Deacon, Ray Folland Gnat

Red Arrow and Cold War Fighter

The book vividly and factually documents the challenges William Petter, chief designer at Folland Aircraft, faced in gaining recognition for his concept of a cost-effective, light fighter. He saw it as a viable alternative to other frontline fighters like the Hunter and the Swift, which were being developed in the early 1950s. Petter named his fighter "Gnat," although "pocket rocket" became a common alternative. Undeterred by the lack of interest from both the RAF and the Air Ministry, Petter decided to develop a privately funded prototype powered by an Armstrong Siddeley Viper engine to prove the practicality of his design. Named "Midge," the aircraft made its maiden flight at Boscombe Down in August 1954 and performed well. In July of the following year, the prototype "Gnat" made its maiden flight, powered by a more powerful Bristol Orpheus engine. The Ministry of Supply eventually began offering support and ordered six development Gnat aircraft for test flights, but no production orders followed. Conversely, the Indian government was very impressed and ordered a series of Gnat fighter jets, after which several hundred were built under license in India. The Gnat served the country well in two wars with neighboring Pakistan. Particularly memorable is the Gnat's downing of numerous Pakistani F-86 Sabres, which earned it the legendary nickname "Sabre Slayer." Finland, on the other hand, decided to augment its air force by purchasing a squadron of Gnat fighters. Anticipating a successor to the Vampire T.11, Petter didn't hesitate and immediately designed a two-seat trainer based on the Gnat. His efforts were rewarded with an order for a production version from the RAF. Detailed accounts also exist of the impressive period when the aircraft was in service with the famous Yellowjacks and Red Arrows aerobatic teams.