Hello there folks, we’re back again for a second photo-feature on the upcoming Scottish Aviation Bulldog. Last time we took a flight with the RAF, and now we’re highlighting four Bulldogs from the British civil registration list. As before, the comments relate to the image below them.
- The Bulldog was designed by Beagle aircraft (located at Shoreham), and was based on their earlier GA aircraft, the Beagle Pup. The intention with the Bulldog was to create a replacement for the DH Chipmunk in RAF service, and G-AXEH was the one and only prototype. It took to the skies for the first time on May 19th, 1969, and it is only fitting that we reproduce that flight here…
- And we’re up… An iconic British aircraft lifting off from an historic south coast airfield, complete with an instantly-recognizable art deco control tower.
- Looking across to the airport, with the English channel beyond, and the coastline towards Brighton.
- Most of the civil aircraft in this photo-feature are T.1 models and feature the standard T.1 panel. Here’s the view on final approach back into Shoreham on our first flight.
- And we’re on short final over the River Adur. Amazing how this aircraft still looks timeless, some fifty-two years after that first flight!
- Not long after the Bulldog prototype kissed the sky for the first time, Beagle aircraft folded as a corporation. The production rights were taken over by Scottish Aviation, and everything moved to Prestwick on the south west coast of Scotland. It was here that a new company demonstration aircraft was built, and at one time it was even equipped with MATRA rocket launchers! Today, that aircraft still flies from Prestwick… Here’s a view from the cockpit as it flies near Irvine.
- Did anyone guess the identity of the demonstrator? It’s G-ASAL, and these days it is the star of YouTube channel "Alba Skies”. The YouTuber was one of the testers for BlackBox in the creation of this MSFS model.
- A beautiful shot, with the Isle of Arran in the background.
- Below, the RAF registration may show as XX638, but this is actually G-DOGG based out of Popham, England. Built in 1974, it served with the RAF until its retirement in 2001.
- An uncommon view indeed… Get too close to that prop and this black and yellow machine will sting you for sure!
- Dancing with the clouds, what a great looking aircraft G-DOGG is.
- And now for something completely different!.. Just look at the classic British aviation heritage in this shot. Trident, VC-10, Hawk, and the Bulldog. But note the extra window frame in the rear window of the Bulldog. This is NOT the T.1, it’s the Sk-61 model, built for the Swedish Air Force. This specific aircraft came back onto the British register in the early 2000’s, and was painted as a tribute to the Red Arrows. It held the registration G-DOGE from 2005 to 2016, and these days is re-registered as G-AZHX.
- The Sk-61 model has a re-designed panel layout. There are two sets of primary flight instruments, and the engine gauges are moved to the centre. This would certainly make it easier to fly from either seat.
- If you did not guess it already, G-DOGE is at another historic airfield, Duxford. So we’ve taken off and are now climbing out on a display day for a bit of a workout!
- You knew what was coming…
- And with an outside view of that last maneuver, we’ll call it a halt for this review of these four Bulldogs from the UK civil registry.
I hope you enjoyed this second photo-feature. One more is planned as we take a look at the overseas examples. Stay tuned.
- Kenneth