The Gnat entered RAF service in 1962 and served both the Central Flying School and 4 Advanced Flying Training School with distinction for 17 years as the cutting-edge trainer for most fighter pilots at the time. However, the type is best known as the original mount for the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, which thrilled crowds across the world with the diminutive jet during the 1960s-70s until succeeded by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk T.1 in 1979. looked minute as you stood next to it and peered down into its intricacies, while the rear looked even smaller - and it was. To fit in the back, I had to take an inch or so off the heels of my flying boots. But once in and sat down, it was surprising how comfortable both the ejection seat and cockpit were. In fact, it was an ergonomic delight with the controls and indicators all positioned perfectly. The large attitude indicator and two-needle airspeed indicator, for example, helped make accurate head-down instrument flying easy."
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