A Scottish Aviation Bulldog aircraft, taxiing, after landing at Manston, during the Kent Strut charity fly-in, Thanet, Kent
The Scottish Aviation Bulldog T Mk 1 was ordered as the standard primary trainer to supersede the De Havilland Chipmunk; it first entered service in April 1973. In all, the RAF received 132 Bulldogs, which equipped the Central Flying School and other units. The Bulldog was a side-by-side trainer that was developed from the Beagle Pup with a more powerful engine and larger canopy. The Bulldog became the standard aircraft of the University Air Squadrons and, later, Air Experience Flights, providing flying training. The RAF sold off all its remaining Bulldog trainers in 2001 as general aviation light aircraft , and many remain in civilian service today, a number still flying in their original RAF colours. They were replaced by the Grob Tutor. The prototype Bulldog flew on 19 May 1969 at Shoreham Airport. The first order for the type was for 78 from the Swedish Air Board. Before any production aircraft were built, Beagle Aircraft ceased trading and the production rights for the aircraft, with the Swedish order, were taken over by Scottish Aviation (Bulldog) Limited. All subsequent aircraft were built at Prestwick Airport by Scottish Aviation, and later by British Aerospace. The largest customer was the Royal Air Force, which placed an order for 130 Bulldogs in 1972, entering service as the Bulldog in 1975. It was used by the Royal Air Force as a basic trainer, in particular as the standard aircraft of the University Air Squadrons and, later, Air Experience Flights, providing flying training. The aircraft was also used by the Royal Navy for Elementary Flying Training (EFT) at RAF Topcliffe. The RAF sold off its remaining Bulldog trainers in 2001 as general aviation light aircraft for a low price. They were replaced by the Grob Tutor.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Manston Airport, Manston, Thanet, Kent
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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