Bulldog preserved in Malta

On 6 November 2023, the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation welcomed a Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 aircraft received by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) Airwing as a permanent loan where it should join other AFM Assets on display. The loan symbolises the decades-long partnership and friendship between these two organisations.

The Bulldog is an aircraft designed for two occupants seated side by side, with the option for a third seat. The prototype flew already on 19 May 1969 from Shoreham Airport (UK). Besides Sweden, the largest customer was the Royal Air Force (RAF), which placed an order for 130 Bulldogs in 1972. It was used by the RAF as a basic trainer, in particular as the standard aircraft of the University Air Squadrons and, later, Air Experience Flights, providing flying training.

The Bulldog T1 donated to the museum bears the military registration AS0021 (construction number 345) and it is one of four aircraft that arrived in Malta on 10 February 2000. When the Cessna O-1 Bird Dogs were withdrawn from use, the AFM was searching for a new training aircraft which resulted in the donation by the RAF of five Bulldogs. Four where delivered in 2000 and the last one in 2001.

This specific Bulldog was previously operated by the RAF as XX696 with the Central Flying School, 3 Flying Training Squadron and Liverpool University Air Squadron. It was initially registered 9H-ADR in Malta under civil aviation regulations until 1 May 2000, when it was designated with the military serial AS0021. The Bulldog was primarily used by the AFM Air Wing for coast patrol operations, although it was also utilised as a basic trainer.

Credit photo: Malta Aviation Museum Foundation