Operation Telic Gnat GR.4

Model Mutt · January 15, 2013, 07:54:23 AM

Started out as the airfix gnat and built as per the instructions apart from the jaguar nose and laser designator in the fuel tank. Also fitted a refuelling probe so it had more loiter time. The idea is that its a small light aircraft used purely as a laser designator for other aircraft carrying LGBs so they don´t have to sacrifice space or weight carrying a designator.

Only got a few more decals to add, canopy to paint, unndercarraige to fit and details to be painnted then this will be complete.

Thanks for looking

TallEng · January 15, 2013, 08:15:12 AM

Looks Good!

Although I thought the Jaguar "chisel" nose contains a lazer designator?

Regards
Keith

perttime · January 15, 2013, 08:20:43 AM

The nose fits!

Do you have any other canopies that might fit. I fear the usual Gnat canopy might look a bit wimpy near that square jaw

Model Mutt · January 15, 2013, 08:22:35 AM

Thanks guys, I added the designator on the tank as an update when the refuelinng probe was fitted as there´d be less space in the nose for the equiment (or i forgot the jaguar nose had a built in designator

) Not sure cannopy wise as i started this one this morning so not looked at replacing the canopy.

Mossie · January 15, 2013, 08:22:53 AM

Budget cuts biting again??? Very nice.

deathjester · January 15, 2013, 09:35:10 AM

Brilliant work so far! Really like to see more use out of the Gnat, and the colour scheme really suits - it'd be darn near invisible at medium altitude!

IIRC, the Jaguar had a Laser Rangefinder/Marked Target Seeker in the nose.

Model Mutt · January 15, 2013, 09:46:08 AM

Thanks, got another two maybe 3 planned when i can get hold of the kits, bits and decals i need to build them.

Dizzyfugu · January 16, 2013, 01:25:19 AM

That's a nice idea for the two-seater. Well done

Captain Canada · January 16, 2013, 01:12:21 PM

Awesome. Love the look of this one. Not a big fan of the Gnat ( mind you, I've never seen one, never built one and really don't know much about them ! ) but this one looks wicked. Love the integrated pod, great idea.

Rheged · January 16, 2013, 01:35:17 PM

Quote from: Captain Canada on January 16, 2013, 01:12:21 PM
Awesome. Love the look of this one. Not a big fan of the Gnat ( mind you, I've never seen one, never built one and really don't know much about them ! ) but this one looks wicked.

I'd not seen a Gnat "in the flesh" until I encountered one at Cosford. Number 2 son (6 foot 5 inches tall) was also there and asked was there a a maximum height for pilots, and did you strap into it or wear it?

dadlamassu · January 16, 2013, 01:59:54 PM

Very nice, good idea to use a two seater as the mount for the Forward Air Controller.

Might use the idea in my Fictional African Wargame air forces. Though I think I'd probably kit it out with some sort of light weaponry like a MG pod or smoke rocket launchers to mark the target. Laser guided weapons are probably beyond the budget of the air forces.