HQ2
No doubt this was due to:
High net-worth individuals, looking for toys.
Low fuel costs (at the time).
More user-friendly regulatory environment.
The maintenance hrs per flying hr for the Gnat would be very high, as they were in RAF service. This is a very complex aircraft; engine removal requires tail assy removal. On refitting the tail, the Horizontal Stab incidence angles are measured with a Clinometer, to within a few minutes of a degree tolerance. Adjusting the Stab either took a half-day, or several days, depending on your luck. The Liquid Oxygen Tank also required tail removal for access; deep joy. Fully-powered flying controls with manual reversion, Q-feel, datum shift of Stab on landing gear selection, Hobson Power Unit for the Stab; all crammed into a tiny package. You needed x2 elbows in each double-length arm to do anything.
Loved it though!
HB
Last edited by Halton Brat; 12th Aug 2011 at 14:16.