Aircraft Photo of XM691 | Folland Fo.144 Gnat T.1 | UK - Air Force | AirHistory.net #318409
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:XM691
Aircraft Original Type:Folland Fo.140 Gnat
Aircraft Generic Type:Folland Fo.140/141/144 Gnat
Aircraft Version:Folland Fo.144 Gnat T.1
C/n (msn):FL501
Operator Titles:UK - Air Force
Location
City / Airport:FarnboroughMap
Region / Country:England, United Kingdom
Airport Codes:ICAO: EGLF   IATA: FAB   Local: -   Other: -
Event:SBAC Farnborough 1960
 
Photo Date:11 September 1960
Photo from:Terry Dann Collection
Photo ID: 318409
Photo Comment

1st pre-production aircraft with two dorsal aerial pillars. When disposed of it was reportedly acquired by Donald Campbell to use the engine for his record-breaking Bluebird K7 boat. The Gnat's fin was also incorporated into a rework of the boat's design. On 4th January 1967 Donald achieved 297 mph on his first run of the day on Coniston Water. Sadly on the required return run, K7's nose reared up, she became briefly airborne and somersaulted backwards, smashing into the lake. Donald was killed instantly and the boat was torn apart, sinking to the bottom.

This photo was added on 1 January 2021, and has since been viewed 315 times.


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