Which aeronautics company built the advanced trainer the 'Gnat', for the RAF in 1968?
Folland Gnat Force Gnat T.1 to be built was delivered to the Red Arrows. Once pilots graduated from basic training on the BAC Jet Provost and gained their wings they were selected for one of three streams: fast jet, multi-engined, or helicopter. Those selected for fast jets were posted to RAF Valley for advanced training on the Gnat T.1, typically 70 hours of flying. Students would then move on to operational training using the Hawker Hunter, followed by a posting to an operational conversion unit for the type of aircraft to be flown. Following the introduction of the Hawker Siddeley Hawk into
Folland Gnat stage; the RAF showed little interest in possessing a variable geometry trainer, even when it intended to procure the General Dynamics F-111K strike aircraft. The Folland Gnat was a purpose-built light fighter aircraft, suitable as both a trainer and a combat aircraft in ground-attack and day-fighter roles. The cockpit offered many features expected in standard fighter aircraft: full pressurisation, climate control, and a Martin-Baker ejection seat. According to Folland, the Gnat offered advantages over conventional fighter aircraft in terms of cost, man-hours, handling, serviceability, and portability. Its conventional undercarriage let it operate from austere grass airstrips, thanks to the aircraft's