FOLLAND

Folland Aircraft Ltd formed May 1937 by renaming British Marine Aircraft, Hamble. Major subcontractor, and won contract to supply 12 large 43/37 engine testbed aircraft 1940-41. W.E.W. Petter joined as managing director 1950, designing Fo 139 Midge (11 August 1954) and Fo 141 Gnat (18 July 1955). Adopted by Finland, and by India which made 213 under licence and developed Ajeet. Only RAF interest was Fo 144 Gnat T.1 trainer; following enforced merger into Hawker Siddeley Group, 105 delivered 1959-65.

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