MATPK-15 - Matchbox 1/72 Gnat Mk.1 Trainer - WWHP113840

MATPK-15 - Matchbox 1/72 Gnat Mk.1 Trainer - WWHP113840

Preowned, Original seal, Mint

The Folland Gnat was designed by W. E. W. “Teddy” Petter as a small, lightweight jet fighter, in response to the growing size and cost of combat aircraft in the 1950s. The RAF adopted a two-seat version, the Gnat T.1, as its advanced jet trainer. It entered service in 1962 and trained a generation of fast-jet pilots. The Gnat’s small size, agility and high roll rate also made it a natural display aircraft. In 1965 the RAF formed the Red Arrows aerobatic team with nine bright red Gnats, and the team flew them until the Hawk replaced them in 1979. This vintage Matchbox “2 Colour Kit” builds a Gnat in either Red Arrows display colours or Central Flying School markings.

• Injection-moulded plastic parts in red and yellow (Matchbox 2 Colour Kit)
• Clear canopy parts
• Decals for 2 aircraft:
  • “The Red Arrows”, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, RAF Kemble, XR993
  • No. 4 Squadron (Central Flying School), Little Rissington, XS105, with white and black trim
• Illustrated instructions with colour plan