Folland Gnat T.1
Folland / Hawker Siddeley · UK · first flew 1959 · fighter
The Gnat T.1 is the RAF's tandem two-seat advanced jet trainer, sharing the Gnat's small-delta configuration but substantially redesigned with a longer nose, wider cockpit, and taller fin to accommodate dual controls and avionics — the type made famous as the Red Arrows' mount from 1964 to 1979.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.68 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem two-seat cockpit under a long continuous framed canopy — visibly longer and higher than the F.1's single-seat hood
- Extended nose section housing avionics and dual instrument packages, giving the T.1 a longer, more pointed profile than the F.1
- Distinctive tall fin with a pronounced dorsal fillet — slightly taller and with a different leading-edge sweep than the F.1's fin
Against F.1: longer fuselage, extended nose, tandem two-seat canopy. Against Hawk T.1 (which replaced it): the Gnat T.1 is much smaller, has a delta rather than swept wing, and has a shorter, rounder fuselage cross-section. In the famous Red Arrows red colour scheme it is unmistakable — yellow smoke pods underwing and tight formation.
Specifications
- The Folland Gnat T.1 has a length of 9.68 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.32 m (24 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1020 km/h (634 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown 31 August 1959; 105 built for the RAF. The T.1 was not a direct two-seat conversion of the F.1 but a significantly revised design. It served with the RAF's Central Flying School and Valley-based advanced training, and the Red Arrows aerobatic team flew it from 1964 until replacing it with the Hawk T.1 in 1979.
Variants
Gnat T.1 (RAF only). The Indian HAL Ajeet Trainer was a separate development for India.
Where you'll see it
RAF Valley and CFS 1962–1978. Red Arrows 1964–1979. All RAF Gnats retired by 1979. Significant numbers preserved and airworthy in the UK; the Gnat Display Team flies T.1s at airshows.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.