at 424 ATC

ex RAF XP538

Despite expensive enquiries I have not been able to determine the authenticity of this unusual paint job. Pima's site states that these are RAF test colours from 1961 at Dunsfold but I think it more likely that the colours were simply inherited from the previous private owner who had the aircraft painted like this, perhaps to look like an Indian Gnat/Ajeet. Pima's Head of Collections was very helpful in correspondence, but we were not able to resolve this question. What we do know is that the aircraft was used by the A&AEE, Bristol Siddeley Engines and the RAE before becoming a ground trainer.

incorrectly listed with c/n XP548 in the FAA database. Chino resident since 2019.

To GI at Halton as 8609M October 1978. To North Weald April 1995 and exported as N953RH to South Carolina.

Delivered to the RAF in 1962. To the Royal Aircraft Establishment in 1969 and used as a trials aircraft at Bedford. Last flew in 1984. To the Science Museum store, Wroughton.

On display at the Defence Exhibition Pavilion at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. An improvement over the battle-tested Folland Gnat, the Ajeet entered IAF service in 1977 till retired in 1991. Just 89 of the type were built or updated by HAL. The left wing shows two of the four hardpoints.

Seen at the Open House at RAF Wildenrath back in 1975. My father flew Pembrokes there with 60 Squadron at the time. My first attempt at aircraft photography with rather basic equipment. XP542 Operated by 4 FTS based at RAF Valley. Delivered to the RAF on 03 Jul 1963. Last flight 05 Jan 1978 to St Athan for ground instruction as 8575M. Last noted with 424 ATC Squadron in Southampton.

Last visit to Luqa by the Red Arrows equipped with the Gnat. XR987 is preserved in New Zealand as ZK-RAJ, with plans to restore it to airworthy condition.

Sabre Killer on display at IAF Museum Palam. It was notable for its small size and impressive performance, especially the rate of climb. The first Gnat unit was No. 23 Sqn. "Panthers", which flew the type from Feb 1960 to Jan 1978, downing a PAF F-86 on 3 Sep 1965 as IAF'S first jet kill. Other units to fly the type were No. 2 Sqn. "Winged Arrows", 9 "Wolfpack", 15 "Flying Lances", 18 "Flying Bullets", 21 "Ankush", 22 "Swifts" and 24 "Hawks". Behind the aircraft is the photo of Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC, killed in action in the 1971 Indo-Pak War while flying a Gnat.