Japanese Army Air Force Organization
One of the things that I often wondered about was what all the Air Force organizational units meant. Well, let's try to make this simple.
The reorganization or the Japanese Army Air Force took place after early combat experience in Chana. Smaller more flexible groups were required to be successful in combat. The following unit structure was in effect for the balance of the Pacific War.
The Basic Group/Unit was called a Sentai. This unit was comprised of three Squadrons or Companys called Chutais. The Chutais were comprised of nine to twelve aircraft. The Headquarters section or Sentai Hombu was commanded by a Lt-Colonel or a Major.
Wings or Air Brigades - Hikodans
The Hikodans were normally commanded by a Major-General or Colonel. The Hikodans consisted of ...
Command Section - Shireibu Hikodan
Reconnaissance Unit
Three Fighter Sections - Sentoki Sentais
Light Bomber Section - Keibaku Sentais
and/or
Heavy Bomber Section - Jubaku Sentais
Air Division - Hikoshidan
Was made up of two or three Hikodans
Air Army - Kokugun
Was made up of two or three Hikoshidan
Imperial General Headquarters - Daihonei - The Daihonei was the supreme command of the Japananses Army Air Force
Chief of Army General Staff - Shocho