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.

Really XP534

On display at IAF Museum Palam. The Ajeet wears the emblem of No. 2 Sqn. "Winged Arrows," which operated the type from 1983-91. Drop tanks are fitted to the external pylons. Successor to the remarkable Gnat, the Ajeet had a slightly heavier empty weight at 2,360 kg. Just 89 were built or updated by HAL.

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.

Delivered to the RAF as XP534 in 1963. To Halton for use as ground trainer 8620M in 1979. Sold in 1992 and registered as G-BVPP in 1994. Registration cancelled in 2009. To Bruntingthrope for preservation in 2010 then to the South Wales Air Museum, St.Athan in 2019.

Formation shot with the Red Arrows Hawk T1s

Delivered to the RAF as XS109 in 1965. Used as ground trainer at Cosford 8626M from 1979 and Halton from 1984. Sold and shipped to the USA in 1992. Registered as N61457 in 1993. To Astre Air, Denver-Front Range, CA by 1999. Reregistered as N109XS in 2005.