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Bristol University Air Squadron

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Bristol University Air Squadron
Active1941-present
RoleTraining, Recruiting
Part ofNo. 6 Flying Training School
Garrison/HQMOD Boscombe Down
Motto(s)Audentior Ito (Latin: Go bolder)
ColoursBlack & Yellow
Mascot(s)Wild Boar
EquipmentGrob Tutor T1

Bristol University Air Squadron, commonly known as BUAS, is a University Air Squadron that recruits from the University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of the West of England, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth.[1]

Grob Tutor T1 operated by Bristol University Air Squadron
Grob Tutor T1 operated by Bristol University Air Squadron. Seen departing after taking part in the 2017 Royal International Air Tattoo. RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK.

History

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Bristol University Air Squadron was formed on 25 February 1941 within No. 54 Group RAF, parented by RAF Filton. The squadron moved groups to No. 62 Group RAF on 15 May 1946 and was disbanded on 15 July 1946. The squadron was reformed on 1 December 1950 at Filton within No. 62 Group, parented by RAF Colerne.[2]

In 1975 the Squadron reequipped with Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 aircraft, which were in use until the introduction of the Grob Tutor T1 in October 2000.

A photo of a Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 of Bristol University Air Squadron, painted in its black and yellow BUAS livery
A former BUAS Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 adorned in Bristol University Air Squadron colours

The squadron has moved multiple times, at first from RAF Filton to RAF Colerne in 1993, and again from RAF Colerne to MOD Boscombe Down following the announcement of Colerne's closure in November 2016. The move to Boscombe Down was completed in 2022, including the relocation of BUAS Town Headquarters to The Artillery Grounds on Whiteladies Road in Bristol; a site it shares with Bristol University Officer Training Corps.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bristol University Air Squadron". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  2. ^ Sturtivant & Hamlin 2007, p. 283.
  • Sturtivant, Ray; Hamlin, John (2007). Royal Air Force flying training and support units since 1912. Tonbridge, UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 978-0851-3036-59.