the prototype gannet aew.3 first flew in august 1958, with carrier trials taking place using hms "centaur" in november, and the first production aircraft delivered in december. by august 1959, 700g naval air squadron was formed as the trials unit for the new gannet. this unit put the aircraft through an intensive test programme to make it ready for operation service, a process that lasted until january 1960, at which point the unit was renamed as 'a' flight of 849 naval air squadron. 849a flight was then declared operational and was embarked for the first time in hms "ark royal". a total of 44 gannets were ordered for the royal navy to replace the skyraider.