AV7228006 - 1/72 FOLLAND GNAT F.1 XK740 SOLENT SKY MUSEUM

Following in the contrails of Aviation 72s successful two-seat T.1 trainer variant that has spawned many versions in 1/72 scale, the Gnats casting was modified to replicate the original solo cockpit light fighter F.1 that first flew in 1955.

The British Folland Gnat was developed as a compact swept-wing subsonic fighter aircraft that was produced by Folland Aircraft. Envisioned as an affordable light fighter in contrast to the rising costs and size of typical combat aircraft, it was procured as a trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force as well as by overseas customers in Finland, Yugoslavia and India, who used the Gnat in both combat and training capacities.

Although never used as a fighter by the RAF, the 2-seat Gnat T.1 jet trainer variant was also adopted and operated for some time. The Gnat also became well known due to its prominent use as the original display type used by the Red Arrows aerobatic team. The Gnat was replaced by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk.

The model depicts XK740 as it is now preserved at the Solent Sky Museum, in Hampshire. Built as the third F.1 development aircraft, XK740 first flew in March 1957 and spent most of her active life as an engine development testbed. Retired to instructional use at RAF Church Fenton, in 1967, XK740 was struck off charge for exhibition use and was initially located at RAF Museum Cosford, moving to what is now known as the Solent Sky Museum in 1987. The museum returned the airframe to the Hamble factory, where it was originally built, and British Aerospace stripped the paint, restoring the aircraft using the original drawings.

The single-seater Gnat really looks the part with the smaller cockpit and is wonderfully finished in the correct livery. The paintwork on both features a suitable level of sheen and the markings are all beautifully applied, plus there is plenty of excellent detailing to enjoy. Undercarriage is fixed in the deployed position and the model comes complete with a display stand to use, if desired.