Folland Gnat & HAL Ajeet

The Folland Gnat was a small two seat tandem trainer which was originally designed as a light weight fighter but did not secure an RAF order. Folland, who were absorbed by Hawker Siddeley, then produced a trainer version which flew for many years with 4 FTS Valley and the Central Flying School. It was adopted by the Red Arrows aerobatic team and gave many outstanding performances at home and overseas including a tour of the United States and Canada. The prototype Gnat was evaluated by an Indian Air Force team and following a number of UK built fighters was produced in quantity by the Hindustan Aeronautics company. It served with distinction in the wars between India and Pakistan becoming known as the 'Sabre Slayer' following successes against Pakistan F-86s. But the Indians wanted a more powerful fighter and HAL designed the Ajeet which was virtually a Gnat Mk.2, again with air fighting success. This Warpaint, written by Alan W. Hall, gives a detailed history of the aircraft and its service with both the RAF and IAF. The book is illustrated by pages of side and plan view camouflage schemes and a 1:72nd scale set of plans by Richard J. Caruana.