1963 Folland Gnat T Mk1

Description

The seller is proud to present an exclusive opportunity to own a Folland Gnat T Mk1 G-FRCE, a rare and iconic jet powered by the renowned Rolls-Royce Orpheus engine. Currently hangared at North Weald Airfield, G-FRCE is available for viewing by appointment.

The Folland Gnat is a British-designed, compact swept-wing subsonic fighter developed by Folland Aircraft. Conceived as an affordable light fighter amidst rising costs and increasing aircraft sizes, it was primarily used as a trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force and exported for both training and combat roles. Designed by W. E. W. Petter, the Gnat evolved from the earlier Folland Midge and was developed to meet Operational Requirement OR.303 issued by the British Air Ministry. Its straightforward design allowed for construction and maintenance without specialised tools, making it ideal for nations with limited industrial infrastructure. The Gnat played a key role in inspiring NATO’s NBMR-1 initiative, aimed at creating a standardised strike/attack light fighter for NATO members.

Though never used as a front-line fighter by the RAF, the Gnat T.1 served as a jet trainer and gained fame as the display aircraft of the Red Arrows aerobatic team. The Gnat F.1 was exported to Finland, Yugoslavia, and India, with India becoming its largest operator and later developing an advanced variant, the HAL Ajeet. In RAF service, the Gnat was eventually replaced by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk.

Originally designated XS104, this aircraft took its maiden flight on October 13, 1964, serving with 4 FTS until July 1975, when it was loaned to the Central Flying School before returning to 4 FTS in April 1976. A bird strike grounded the aircraft for part of May 1976, and by April 1978, it was retired from RAF service. On November 14, 1978, XS104 was transferred to RAF Cosford as a ground instructional airframe (8604M) before being sold by the RAF in the late 1980s.

Later registered with the UK CAA as G-FRCE, the aircraft received a striking blue and gold paint scheme and spent time on the airshow circuit. However, following the dissolution of its owning company, its registration was cancelled on February 25, 2000, and it remained stored at Cranfield for several years. Acquired by Jason Walker, G-FRCE was restored to flight by Kennet Aviation at North Weald and returned to the skies in 2005. After a brief career, its registration was cancelled again in 2008, but in 2009, it was acquired by Red Gnat Ltd. and once more restored to airworthy condition. The aircraft is operated on the Permit to Fly scheme administered by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), ensuring continued airworthiness under regulated oversight.

This is an exceptional opportunity to own a legendary aircraft with a storied history.