Developed as a very small, lightweight, manoeuvrable fighter in an era where fighter designs seemed to be on an inexorable rise in size, the Folland Gnat instead found fame and service with the RAF as a jet trainer. A tiny aircraft in comparison to its contemporaries, the Gnat was used as the mount of a number of acrobatic teams, from the Yellowjacks to the Red Arrows, wowing crowds across the United Kingdom and further afield throughout their time with the diminutive Folland trainer.
Other users included the Indian Air Force, who took the Gnat into combat, finding it to be an excellent dogfighter as well as a useful ground attack machine.
Entering service with the RAF in 1962, the Gnat served until 1979, whereupon it was wholly replaced by the newer and more capable Hawk T1. Initially the RAF expressed interest in the type as a fighter, but it went on serve solely as an advanced trainer, bridging the gap between the subsonic straight wing Vampire T11 trainer and the supersonic, tricky to fly English Electric Lightening. Its small swept wing design blessed the Gnat with excellent manoeuvrability, as well as good flying characteristics - something that can still be appreciated today by airshow fans witnessing the displays of a number of preserved examples.
Specifications:
Maximum Speed: 695mph
Range: 500 miles
Wingspan: 6.73 metres
Length: 8.74 metres
15 окт 2024
