Role
The primary role of 744 Naval Air Squadron is to test and evaluate new and existing aircraft, systems, sensors and weaponry to ensure front-line units in all three Services gets the best out of their air power.
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.
Capability
The focus of 744 Naval Air Squadron since its rebirth has been the development of the Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control variant of the Merlin and its integration into the Carrier Strike Group to both provide early warning of aerial threats to the force – and to help direct F-35B Lightning stealth fighters to intercept their targets.
Another key focus of the squadron has been the FASGW (Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapons) programme for the Wildcat helicopter – the lighter Martlet missile and the heavier Sea Venom.
744 is also heavily involved in the Merlin Mid-Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) through which the squadron aims to continuously improve the Navy’s principal anti-submarine and commando-carrying helicopter.
744 NAS aims to bring together operational experiences from the majority of the Forces’ front-line aircraft types and weaponry, to ensure that new aircraft, weapons and upgrades to existing platforms are safe and fit for purpose.
Crew
Led by Commander Bradley Watson, 744 Naval Air Squadron sits as part of the Air and Space Warfare Centre predominantly based out of MoD Boscombe Down and forms part of the Air Test and Evaluation Centre. The squadron draws on the best aircrew and engineers from the three Services, working side-by-side with civilian experts to test and evaluate helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and new weapons, sensors and avionics fitted to them.
- Combat Air – Provides support to Future Combat Air System, Tempest and Typhoon development activities. Working with industry, DSTL and Defence on the development and exploitation of cutting-edge UK technologies.
- Maritime Team – Provides support to Merlin Mk2 in the ASW / CROWSNEST role fit, support to Merlin Mk4 / 4A and additional T&E programmes.
- Strike Team – Provides support to Wildcat HMA2 / AH1 T&E programmes.
- Weapons Integration Team – Provides support to various weapons integration programmes including Typhoon, Apache and Wildcat.
- Modelling and Simulation – Developing a complete Modelling and Simulation strategy for pan-defence programmes, the initial Air and Space Warfare Centre focus being T&E of Electronic Warfare, Combat Air and weapons.
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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