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| The mainstay of the RAF's training force for years, the Gnat was also in service with the Red Arrows for a lengthy period of time. The Gnat was originally designed as a trend-reversing light, simple fighter by W.E.W. 'Teddy' Petter. Until the Gnat, most newly designed fighter jets were large & heavy to accommodate their large avionics fit & powerful, sophisticated engines. An ideal example would be the MiG-25 'Foxbat', which is 23.82m (78ft 1.75in) long. The Gnat was only 29ft 9in long, over 2.5 times smaller. The Gnat was never used by the RAF in its intended role, the English Electric (BAC/BAe) Lightning being adopted instead. Still, the Gnat was an ideal jet-trainer. The Gnat had a single Bristol Orpheus BOr.2 engine developing 4,250lb thrust, & was 29ft 9in long, 8ft 10in high & had a 22ft 2in span. The prototype first flew in 1955. | ||
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