Bulldog Series 1

The Scottish Aviation Bulldog Series 1 was a two‑seat, low‑wing monoplane developed in the early 1960s to replace the ageing De Havilland Chipmunk as a primary trainer for the Royal Air Force and other forces. First flown on 17 May 1962, the prototype proved the robustness of its all‑metal construction, retractable tricycle landing gear and a reliable Lycoming O‑360‑A4A engine delivering 180 hp. Its handling characteristics – forgiving stall behaviour, responsive controls and good visibility from the bubble canopy – made it ideal for novice pilots. Production began at Prestwick in 1965, with 130 airframes built for the RAF as the Bulldog T.1, later serving with the Royal Navy, Belgian Air Force and several Commonwealth operators. The aircraft’s simplicity, low operating cost and ease of maintenance extended its service life well into the 1990s, and many examples were later sold to civilian clubs for aerobatic and touring use. Its reputation for reliability earned it a place in aerobatic championships, and several preserved aircraft now appear in air shows, reminding enthusiasts of its enduring contribution to pilot training worldwide.