HAL Gnat [E323]

Details

Air Force Technical College ::

Published: Tuesday, 25 November 2008 19:42

1958

Air Cmde PC Prasad, who organised the visit for the AirNuts group to AFTC seen here with Gnat E-323. Air Cmde Prasad is a Gnat Veteran from the late 60s.

It is inconceivable for any Air Force establishment with a decent collection of retired aircraft not to have the dimunitive Gnat. AFTC is no exception. HAL Gnat E-323 can be seen at the left flank of the Parade grounds at the College.

The aircraft was formerly used as a ground instructional airframe and was 'ground runnable' till recently. Sometime before 2005, the aircraft has been finally retired from its GI role and given a permanent place at the Parade Ground.

Two views of HAL Gnat E-323 at its current resting place on the left flank of the parade ground.

Old photographs from AFTC show that there were two Gnats - but today only E-323 survives. The fate and identity of the second Gnat is not known.

Gnat E-323 seen from the rear quarters. The aircraft has since then been retired from its GI role and is currently one of the Parade ground guardians.