The Purpose of Army light aircraft, fixed-wing and helicopter, is to help ground units to carry out their normal tactical task more effectively. Therefore the main roles are:

1. Reconnaissance.

2. Fire support.

3. Exercise of command.

4. Tactical movement.

5. Logistic support.

For special-to-arm tasks, light helicopters are integrated into certain major units of the Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals and Infantry. The aircraft must be capable of living in the field and be easy to maintain. Aircraft strengths in these units vary from six in an air squadron of the Royal Armoured Corps, to three in an air platoon in an infantry battalion.