Visiting from HMS Ark Royal (R09).

Introduced in 1959, the AEW.3 variant was designed as an airborne early warning aircraft for fleet defense. The addition of the large bulged radar dome under the fuselage did give the Royal Navy radar coverage of their fleet out to 200 miles from the aircraft. The other main versions of the Gannet were a trainer and a transport for moving people and cargo to a carrier at sea. The Gannet served with the Royal Navy until 1978 when the British decommissioned their last true aircraft carrier. Markings: Royal Navy, Royal Naval Air Station Lossiemouth, 1978

Delivered to the Royal Navy as XL482 in 1960. Registered as N1350X in 1982 and used for propellor trials by Hamilton. To the New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, CT in 1986 then to the Pima Air and Space Museum in 2004. Registration N1350X cancelled in 2005.

Operated by C Flight of 849 Sqn

Undergoing pre-start checks at RNAS Lossiemouth (HMS Fulmar). This aircraft is now preserved at the Pima Air Museum in Arizona.

Ex 849 Squadron FAA Gannet AEW.3

Fading badly, but some day this Gannet will get into the paint shop.

Unit: 849 Sqn. XL481 was part of the complement of the HMS Victorious, which was in Australian waters for exercises. The Gannet was scrapped in 1979.