Royal Navy's primary helicopter training and operations base.
Opened
1947
Location
Helston, United Kingdom
RNAS Culdrose, known officially as HMS Heron, is a Royal Navy Air Station located near Helston in Cornwall, England. It is the largest helicopter base in Europe and serves as the primary training establishment for Fleet Air Arm aircrew, as well as a key operational hub for maritime patrol and search-and-rescue missions.
The station operates a range of military rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. It plays a critical role in UK maritime security, supporting NATO operations and providing search-and-rescue coverage across the South West of England and surrounding waters.
Culdrose is a military installation and is not open to civilian commercial air traffic. It does, however, host an annual air day that attracts large public audiences and showcases both military and civilian aircraft.
Getting to & from
The base is accessible by road via the A394, with Helston town centre approximately 2 miles away and bus services connecting to broader Cornwall transport networks.
Notable facts
- ›RNAS Culdrose is the largest helicopter base in Europe.
- ›It is commissioned as HMS Heron in Royal Navy tradition.
- ›The station hosts an annual air day that is one of the UK's most popular aviation events.
- ›It serves as the primary training base for Fleet Air Arm helicopter aircrew.
- ›The base supports NATO maritime patrol operations in the North Atlantic.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
