Gnat in Aerobatics

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Page published 28 December 1997
Updated 17.07.2005

© Kurt Ristniemi, 1997

Folland Gnats of the Yellowjacks
of the RAF

FOLLAND GNAT

Powered by Rolls Royce Orpheus Turbojet, max speed 525 knots. G-MOUR's paint scheme represents The Yellowjacks Display Team

Up up and away
The Intrepid Group Gnat Trio of 1997

The material in this cell is
Copyright © 1997, DeltaWeb International Ltd

The Gnat was a good performer, but with a limited weapons load. Therefore it was used as a trainer by the RAF. It is also well suited for aerobatics.

The RAF Display Teams
The two seater trainer Gnat was used by the RAF aerobatic display teams. There were several unofficial display teams, one of which was the team of five yellow Gnat trainers formed in 1964. The Leader of the Gnat Aerobatic Team adopted the radio callsign "Yellowjack" and the team became known as the Yellowjacks.

When all the display teams of the RAF were put together in 1964, the planes were painted red and the team called the Red Arrows. The Gnats performed in the Red Arrows until they were replaced by the Hawks.

The Intrepid Aviation Company
Two seater trainer Gnats are still used in aerobatic shows by The Intrepid Aviation Company. (In 1997)

Type: Gnat T.1
Function: trainer
Year: 1962
Crew: 2
Engines: 1 * 18.8kN Bristol Orpheus 101
Wing Span: 7.32m
Length: 9.68m
Height: 2.93m
Wing Area: 16.26m2
Empty Weight: 2331kg
Max.Weight: 3915kg
Speed: 1024km/h
Ceiling: 14600m
Range: 1850km
Armament: 455kg

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