The Folland Gnat was used by the RAF mainly in the advanced training
role, in the 1960s and 70s, where it proved to be an ideal lead-in
trainer for high-performance aircraft such as the iconic Lightning, the
first RAF supersonic fighter. It was also the aircraft used by the
famous Yellowjacks formation aerobatic team, formed in 1964, the
forerunner of the world-famous Red Arrows team which was equipped with
the Gnat for over a decade before being replaced by the Hawk in 1980.
Lesser known, the Gnat was also used as a lightweight fighter by both
the Indian and Finnish air forces. In the case of India, the Gnat, later
called the 'Ajeet' (Midge), saw combat experience in the Indo-Pakistani
wars, most notably in the Battle of Boyra. Today, over 60 years since
the aircraft first flew, several Gnats continue to be operated from
North Weald Airfield in Essex by the Heritage Aircraft Trust under the
brand, the Gnat Display Team.
This book relates the history of the aircraft and includes many
fascinating and untold stories by those who flew the aircraft, many of
them well-known and distinguished aviators including those from the
Indian and Finnish air forces. There is also a focus on the civilian
life of the Gnat in the 21st century with accounts from those who
continue to fly the aircraft with the Heritage Aircraft Trust.