Demonstration of Folland Midge jet fighter, Hamble, UK
Aug. 08, 1954 - Press preview of the Folland Midge jet fighter. Pilot prepares for demonstration flight. The Folland Midge (prototype of the Gnat) was shown to the press at Hamble, Hampshire, today. It is the world's first night jet fighter - and is powered with an Armstrong Siddeley viper turbojet engine which is to be replaced by the three times more powerful Bristol engine. The machine can travel only 5, 000 to produce it will have the sting of an ordinary 00, 000 fighter. The dimensions are span: 20ft. 8in length 28ft. 9in. and hearth 8ft 3in. It is privately produced by the Folland aircraft company at Hamble, Hampshire and is expected to be of great interest to the NATO countries. It was today piloted by Sq. Ldr. E A Tenhart DFC. Photo shows Sqd. Leader Tennant getting into the tiny cockpit of the midget jet fighter for a demonstration flight at Hamble today. It can travel at a speed in excess of 600 mph
