703 Naval Air Squadron

703 Naval Air Squadron
703 Naval Air Squadron badge
Active	3 March 1942 - 1 May 1944 April 1945 - August 1955 22 January 1972 - 1 January 1981 2003 - present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy
Role	Elementary Flying Training
Motto(s)	Experentia docet (Latin: "Experience teaches")
Battle honours	None

703 Naval Air Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy was formed as a long-range catapult squadron on 3 March 1942 at RNAS Lee-on-Solent. During the Cold War, it was reformed as an experimental trials unit, and then as a helicopter training squadron. Since 2003, the squadron has formed the Royal Naval wing of the Defence Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Barkston Heath.

On 3 March 1942, 703 Naval Air Squadron was formed at RNAS Lee-on-Solent as a long-range catapult squadron flying Fairey Swordfish, and later other aircraft types including Hawker Hurricanes. Flights were deployed in Armed Merchant Cruisers for patrolling duties. The squadron also operated three Supermarine Walrus amphibian aircraft from an airfield in South Africa. On 1 May 1944, the squadron was disbanded.

In April 1945, the squadron was reformed as the Air Sea Warfare Development Unit (ASWDU) at RAF Thorney Island, to conduct experimental trials on a large variety of aircraft including the Grumman Avenger, Fairey Barracuda, Fairey Firefly and de Havilland Sea Mosquito.

In April 1950, the squadron moved to RAF Ford (now the site of HM Prison Ford), and was renamed the Service Trials Unit. At Ford it experimented with British innovations in aircraft carrier operations, including the mirror landing aid and the steam catapult. Another esoteric idea, which was not put into operation, was the plan to land jet aircraft on to a flexible deck, without the use of an undercarriage; trials were conducted by the squadron using a de Havilland Sea Vampire. New aircraft types were also evaluated, and 703 NAS conducted trials on the Fairey Gannet AS1 and Westland Wyvern. In August 1955, 703 NAS and 771 NAS amalgamated to form 700 Naval Air Squadron.