In the late 1950s the Royal Navy operated the piston-engined Douglas A-1 Skyraider from its aircraft carriers in the AEW role. However, as that design dated back to the World War 2, although it was in active with the Royal Navy since 1951, it was considered obsolete. Therefore, the Royal Navy issued a directive, called "AEW.154", looking for a replacement for the Skyraider. The contestants were the Blackburn B-54/B-88 and the Fairey Type Q/17, which was the one who won.
The AEW.3 prototype flew for the first time in August 1958 with carrier trials taking place on board HMS Centaur (R06) in November and the first production aircraft being delivered in December. In August 1959, the 700 Naval Air Squadron was formed as the trial squadron of the AEW.3. This unit tested thoroughly the new Gannet, until January 1960, when the unit was renamed as 'A' flight of 849 Naval Air Squadron and was embarked into the HMS Ark Royal (R09). A total of 44 AEW.3 were ordered by the Royal Navy to replace the Skyraider.
The Royal Navy developed its AEW tactics with the Skyraider, and then evolved them with the increased capabilities of the Gannet.
It served as the Royal Navy's main AEW aircraft until December 1978 when 849 Squadron, the main operator of the type, was disbanded after the decommissioning of HMS Ark Royal (R09), leaving the Royal Navy without embedded airborne early warning.
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairey_Gannet_AEW.3
2. https://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/gannet/history.php
3. Hall Park Books - Warpaint 23 - Fairey Gannet
4. https://www.valka.cz/Fairey-Gannet-AEW-Mk-3-t1756
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