The Gnat is a British compact swept-wing subsonic fighter that was developed into an advanced trainer by Folland Aircraft. First flown on 11th March 1963, XP516 spent most of its active career with 4 FTS (Flight Training School) with periods on loan to the Ministry of Technology and CFS (Central Flying School), including use as a spare for the Red Arrows.

XP516 was retired to instructional duties as 8580M at RAF Valley in 1978. It spent a few months on display outside the Officers’ Mess and then in 1979 was passed to DERA
(later QinetiQ) at Farnborough, where it was used for vibration testing before finally retiring  to the FAST Museum.

Its aft fuselage actually comes from sister ship XP532 (and that had originally come from XS101).

Technical Specifications

Crew : 2
Length : 9.07m (29ft 9in)
Wingspan : 6.76m (22ft 2in)
Height : 2.69m (8ft 10in)
Engine : Single Bristol Siddeley Orpheus 701
Thrust : 20.93kN (4,705 lbf)
Maximum Speed : 1,119km/h (695mph) at 6,096m or 20,000 ft
Service Ceiling : 15,240m (50,000ft)
Empty Weight : 2,177kg (4,800 lb)
Loaded Weight : 3,976kg (8,765lb)
Range : 804.7km (500 miles)