"The Folland Gnat by Ray Deacon fills a gap in post-war UK military aircraft histories. The Gnat was designed for the RAF as a lightweight fighter but was rejected, however it achieved significant export sales to Finland and India, where it was involved in the shooting war with Pakistan, acquitting itself well against Sabres of the Pakistani Air Force. All was not lost as the two-seat trainer variant assured the Gnat’s fame as the initial mount of the Red Arrows as well as its intended role as a pilot trainer. After withdrawal from flying, quite a few served as maintenance trainers and a number eventually managed a second flying career in private hands in the UK and the USA. All of these aspects, and projected developments, are fully described in Ray’s copiously illustrated book and supporting appendices including full serial number histories. This book was an enjoyable read and thoroughly recommended."
The Air-Britain Trust
"The Folland Gnat by Ray Deacon fills a gap in post-war UK military aircraft histories. The Gnat was designed for the RAF as a lightweight fighter but was rejected, however it achieved significant export sales to Finland and India, where it was involved in the shooting war with Pakistan, acquitting itself well against Sabres of the Pakistani Air Force. All was not lost as the two-seat trainer variant assured the Gnat’s fame as the initial mount of the Red Arrows as well as its intended role as a pilot trainer. After withdrawal from flying, quite a few served as maintenance trainers and a number eventually managed a second flying career in private hands in the UK and the USA. All of these aspects, and projected developments, are fully described in Ray’s copiously illustrated book and supporting appendices including full serial number histories. This book was an enjoyable read and thoroughly recommended."
The Air-Britain Trust
"Very enjoyable, insightful book."
Read the full review [link=https://hushkit.substack.com/p/aviation-book-reviews]here[/link]
Hush-Kit
"Very enjoyable, insightful book."
Read the full review [link=https://hushkit.substack.com/p/aviation-book-reviews]here[/link]
Hush-Kit
As featured by
Military History Research Group
As featured by
Military History Research Group
"So – an interesting book, a useful publication and informative reference – for the dedicated U-2 fan and also the non-specialist who is curious to find out more about this remarkable creation by Clarence ‘Kelly’ Johnson and the Lockheed Skunk Works."
Ulster Aviation Society
"So – an interesting book, a useful publication and informative reference – for the dedicated U-2 fan and also the non-specialist who is curious to find out more about this remarkable creation by Clarence ‘Kelly’ Johnson and the Lockheed Skunk Works."
Ulster Aviation Society
