The story
The Gnat was built on one idea: a fighter small and cheap enough to buy in bulk. Britain never adopted the fighter but kept the two-seat trainer, and the Red Arrows flew the Gnat T.1 for their first 15 seasons. India did adopt the fighter, and in the 1965 and 1971 wars its Gnats shot down Pakistani F-86 Sabres often enough to earn the type its nickname. A handful still fly, mostly in the UK and US.
The Gnat's wingspan is just 24 feet, smaller than many light aircraft, yet it carried the Red Arrows' nine-ship formation for 15 seasons before the Hawk took over in 1980.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Gnat?
Tiny, with a swept wing and a swept tail that sits high on the fin. Many fly in Red Arrows red. If a jet looks too small to have a pilot in it, it is a Gnat.
What does a Gnat sound like?
A sharp Orpheus whistle that turns into a scream at display speed.
How fast is the Gnat?
Top speed is 553 kts.
How many people does the Gnat carry?
Typical configuration: Tandem two-seat trainer (T.1) or single-seat fighter.
How far can the Gnat fly?
Range is about 1,000 nmi.
How big is the Gnat?
It is 31 ft 9 in long and 24 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the Gnat first fly?
Its first flight was in 1955.
How many Gnats have been built?
449 built.
How rare is a Gnat in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Gnat catch is worth 250 points.
