Aviation
art prints of Hawker Hunter F-1 to Fr-10 jet fighter
and fighter reconnaissance aircraft first flew with No 43 squadron Royal
Air Force on 29 July 1954. The Hawker Hunter continued service until 1971.
Aviation art prints of the Hawker Hunter by leading aviation artist.
The
first prototype of the hawker Hunter F.1 (WT555) first flown by
Frank Murphy was on the 16th may 1953. production of the first 133 were
built at the hawker Factory in Kingston. A second production line at the
Blackpool factory first flew on 22 May 1954 a total of 26 F1 being
built. After a few delays the first aircraft entered service in July
1954 with 43 Squadron based at Leuchers. Only three other squadrons were
given F1 Hunters, the were Nos. 54, 222 and 247 squadrons. Only
45 Hunter F2 were built with the first flown ion 14th October 1953,
Only 257 and 263 Squadrons were given the F2. Both of these versions were
designed as short range aircraft. The F4 (WT701) first flew on
20th October 1954. This versions range had improved due the addition of
fuel tanks in the wings. and two drop tanks. A total of 188 were
built at the Kingston factory and another 177 built at the Blackpool site.
The F4 engines (Avon 113's) shown to be troublesome were replaced with he
new Avon 115's. 111 Squadron was the first squadron to be equipped with
F4's at North weald in June 1955. Followed by Squadrons 98, 118
based in Germany and replacing the aging Venoms. By 1956 a total
of 22 squadrons were equipped with the Mk 4, with 13 squadrons based in Germany,
the Hunter F4 became the main ground attack and fighter aircraft of the Royal
Air Force.
The
Hunter F5 produced by Armstrong Whitworth first flew ion 19th October 1954
and entered service with 263 squadron in April 1955. A total of 105
aircraft most operated from Cyprus during the Suez Campaign of 1956. with
1 and 34 squadrons. the Hunter F6 entering service with the Royal Air Force in
October 1957, This version was the largest production of all the marks,
with a total of 379 built for the \RAF. and another 36 exported to
Switzerland and Indian air forces. The F6 was used for the aerobatic teams
with 111 squadrons Black Arrows and 92 squadrons Blue
Diamonds. The F6 was modified for use mainly in Middle east and
tropical climates. This new version was designated the Mk 9 These replaced
the aging Venoms as ground attack aircraft. The Final MK10 was also
base don the Mk 6.
The
Total Production on all variants of the Hawker Hunter totaled 1,028 aircraft
HUNTER MK 6 Specifications. Hawker Designation number
P1099. Built at hawker Aircraft Ltd, Kingston Upon Thames and Blackpool
factories and also sub contracted to Sir W G Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft
factory at Baginton, Coventry. Engine: Avon 203 Rolls Royce
Engine. Max Speed: 715 mph at sea Level and Mach.95 at 36,000
feet. Range: 1840 miles at 515 mph (with drop tanks). ceiling
51,500 feet. Armament: four 30mm Aden Guns in a detachable
nose pack. Two 1,000 bombs under wings (or drop fuel tanks) or 16 under
wing rockets under outer wings.
Hawker Hunter
F.1 to FR.10. The Hunter first prototype flew on 20th July 1951 piloted by
Squadron leader Neville Duke DSO DFC. With the first production
model flying in May 1953. Initial problems were found with the F.1
with a engine serge when the armament was fired at high altitude. This
problem was cured with the F.2 version powered by AS Sapphire engines, The
F.2 began service at the end of 1954.. In 1955 the F.4 began service this
aircraft had increased range. This was soon followed by the F.6 version
was the most produced version of the hunter with its increased power and
speed. and became standard for squadrons in 1958. It was the F.6 which was
used by the acrobatic teams of 101 squadron the Black Hawks and 92 squadron
The Blue Diamonds. from the beginning of 1962 the F.6 was being phased
out of front line UK service. The FGA9's continued in service in
overseas service until 12971. A Fighter reconnaissance (camera
Equipped) version the FR10 was also produced. A Total of nearly
2,000 aircraft of all marks were produced this number included a few
hundred built overseas. A total of 700 Hunters were later
refurbished and sold to overseas air forces.
