Operated by RAE and latterly DRA at Farnborough. Primarily developing night operation equipment for combat aircraft using FLIR and night vision goggles. It was retired in September 1994.

In July 1978 HMS Ark Royal was undergoing maintenance at Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville, FL. During that time 809 Sq. operated out of NAS Cecil Field which was near Jacksonville. The squadron conducted training flights around the U.S. including NAS Alameda, CA. XV344 is currently on display at the Defense Science & Technology Lab at Farnborough.