The Finnish Defence Ministry bought 12 Gnats in October 1956 and allocated serials GN-101 to 110 for the fighters, and GN-112 and 113 for the photoreconnaissance versions. The planes were allocated to Hävittäjälentolaivue 11 based at Jyväskylä (EFJY). Despite the Gnat's positive features, it was a new and untried aircraft with deficiencies and design flaws. Unfortunately, it was troublesome in service, demanding repairs, modifications and technical issues that required constant attention. Four of the twelve were lost in service but this example is now a nice gate guardian at this super museum.

A long line of Gnats and Jet Provosts lined up awaiting disposal with the impending closure of 1 SoTT. Ex XP530, the aircraft was exported to the USA and initially registered N4347N which was not taken up, becoming N530X by 1998. It was cancelled from the US register in 2015.

GI airframe with 2 SoTT at Cosford.

Later flew briefly with the Red Arrows before being withdrawn in September 1979 and allocated 8642M for ground instruction with 2 SoTT at Cosford. Sold in 1990 becoming G-NATY and was displayed in the Bounemouth Aviation Museum for a period before restoration to flight by de Havilland Aviation from 2005. The aircraft flew for a short time between 2007-2009, moved to North Weald for the Gnat Display Team in 2017 and has since been undergoing further restoration back to flying condition. The team moved from North Weald to St Athan in 2024.

Photo by Ben Ullings.

Crashed while on approach to Shawbury, Shropshire, on 8 October 1976. Both occupants were killed. Photo by Ben Ullings.

Now repainted in 4FTS colours and no longer wearing the false marking 'PF179'.

"Gnat" in the sunset (after a pretty warm day). In the background "Puma" XW202.

Built in 1963, this Gnat flew most of its career with 4 FTS at RAF Valley, although it also spent a short period with the CFS. In April 1977 it was taken out of service at Valley and used for spares to maintain the active Gnat fleet. At the end of that year 1977, allocated 8578M, it was placed on display on the station. Replaced by a Hunter, she arrived at Newark during December 2000 and was fully restored