • 20th Stourbridge (Halfpenny Green) Air Scouts   
    • Sqn Ldr Paul Harrap (RAF Cranwell)   
    • Clint Marler (UK Programme Support Team Member)

June 2026.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

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