Folland Gnat Single Seater RAF XK740 North Weald

Following in the contrails of Aviation 72s successful two-seat T.1 trainer variant that has spawned many versions in 1/72 scale, the Gnat's casting was modified to replicate the original solo cockpit 'light fighter' F.1 that first flew in 1955.

The British Folland Gnat was developed as a compact swept-wing subsonic fighter aircraft that was produced by Folland Aircraft. Envisioned as an affordable light fighter in contrast to the rising costs and size of typical combat aircraft, it was procured as a trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force as well as by overseas customers in Finland, Yugoslavia and India, who used the Gnat in both combat and training capacities.

Although never used as a fighter by the RAF, the 2-seat Gnat T.1 jet trainer variant was also adopted and operated for some time. The Gnat also became well known due to its prominent use as the original display type used by the Red Arrows aerobatic team. The Gnat was replaced by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk.

The RAF version (a limited edition of 360) depicts an aircraft based at RAF North Weald, in Essex. Wearing registration number XK740, this model actually replicates the same aircraft as modelled for the Solent Sky Museum release, but this one wears the livery it wore during 1963. XK740 spent most of its active life (1957 to 1967) on engine development flights.

The single-seater Gnat really looks the part with the smaller cockpit and is wonderfully finished in the correct livery. The paintwork on both features a suitable level of sheen and the markings are all beautifully applied, plus there is plenty of excellent detailing to enjoy. Undercarriage is fixed in the deployed position on both aircraft and the model comes complete with a display stand to use, if desired.