The
Folland FO.141 Gnat was designed as a private venture to
determine how small an effective jet fighter could be
produced. The "proof of concept" FO.139 Midge first
flew in 1954 and the prototype Gnat in 1955. The Gnat became
famous as the aircraft of the Yellowjacks and Red Arrows aerobatic
teams.
The Gnat was also purchased by India, Yugoslavia and
Finland. India liked the aircraft so much that the Bangalore
Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) built the Gnat under license for the Indian Air Force.
Named Ajeet (Invincible) this aircraft saw service in the 1965 India-Pakistan War.
