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Folland Gnat RAF Red Arrows aircraft landing St Athan 1979
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Folland Gnat RAF Red Arrows aircraft landing St Athan 1979
RAFAT RAF Red Arrows Folland Gnat landing at St Athan after the Gnats are replaced by Hawks in September 1979 Date: 1979
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Media ID 14220830
© A Flying History / The Peter Keating Aviation Photograph Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1979 Airforce Arrows Athan Folland Gnat Gnats Hawks Landing Rafat Replaced
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, a Folland Gnat jet from the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team touches down at RAF St Athan in South Wales, marking the end of an era for this iconic aircraft type. The image was captured in September 1979, a time when the Red Arrows were transitioning from the Gnat to the Hawk T.1 trainer. The RAF Red Arrows, the elite flying display team of the Royal Air Force (RAF), had been using the Folland Gnat as their primary aircraft since its inception in 1965. The Gnat, a versatile and agile jet designed by Folland Aircraft Limited, was an excellent choice for the team due to its impressive performance and maneuverability. However, as technology advanced, it was time for an upgrade. The arrival of the Hawk T.1 trainer marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Red Arrows. The Hawk offered enhanced capabilities, including improved avionics and better engine performance. The transition from the Gnat to the Hawk took place between 1978 and 1980, with the first public display using the new aircraft taking place on 23 May 1980. This photograph captures a poignant moment in aviation history, with the Folland Gnat making its final approach to RAF St Athan, a base that has been an essential part of the RAF's history since the early 1900s. The image serves as a reminder of the Red Arrows' rich heritage and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of flying excellence. The Folland Gnat, a legendary aircraft in its own right, left an indelible mark on the world of aviation. Its replacement by the Hawk T.1 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Red Arrows, but the legacy of the Gnat lived on, inspiring generations of aviators and aviation enthusiasts. This photograph, taken in 1979, is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and progress in the world of aviation. It captures a moment in time when one iconic aircraft was replaced by another, paving the way for new achievements and milestones.
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