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Organisation / Units & Squadrons
744 Naval Air Squadron
Organisation / Units & Squadrons

744 Naval Air Squadron

Re-formed in late 2018 after more than 60 years, 744 NAS continues the rich history of test and evaluation which runs through the squadron’s more recent incarnations. In 2024, the squadron transitioned to the Joint Uncrewed Air System Test and Evaluation Squadron (JUAS TES), leading the Ministry of Defence’s efforts in UAS trials and evaluation. This marks a significant evolution, positioning the squadron at the forefront of uncrewed air system development.

744

Role

The primary role of 744 Naval Air Squadron is to test and evaluate both new and existing aircraft, systems, sensors, and weaponry to ensure front-line units in all three services get the best from their air power. Since its rebirth, the squadron has been a vital contributor to cutting-edge developments in air systems.
 
As JUAS TES, the squadron focuses on Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), with responsibilities including platform performance, payload integration, weapon integration, and advanced networks. This transformation enhances the squadron's contributions to modern air warfare.

Additional Programmes
 
In addition to its UAS focus, 744 NAS supports various weapons integration programmes across platforms like Typhoon, Apache, and Wildcat. The squadron also contributes to modelling and simulation strategies for testing and evaluating electronic warfare, combat air, and weapons systems.
 

Crowsnest

Capability

The focus of 744 NAS, since its transformation into JUAS TES, is on the development and testing of UAS such as Stalker, Peregrine and Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs). In addition, 744 continues to support the Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control programme, enhancing the Royal Navy’s ability to detect and respond to both airborne and surface threats through Merlin HM2 helicopters.
 
Another key focus is the FASGW (Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapons) programme for the Wildcat helicopter, which integrates the lighter Martlet missile and the heavier Sea Venom missile.
 
744 NAS also supports testing and evaluation of various existing platforms, ensuring that upgrades to platforms like Puma UAS, Merlin and Wildcat are safe, effective, and fit for purpose.
 

Crew

Led by Commander Tony Sherwin, 744 Naval Air Squadron sits as part of the Air and Space Warfare Centre, predominantly based at MoD Boscombe Down. The Squadron draws on the best aircrew and engineers from the three services, working side-by-side with DSTL and Operational Analysts to test and evaluate helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and uncrewed systems.

These tests ensure that new weapons, sensors, and avionics are integrated successfully into frontline operations.

Unit history

1943

Formation

744 NAS was originally formed at RNAS Lee-on-Solent on the 10 Feb 1943, however the Squadron soon departed to Canada as a training unit, and was consequently re-designated to 754 Squadron in June 1944.
1944

1944

In Mar 1944, a new 744 Squadron was formed at Maydown as a Merchant Aircraft Carrier training unit, to supply crews to 836 NAS.
1945

Squadron Move

The Squadron undertook Anti-Submarine training until it moved to RNAS Eglinton in Oct of 1945. Soon after it transformed into the front line 815 Squadron on 1 Dec 1947.
1951

Reformed

In Jul 1951 it reformed from a flight of 737 Squadron, again at Eglinton, but this time into a fixed wing development and trials unit.
1952

Search and Rescue

From Dec 1952 it flew Dragonfly HR3s for the exacting and demanding role of Search and Rescue until the unit again disbanded on 1 Mar 1954.
1954

Squadron Move

On the same day, it reformed at RNAS Culdrose as a fixed wing anti-submarine development unit and moved in Oct 1954 to RAF St.Mawgan, where it again disbanded on 31 Oct 1956.

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