History

700M Operational Evaluation Unit

700 NAS was first formed at Hatston on 21st January 1940, by amalgamating all the 700 series of Catapult Squadrons. It's initial fleet comprised over 40 Supermarine Walrus', 12 Swordfish and 11 Seafoxes.

During the Second World War, several detachments of 700 Sqn were set up overseas, including in the Middle East and in the Mediterranean. During 1943 the Squadron's aircraft were gradually reduced with the advent of MAC Ships and escort carriers, and as a result 700NAS disbanded in March 1944.

It reformed seven months later in October, at RNAS Donibristle, as a Maintenance Test Pilot Training Squadron, where pilots were required to complete 5 weeks test flying on the basic FAA aircraft then in service. This course ran for ten weeks at Worthy Down airfield after the Squadron's move, and included experience in the Martlet, Firefly, Hellcat, Firebrand and Seafire amongst others.

700NAS was later based at Middle Wallop from November 1945, and RNAS Yeovilton from April 1946, and remained based there until disbandment in September 1949.

Merlin helicopter It reformed for a third time in August 1955, at RNAS Ford as the Trials and Requirements Unit, with a fleet of 9 Firefly TT.4s, and 2 each of Sea Vampire F.20s, Ansons, Sea Hawks, Wyverns and Gannets. It lost its Fleet Requirements role when handed over to the Airwork FRU at Hurn during 1957. A year later the Squadron moved to Yeovilton, before disbanding in 1961.

A number of Intensive Flying Trials Units were formed both before, but mainly after 700 NAS disbanded in 1961, in preparation for new types coming into Fleet Air Arm service. They operated under the 700 NAS title but as independent units, each being identified by an individual letter after the number.

Since 1960, 700NAS various trial flights have welcomed; the Wessex, Wasp, Buccaneer, Phantom, Sea King, Lynx, Sea Harrier and Merlin into Fleet Air Arm service.

It's Hunter service was brief, being on three separate occasions. A single T.8 XL582, shortly after delivery from Hawkers was employed by 700Y NAS, the Sea Vixen FAW.1 trials unit. The aircraft was in use between November 1958 and January 1959, and the Unit disbanded six months later in July.

At least two Hunter T.8s, XF358 and WW664, were attached to 700Z NAS at RNAS Lossiemouth between May 1961 and September 1962 when the Admiralty received the first examples of the Blackburn Buccaneer S.1.

The Unit disbanded in January 1963 when the trials were completed. It is also reported that at least one other Hunter, T.8 WV319 also served with the Squadron but this is unconfirmed at the time of writing.

700 NAS' last era of Hunter operations lasted just two months. T.8 XE664 was used by 700B NAS, based at RNAS Lossiemouth, between April and May 1965 at a time when the Blackburn Buccaneer Mk.2s were arriving on strength. 700B disbanded in September 1965.

The current Squadron reformed on 1 December 1998 as 700M Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose, equipped with the Royal Navy's then new Merlin HM Mk1 aircraft. 700M Operational Evaluation Unit's task is to conduct the trials necessary to optimize operating procedures and ensure the safe and efficient delivery of Merlin Operational Capability. The Squadron comprises 47 personnel and two Merlin HM Mk1 helicopters, fully instrumented, designed to gather data from trial sites throughout the world.

These locations cover the extremes, from the Fleet Operational Readiness Accuracy Check Site (FORACS) at Stavanger, Norway to the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre (AUTEC) in the Bahamas. These trials include passive and active sensor calibration sorties working with submarines, and dropping the new upgraded Stingray torpedoes. One of the most recent trials has been to assess the compatibility of an Electro-Optical turret, which enables the crew to visually identify vessels and aircraft in excess of 20 nautical miles range. This fit is being considered as an upgrade option for Merlin. The Squadron also regularly participates in NATO exercises in order to maintain operational readiness and develop tactics for the Merlin force.

Liaising closely with industry, the Squadron is vital to the ongoing development of the Royal Navy's Merlin Helicopter.