Folland Gnat T1

Folland Fo144 Gnat T1 XR541 (cn FL552) was built by Folland Aircraft at Hamble in 1963 and test flown from Dunsfold before delivery to the RAF on 8 July. It was taken on charge by 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley being used for the advance training of prospective fighter pilots. During its time at Valley XR541 was also used for periods of time by the Central Flying School. Whilst on an air test it suffered a major incident whilst landing at nearby RAF Mona on 7 February 1978. This resulted in it passing through the emergency crash barrier, coming to a halt when it hit the boundary fence. Although repairable, it was decided not to return the Gnat to flying duties due to the introduction of the newer Hawker Siddeley Hawk at Valley.

XR541 was transported to RAF St Athan in December 1978 for use as an instructional airframe with the Civilian Craft Apprentices School, now with serial 8602M, being used by the Painters & Finishers Section who dealt in repainting aircraft. So the Gnat was repainted from its red and white colours into a camouflage scheme with a serial number of “PF179”. It remained in use until the 1990s when it was sold off in a non-airworthy condition, passing through various owners. It was reportedly sold to the United States in 2007, but this probably didn’t happen. “PF179” ended up at Bruntingthorpe in 2010 where restoration work was undertaken. However it was acquired by the Gnat Display Team at North Weald where it moved in March 2013 where it was used as a source of spares. It moved to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum in March 2023 for restoration to it’s 4 FTS colour scheme.

Folland Aircraft developed the Gnat in the early 1950s as a lightweight fighter. The prototype flew from Boscombe Down on 18 July 1955 and there were hopes of sales to the RAF. However they decided to stick with the Hawker Hunter which was entering service in large numbers, buying just six for evaluation. Folland made some sales to Finland and India. Folland then developed the Gnat Trainer which the RAF realised would be suitable as an advanced trainer to replace the Vampire T11, ordering fourteen Gnat T1s for trials in March 1958. The first was delivered in February1961, by which time to RAF had placed another order for production aircraft which totalled a further ninety-one aircraft. The final Gnat T1 was delivered to the RAF on 14 May 1965. The type served with the Central Flying School from February 1962 and then 4 Flying Training School at Valley from November 1962. In 1964 4 FTS formed the Yellowjacks aerobatic team with seven yellow painted Gnats. The team re-appeared in 1965 with seven red painted Gnats – the start of the world renown Red Arrows. Gnat T.1s remained in service with 4 FTS until November 1978 when the were replaced by Hawker Siddeley Hawks. Unfortunately, unlike the fighter version, there were no overseas sales of the Gnat Trainer. The Red Arrow Gnats first appeared at Bournemouth Airport in the summer of 1971 when undertaking the seafront display. They returned each summer until replaced by Hawks in 1979. On withdrawal from RAF service some Gnats were purchased by private owners in this country, with others sold to the United States.