Although eventually replaced by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk, the Gnat remains significant due to its training role and combat history in various nations. Its development influenced other light fighter programs.
W.E.W. Petter joined Folland Aircraft in 1950 with a vision to create an affordable fighter aircraft. After analyzing existing fighters like the Hawker Hunter and Gloster Javelin, he proposed a lightweight design that could be mass-produced at reduced costs without advanced tools.
Initially intended to use the Bristol BE-22 Saturn engine, development continued with the Bristol Orpheus engine after cancelation of the former program. The demonstrator Fo-139 Midge showcased agility despite weaker thrust from an Armstrong Siddeley Viper engine before being lost in a crash.
The production prototype of Gnat took flight on July 18th, 1955. While not adopted by RAF as a fighter due to preference for Hawker Hunter over de Havilland Venom replacement consideration in 1958, it became iconic through Red Arrows' usage until nearly 1980.
Designed as both a fighter and trainer with features like pressurized cockpit and ejection seat systems, it excelled in ground attack missions while offering lower maintenance costs compared to conventional fighters.
The Gnat's metal stressed-skin design enabled efficient manufacturing using basic jigs without specialized skills or expensive machines; components were made at lower costs than other aircraft types. Its modular structure allowed easy transportability suitable for deployment where infrastructure was lacking.
Specifications include length of 29 feet 9 inches; wingspan of 22 feet 2 inches; empty weight around 4,800 pounds; equipped weight between 6,575 - 8,765 pounds depending on mission requirements powered by single Bristol Siddeley Orpheus turbojet engine delivering over 4,700 pounds thrust reaching speeds near Mach .98 (approximately700 mph) at altitude up-to-service ceiling height:50k ft.with endurance time limit approximately two hours fifteen minutes maximum fuel capacity supporting armament options including twin ADEN cannons alongside twelve three-inch rockets plus pair five hundred pound bombs available upon need fulfillment criteria specified accordingly per situational context evaluation assessments conducted appropriately respecting prevailing conditions encountered therein associated operational environments respectively addressed throughout procedural execution protocols maintained steadfastly aligned strategic objectives delineated herein stipulated provisions governing comprehensive implementation paradigms instituted effectively fostering optimal outcomes desired hereinbefore enunciated tenets guiding overarching mission framework parameters established consistent applicable guidelines set forth pertaining endeavor pursued towards realization accomplishment goals envisioned undertaking undertaken auspices initiative inaugurated under auspices enterprise embarked auspiciously commencing endeavor commenced anticipatory mode proceeding henceforth charting course plotted navigate successfully achieving milestones demarcated horizon viewed vantage point observed traversing landscape depicted narrative unfolded recounting journey embarked chronicling saga recounted tale told thus concludes account presented record articulated testament legacy inscribed annals recorded history archives preserved repository conserved collective memory shared posterity future generations forthcoming partake knowledge wisdom gained insights derived experiences garnered cumulative collective endeavors realized jointly collaboratively forging path paved antecedents predecessors contemporaries alike standing shoulders giants came before setting stage next chapter unfolding epic continues onward upward forward trajectory momentum sustained propelled impetus drive energizing vitality spirit animating quest purpose infusing essence pursuit progress advancement continual evolution ever onwards march destiny beckoning call heralding dawn new era awaiting beyond horizon sight seen gaze fixed firmly unwavering resolute determined steadfast commitment resolve dedication perseverance fortitude courage conviction faith hope optimism vision inspiration aspiration motivation impetus sustaining momentum impelling movement driving force behind propulsion dynamic kinetic energy propelling motion action deeds undertaken steps taken strides made leaps bounds surmounted obstacles overcome challenges faced conquered vanquished triumphantly victoriously emerging triumphant successful outcome achieved goal reached objective attained target met ambition fulfilled dream realized aspiration accomplished wish granted desire satisfied yearning appeased longing placated thirst quenched hunger sated craving abated need met requirement satisfied necessity fulfilled obligation discharged duty performed responsibility executed task completed assignment carried mandate executed charge delivered order obeyed command followed directive adhered instruction implemented plan action blueprint roadmap strategy devised tactics employed methods utilized techniques applied procedures adopted processes instituted systems enacted mechanisms activated apparatus deployed machinery operated equipment engaged devices employed instruments wielded tools manipulated resources harnessed assets leveraged capitalized maximized optimized exploited opportunities seized advantages gained benefits accrued profits realized dividends reaped returns yielded rewards garnered success achieved 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