![Aircraft Photo of XM691 | Folland Fo.144 Gnat T.1 | UK - Air Force | AirHistory.net #318409](/photos/0318409.jpg)
Aircraft | |
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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 | |
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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 |
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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. |