Folland Gnat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Folland Gnat.
Red Arrows Folland Gnat.
Role	Training and fighter aircraft.
National origin	UK.
Manufacturer	Folland
First flight	1954
Introduction	1958
Status	Out of order
Primary user	Royal Air Force
Produced	Out of production.
Number built	450 examples.

The Folland Gnat was a small, fast aircraft from the UK. It was used as a fighter aircraft and also for training pilots. This plane had one turbojet engine and was built entirely from metal. The Gnat became famous for being the display plane for the RAF's Red Arrows team. Other countries like Finland and India also used it. In India, a company called Hindustan Aeronautics Limited even built their own version, which they named the HAL Ajeet.

What is the Folland Gnat?

The Folland Gnat was a type of jet aircraft. It was designed to be a small and affordable fighter plane. Even though it was small, it was very quick and easy to fly. This made it a good choice for both fighting and teaching new pilots.

Designed in the UK

The Gnat was designed by a British company called Folland Aircraft. The first Gnat plane flew in 1954. It was introduced into service in 1958. About 450 of these aircraft were built in total.

Used by the Red Arrows

One of the most famous roles for the Folland Gnat was with the RAF's Red Arrows. This is a special team that performs amazing air shows. The Gnat was their main display aircraft for many years. It was perfect for their acrobatic flights because it was so agile.

Around the World

Besides the UK, the Folland Gnat was used by other countries.

• Finland: The Finnish Air Force used the Gnat as a fighter plane.
• India: India was a big user of the Gnat. The Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) built many Gnats under license. They called their version the HAL Ajeet, which means "Invincible" or "Unconquerable" in Hindi. The Ajeet was an improved version of the Gnat.

The Folland Gnat is no longer used by air forces today. However, some Gnats are still flown by private owners. Others are kept in museums for people to see.

Images for kids

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  First Gnat F.1 prototype

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  Gnat F.1 single-seat fighter variant at the 1957 Paris Air Salon

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  Operational Gnat T.1 of No. 4 Flying Training School RAF in 1971

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  Folland Gnat Mk.1 cockpit

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  A preserved Gnat Mk.1 in the Aviation Museum of Central Finland

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  IAF Folland Gnat ("Sabre slayer")

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  Privately owned Gnat T.1 displaying at the 2008 Kemble Air Day

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  The third prototype of the Gnat T.1, XM693 at the SBAC show in 1961, showing the short nose of the early aircraft. It now guards the old Folland plant at Hamble, though painted as a Red Arrows aircraft

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  Folland Gnat at RAF Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire on Battle of Britain Day, 14 September 1963

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  Folland Gnat Mk.1 (GN-101) in Aviation Museum of Central Finland.

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  Folland Gnat with markings of SFR Yugoslav Air Force markings in Belgrade Aviation Museum.

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  A former Red Arrows aircraft, XR537

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  Folland Gnat ejection seat

See also

In Spanish: Folland Gnat para niños