Folland Gnat 34SQN RAAF CAS mount

Aussie747 · October 26, 2015, 09:15:49 PM

The Folland Gnat was ordered by the RAAF in August 1965 after it was decided there was a need for high-performance jet training to prepare pilots for the EE Lightning then entering service. This was part of a trend that developed in the 50s and 60s to implement an "all-through" jet training syllabus, with pilots going from ab initio to advanced training on jet aircraft.

Of a total of 97 Gnats operated by the RAAF, the first 20 were assembled in Australia from UK production, with the remainder produced by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Hawker de Havilland with an increasing level of local components. By aircraft A7-031, production aircraft contained approximately 85% local content. In addition, CAC also built the Gnat's Bristol Siddely Orpheus turbojet engine under licence. The Gnat's main operator was No 2 Flying Training School (No 2 FTS), operating the type from 1970 until the final course on the type in 1991. In addition, the Gnat was operated by the Central Flying School (CFS) to train RAAF flying instructors and also in the lead-in fighter role by No 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No 5 Operational Training Unit, and Nos 25, 76, 77 and 79 Squadrons.

and with friend

The Rat · October 26, 2015, 09:24:42 PM

Looks like she was made to wear that scheme. Well done!

zenrat · October 27, 2015, 02:56:16 AM

Mossie · October 27, 2015, 03:40:37 AM

Very smart scheme, looks great.

Dizzyfugu · October 27, 2015, 03:53:53 AM

Quote from: The Rat on October 26, 2015, 09:24:42 PM
Looks like she was made to wear that scheme. Well done!

Second that. VERY pretty!

Weaver · October 27, 2015, 04:14:45 AM

Very pretty indeed: I like that.

Captain Canada · October 27, 2015, 05:32:51 AM

Gorgeous. She sure does look good in that scheme, probably the best I've ever seen ! Love the look. And great job on such a wee aeroplane !

Tophe · October 27, 2015, 09:28:09 AM

Marvelous, at the glory of the Kangaroo roundel!

nighthunter · October 27, 2015, 02:16:03 PM

Makes me want to make an IAC version, lol!

PR19_Kit · October 27, 2015, 03:25:59 PM

That works VERY well, and the stand is a work of art in itself.

Aussie747 · October 27, 2015, 09:02:32 PM

Thanks everyone, it was a quick build. Though I found a few gotchas with the kit.

Glenn Gilbertson · October 28, 2015, 03:07:45 AM

What a beauty!

comrade harps · October 28, 2015, 04:42:21 AM

Beautiful

NARSES2 · October 28, 2015, 08:05:54 AM

Really does suit the scheme