AV7225003 - 1/72 SCOTTISH AVIATION BULLDOG SK61 SWEDISH AIRFORCE HISTORIC FLIGHT 61025
Developed from the Beagle Pup, the Bulldog is a two-seat side-by-side training aircraft. The prototype first flew in May 1969. Before any production aircraft were built, Beagle Aircraft ceased trading and the production rights for the aircraft were taken over by Scottish Aviation. The largest customer was the Royal Air Force, which placed an order for 130 in 1972, entering service as the Bulldog T.1 in 1975.

It was used by the Royal Air Force as a basic trainer, in particular as the standard aircraft of the University Air Squadrons and, later, Air Experience Flights, providing flying training. The aircraft was also used by the Royal Navy for Elementary Flying Training (EFT) at RAF Topcliffe. The RAF sold off its remaining Bulldog trainers in 2001 - they were replaced by the Grob Tutor.

The Swedish Air Force placed an initial order for 58 aircraft, ultimately operating a total of 78 after it had taken over the 20 airframes originally delivered to the Swedish Army as well. The type was withdrawn from military service in Sweden in 2001.

The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight was created in 1998 to preserve examples of aircraft flown by the Air Force, and this includes the Bulldog modelled here. This is, so far, the first of two Bulldog releases in Swedish Air Force colours (see also AV7225009). The aircraft modelled here wears the typical livery of the Swedish Air Force and it comes complete with a display stand in a special presentation box. Limited edition of 600.

AV7225003 - 1/72 SCOTTISH AVIATION BULLDOG SK61 SWEDISH AIRFORCE HISTORIC FLIGHT 61025