705 Naval Air Squadron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 705 Naval Air Squadron |
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Squadron badge
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| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Navy |
| Type | Flying squadron |
| Role | Basic helicopter flying training |
| Part of | Fleet Air Arm and No.1 Flying Training School |
| Home station | RAF Shawbury |
| Motto(s) | Expertam docemus artem (Latin for 'We teach the art') |
| Aircraft | Airbus H135 Juno HT1 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lieutenant Commander Phil Crompton |
The 705 Naval Air Squadron is a special group in the Royal Navy that trains pilots to fly helicopters. It first started in 1936 as a small team. Back then, they flew planes called Swordfish torpedo bombers from big warships.
The squadron became a full squadron in 1939 but was stopped in 1940. It started again for a short time in 1945. Then, in 1947, it was formed again to test how helicopters could be used by the Navy. Since the 1950s, the squadron has been teaching people how to fly helicopters. Today, it is part of No. 1 Flying Training School at RAF Shawbury.
Contents
History of the Squadron
Early Years and World War II (1936–1945)
The 705 Squadron began in June 1936. It was formed from a group called No 447 Flight of the Royal Air Force. In 1937, the Royal Navy took over control of its own aircraft. During this time, the squadron used Fairey Swordfish planes. These planes were biplanes, meaning they had two sets of wings. They were also torpedo bombers, which means they could drop torpedoes.
The Swordfish planes flew from large warships called battlecruisers. These ships were Repulse and Renown. The planes had floats so they could be launched from the ships using a special ramp. After landing on the water, a crane would lift them back onto the ship.
In 1939, 705 became a full squadron. At the start of World War II, the squadron helped protect groups of supply ships. They also hunted for enemy ships in the North America and West Indies area. The squadron was stopped in 1940. It briefly started again in 1945 to train people how to use torpedoes.
Testing Helicopters (1947–1950)
In May 1947, 705 Squadron started up again at RNAS Gosport. They began using Sikorsky Hoverfly helicopters. At first, the squadron's job was to test helicopters. They wanted to see how useful helicopters could be for the Navy at sea.
On February 1, 1947, Lieutenant K Reed made history. He was the first person to land a helicopter on a Royal Navy ship. He landed on HMS Vanguard near Portland.
Training Helicopter Pilots (1950–1997)
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Over time, the squadron became responsible for training new Royal Navy helicopter pilots. In the 1950s, they received new helicopters. These included the Westland Dragonfly, the Hiller HT1, and the Sikorsky S55.
In 1957, the squadron moved to RNAS Culdrose. There, they started using newer versions of the Hiller and Whirlwind helicopters. In 1974, these were replaced by the Westland Gazelle HT.2. From 1975 to 1992, the squadron's instructors also formed a display team. They were called the 'Sharks' helicopter display team. They performed amazing flying shows at up to 20 events each year, both in the UK and other countries.
Training for All Services (1997–2018)
In April 1997, 705 Naval Air Squadron stopped for a short time. It then started again at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire. This time, it became part of the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS). They started flying the Eurocopter Squirrel HT Mk 1 helicopter.
Modern Training System (2018 – Present)
The squadron is still part of the DHFS. Now, it is also a key part of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). In April 2018, the squadron began flying the H135 Juno HT Mk1 helicopter.
What the Squadron Does Now
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Today, 705 Squadron is part of No. 1 Flying Training School (1 FTS). It also works under 2 Maritime Air Wing (2 MAW). The squadron teaches pilots and crew members from all three military services. They learn how to fly helicopters and work with them.
705 Squadron is the busiest squadron within 1 FTS. They teach many different flying skills. These include advanced handling, flying using only instruments, and navigating at different heights. They also teach mountain flying and night flying. This includes flying low at night using night-vision devices (NVD).
Besides flying training, 705 Squadron also makes sure naval aircrew feel connected to the Navy. This is important because they work in an organization that includes all military services and is largely run by civilians. A Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander leads the squadron. The "Senior Pilot" is also from the Royal Navy. Other instructors can be from any of the three services.
After training at DHFS, naval graduates go on to fly other types of helicopters. These include the Leonardo Merlin – MPH, Leonardo Merlin – Commando, or Leonardo Wildcat AH / Wildcat HMA.
Aircraft Flown
The 705 Squadron has flown many different types of aircraft since it started:
- Blackburn Shark II/SP
- Fairey Swordfish I/SP & III
- Sikorsky Hoverfly I & II
- Saunders-Roe Skeeter
- Westland Dragonfly HR.1, HR.3 & HR.5
- Hiller HT.1 & HT.2
- Sikorsky S55
- Westland Whirlwind HAS.22, HAR.1, HAR.3 & HAS.7
- Westland Wasp HAS.1
- Westland Gazelle HT.2
- Eurocopter Squirrel
- Airbus H-135 Juno HT.1
Commanders
Here are some of the people who have led the 705 Naval Air Squadron:
- Lt Cdr Becky Frater (2013 – July 2015)
- Lt Cdr Scott Hughes (July 2015 – July 2017)
- Lt Cdr Matt Robinson (July 2017 – October 2017)
- Lt Cdr Paul Ryan (April 2018 – December 2019)
- Lt Cdr Phil Crompton (January 2020 - Present)
