Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1

Originally the Beagle B-125 Bulldog, the Scottish Aviation Bulldog is a side-by-side two-seat training aircraft that first flew in 1969. Around 328 of these aircraft were produced and apart from the prototype, they were all manufactured at Prestwick Airport. The Swedish Air Force and Army were the first customers of the Bulldog and eventually operated a fleet of 78. A single prototype of a more powerful four-seat version with retractable undercarriage was also test flown called the Bullfinch.

Purchased by the RAF in 1972, they served as the basic flying trainer and as the standard mount of University Air Squadrons around the country. Despite being a basic trainer, they were rugged airframes capable of performing aerobatics, and they have since found popular use amongst private operators. The RAF sold its remaining Bulldogs in 2001.

Now in the hands of private operators, a pair of Bulldog T1s will be appearing on static at this year’s Air Tattoo.

Photo Credit: Paul Fiddian