page_title: 703 Naval Air Squadron
section_title: Service Trials Unit (1950 - 1955)
hierarchical_section_title: 703 Naval Air Squadron / History / Service Trials Unit (1950 - 1955)
caption_attribution_description: English: Original image taken by a British government employee prior to 1956. Photo found on: http://www.eichhorn.ws/assets/images/westland_wyvern.jpg
context_page_description: 703 Naval Air Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy was formed as a long-range catapult squadron on 3 March 1942 at RNAS Lee-on-Solent. During the Cold War, it was reformed as an experimental trials unit, and then as a helicopter training squadron. Since 2003, the squadron has formed the Royal Naval wing of the Defence Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Barkston Heath.
context_section_description: In April 1950, the squadron moved to RAF Ford (now the site of HM Prison Ford), and was renamed the Service Trials Unit. At Ford it experimented with British innovations in aircraft carrier operations, including the mirror landing aid and the steam catapult.  Another esoteric idea, which was not put into operation, was the plan to land jet aircraft on to a flexible deck, without the use of an undercarriage; trials were conducted by the squadron using a de Havilland Sea Vampire. New aircraft types were also evaluated, and 703 NAS conducted trials on the Fairey Gannet AS1 and Westland Wyvern. In August 1955, 703 NAS and 771 NAS amalgamated to form 700 Naval Air Squadron.
caption: A Westland Wyvern aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm
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