AIRSHOWS
HISTORY
The Beginning
Built in 1964 by Folland Aircraft, XR991 was first flown on 29 May 1964, and delivered to the RAF on 1 July, becoming a founding airframe of the Yellowjacks Aerial Display Team. XR991 became aircraft 9 when the Yellowjacks were reformed The Red Arrows, remaining with the team until the Gnats were replaced with British Aerospace Hawk T.Mk1s in September 1979.
1964 - 1987
Gnarly Gnat when she was a part of the Yellowjacks.
Gnarly Gnat when she was a part of the Red Arrows.
Gnarly Gnat when she was a part of the Red Arrows.
Gnarly Gnat when she was a part of the Yellowjacks.
To see XR991 in action as a Red Arrow jet, check out the two videos below!
Changing Hands
After retiring from the Red Arrows, the aircraft became maintenance training airframe 8637M with the Royal Air Force College Engineering Flight at Cranwell, before being passed to the School of Aircraft Handling at Culdrose as A2709 on 27 January 1982, where it remained until it was transported to Leavesden on 11 November 1987 for storage. On 3 August 1988, XR991 was registered G-BOXO by Ruanil Investments Ltd, who retained ownership until 15 August 1989, when it was transferred to the United States of America becoming N1CL.
1979 - 1989
Hot Shots!
1991
Shortly after coming to the U.S., N1CL was used as one of the lead jets in the 1991 Top Gun spoof called "Hot Shots!" starring Charlie Sheen. The aircraft was painted grey and was given the fictional name "Oscar EW-5894 Fallus Tactical Fighter Bomber".
Charlie Sheen with Gnarly Gnat during the filming of "Hot Shots!"
Gnarly Gnat in the movie "Hot Shots!"
Gnarly Gnat in the movie "Hot Shots!"
Charlie Sheen with Gnarly Gnat during the filming of "Hot Shots!"
PRESENT DAY
The jet recently changed to it's present day N-Number of N5RD. This jet was purchased from a private owner in 2023, by Jerod and Amanda Flohr. N5RD is currently based out of Houston Texas at the Vietnam War Flight Museum, and can be seen at airshows across the U.S. flown by Jerod. To learn more about Jerod click HERE.
Jerod and Amanda Flohr with Gnarly Gnat