Well the Gnat WAS designed as a fighter, certainly had fighter performance as one or two Pakistani pilots flying US built fighters (F86) found to their cost and at the time of the Yellowjacks we DID have fighter team the Firbirds, flying serious heavy metal , the Lightning, just too expensive but as Dick I am sure will confirm the Lightning was a pig to keep serviceable.

Almost forgot, a British , RAF, team STILL holds the world record for having looped the most, 22, fighters in formation, the Black Arrows. Forgive my amnesia but what is the most looped by an American, US, team !!?

And we had the ultimate 4 ship formation team, though not aerobatic, the White Arrows, four Concordes flown in formation on Dec 24th 1985 each carrying 100 pax sipping champagne, some of my friends were flying them AND I have the pics so I know its true ! !!! Dont think any American SSTs have done that yet ! (Please look after AD on Intrepid ET !)

And my wife and daughter saw the ULTIMATE formation in London, brought tears of joy and pride to their eyes, and to millions of others. A Concorde flown by Mike Bannister with the Reds tucked in behind overflying Buckingham Palace for the Queen's jubilee celebration. Now THAT takes some beating !

Regards,

David Gladwin.