Hawker Siddeley Gnat All-through Jet Trainer

Dizzyfugu · May 31, 2024, 03:51:41 AM

Nice!

PR19_Kit · May 31, 2024, 05:43:02 AM

That was such a logical idea I wonder that they didn't do it for real.

Maybe the size limitation for Gnat pilots put hem off, any taller pupils wouldn't have fitted.

perttime · May 31, 2024, 06:10:56 AM

I've understood that the Gnat wasn't/isn't a particularly easy aircraft to fly. Perhaps the different wing gives it more stability.

I remember a comment in one of the UK magazines (Aeroplane or Fly Past?) saying that one of the period fighters would be a good lead-in to the Gnat

Not sure if the Lightning or the Hunter was mentioned.

NARSES2 · June 01, 2024, 01:06:18 AM

That's neat

kitbasher · June 01, 2024, 03:26:37 AM

Very pretty, well done.

Quote from: perttime on May 31, 2024, 06:10:56 AMI've understood that the Gnat wasn't/isn't a particularly easy aircraft to fly. Perhaps the different wing gives it more stability.

I remember a comment in one of the UK magazines (Aeroplane or Fly Past?) saying that one of the period fighters would be a good lead-in to the Gnat Not sure if the Lightning or the Hunter was mentioned.

The Gnat T1 was approached with caution by taller pilots - I recall many years ago a Leuchars Phantom jock telling me an ejection by a taller pilot could see them lose their kneecaps. Consequently the RAF also used Hunter T7s in the trainer role. Much relief all round when the Hawk entered service.

Gondor · June 01, 2024, 04:20:58 AM

Quote from: Glenn Gilbertson on May 30, 2024, 04:07:20 AMThe GA drawing showed parallel-sided drop tanks, so, "cut down Airfix Hunter tanks,". i thought. That eliminated the parallel portion, so I have another scheme!
Decided to change the nose pattern, and thought aluminium enamel might cover forty-year old dayglo orange without an undercoat. Wrong. Should know better by now.

They look like the smaller tanks you get in the Revell Hunter kit.

Gondor

perttime · June 01, 2024, 04:27:19 AM

Quote from: kitbasher on June 01, 2024, 03:26:37 AMThe Gnat T1 was approached with caution by taller pilots - I recall many years ago a Leuchars Phantom jock telling me an ejection by a taller pilot could see them lose their kneecaps. Consequently the RAF also used Hunter T7s in the trainer role. Much relief all round when the Hawk entered service.

My brother in law worked for the Finnish Air Force. Logistics or purchasing, or something like that. He was cleared to ride in the back on some jets - but his thighs were too long for some. I think he was too tall to eject from a Draken.

PR19_Kit · June 01, 2024, 05:05:20 AM

I had a chance to sit in a Gnat once, in the 70s, and I was too tall to manage it. I'm 6'1" and there are lots taller than me.

zenrat · June 01, 2024, 05:45:35 AM

I'm 5"10" with short legs. Does this mean i'm built to be a fighter pilot?
Cool.

Wardukw · June 01, 2024, 12:41:01 PM

Quote from: zenrat on June 01, 2024, 05:45:35 AMI'm 5"10" with short legs. Does this mean i'm built to be a fighter pilot?
Cool.

Actually yeah mate you'd do all right ..the right proportions so to speck ..guys like me 6'2 are not that great ..it's about pushing the blood and keeping it in ya head for the high G stuff .
That F86 Sabre I sat in was without a parachute under my butt and even then my head was like a inch away from the canopy 😆
So like Kit I'd never fit into a Gant .

PR19_Kit · June 01, 2024, 02:03:05 PM

I once got to sit in the front cockpit of a 617 Sqdn Tornado GR4, and there was no way I could have safely flown it! Even without sitting on a chute pack my knees were UNDER the panel, so if I'd have to eject I'd have left my kneecaps behind. NOT a good deal..............

Tornado pilots must all be shorties.

Wardukw · June 01, 2024, 02:45:44 PM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on June 01, 2024, 02:03:05 PMI once got to sit in the front cockpit of a 617 Sqdn Tornado GR4, and there was no way I could have safely flown it! Even without sitting on a chute pack my knees were UNDER the panel, so if I'd have to eject I'd have left my kneecaps behind. NOT a good deal..............

Tornado pilots must all be shorties.

What I have discovered is alot of aircraft ive had the pleasure of sitting in are not designed for tall pilots..that's from old like the Catalina and Lancaster to post war ..the F86 and A4 .
Choppers tho I've had not real problems with..there's alot more room for us taller folks

Old Wombat · June 02, 2024, 02:44:09 AM

Young lad I knew in the late-80's wanted to be a pilot in the RAAF but was told he couldn't fly Mirages, as he was 6'3" & the tallest you could be to fly a Mirage was 5'11" (or you'd lose your legs from the knees down if you had to eject). That left him with F-111s or logistics aircraft. I think he still went ahead & joined.

PR19_Kit · June 02, 2024, 02:58:10 AM

Flying an F-111? You bet he did!