Prototypes
The first P.1067 prototype, WB188, originally wore an overall duck-egg green scheme. First flights were made at Boscombe Down in July 1951.
Hunter стал лучшим самолетом Кэмма, на фотографии - прототип
Первый опытный экземпляр «Хантера» на начальном этапе испытаний. Лето 1950 г.
20 июля 1951г.: первый Hawker Hunter (WB188) поднялся в воздух в Боскомб-Дауне под управлением Н. Дьюка. Самолет был полностью окрашен в голубоватый цвет и оборудован противоштопорным парашютом.
A magnificent Cyril Peckham study of the prototype Hawker P.1067, WB188, in 1951, the year in which the shapely fighter made its maiden flight. The Hunter, as it became, was the Swift’s main rival for the high-altitude interceptor role. It too suffered from development problems, but went on to become a world-class success.
Another view of the prototype, flown by the Neville Duke
Neville Duke points Hunter prototype WB188 at the cameraman, showing the beautiful lines that became the hallmark of the breed.
The same aircraft displays the distinctive planform of the Hunter.
Дьюк стал старшим летчиком-испытателем компании "Hawker" после того, как его предшественник Тревор Уэйд погиб в катастрофе с P.1083, а 5 мая 1952 года он поднял в воздух первый P.1067 Hunter.
Скводрон-лидер Невилл Дьюк, 7 сентября 1953 года. В то время как серийные Hawker Hunter уже начали поступать в британские эскадрильи, прототип P.1067, оснащенный двигателем Rolls-Royce Avon RA.7R и модифицированной, более обтекаемой носовой частью, был привлечен к специальным испытаниям и принял участие в "гонке за скоростью". 7 сентября 1953 года скводрон-лидер Невилл Дьюк на 3-километровом отрезке в Литтлхэмптоне, графство Суссекс, разогнал Hunter до скорости 1171 км/час.
Neville Duke takes off from Dunsfold in WB188 to break the 100km closed circuit record, September 19, 1953.
Sqn Ldr Neville Duke retracts the undercarriage of the all-red prototype, now the prototype Mk 3, fighter pilot style, whilst barely off Tangmere's runway during an abortive air speed record attempt on August 31, 1953. Conditions were too gusty.
Hunter F.1 prototype WB188 first flew on July 20, 1951 from Boscombe Down with Neville Duke at the controls.
Neville Duke takes off in the prototype, now modified as the first Mk 3, for an attempt on the world’s air speed record on September 7, 1953. The record at the time was 723 m.p.h., and Duke recorded 727.6 m.p.h.
7 сентября 1953 года Дьюк (в белой униформе рядом с носом самолета) на самолете Hunter WB188 установил в районе побережья Сассекс абсолютный мировой рекорд скорости, развив в трех проходах скорость 1171 км/час.
Первый опытный экземпляр, переделанный в «Хантер» Mk.3. В кабине - летчик-испытатель Нэвилл Дьюк
WB195, the second prototype, was the first to have the Aden gun pack, a self-contained unit that could be replaced in five minutes.
Второй прототип P.1067 с двигателем Avon. На первый прототип позже в целях попытки превысить мировой рекорд скорости установили двигатель R.A.7R Avon с форсажной камерой.
Второй и третий опытные экземпляры «Хантера»
The third prototype P.1067 Hunter, WB202, powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire, first flew on November 30, 1952.
WB202 - третий прототип Hunter и первый, оснащенный двигателем Sapphire. Данный двигатель значительно превосходил Avon первых вариантов, но решение фирмы "Hawker" в пользу двигателей "Rolls-Royce" привело к тому, что с двигателями Sapphire построили всего 150 Hunter (Mk 2 и 5).
Опытный самолет с полноразмерными макетами ракет «Файерстрик»
Постройка первого опытного экземпляра «Хантера»
F.Mk 1
Первый серийный «Хантер» F.Mk.1. Кингстон, 16 мая 1953 г.
Brand new Hunters lined up at No 5 MU in 1955, awaiting allocation to units.
“Isn’t this oily?” “No, this is Le Bourget”
Hunter F.1 WT631 displays its under-fuselage airbrake.
WT555 - первый серийный Hunter F.Mk 1, подобно другим первым серийным Hunter был задействован в программе летных испытаний. Ha F.Mk 1 (но не на F.Mk 2) отмечалась неустойчивая работа двигателей при стрельбе из пушек из-за попадания пороховых газов в воздухозаборники.
A typically magnificent study of the first production Hawker Hunter F. 1, WT555, taken by the company’s in-house photographer CYRIL PECKHAM in early 1955. It was very nearly Peckham’s last photograph...
Hawker Hunter F.1 WT557 climbs vertically and effortlessly for the benefit of photographer Cyril Peckham.
Hunter F.1 WT557 flown by Duke for Cyril Peckham's camera, 1954.
Hunter F.1 WT557, was an early production aircraft from Hawker's first batch of 200.
First production Hunter F. 1 WT555 rolls beneath the Lancaster camera aircraft during what was very nearly photographer Cyril Peckham’s final shoot. Note the lack of the airbrake later fitted to the rear fuselage of production examples, and that the shellcase and ammunition link chutes are flush with the Hunter’s skin. The aircraft was retired from flying at the end of 1953, but still survives and is periodically put on display at the premises of Vanguard Storage in Greenford, West London.
F.Mk 1: вариант с двигателем Roll-Royce Avon. Строился на заводе фирмы "Hawker" в Кингстоне, собраны 139 экземпляров. Вариант оказался неудачным и страдал от проблем с помпажем двигателя и срывом факела, в результате чего двигатель мог заглохнуть.
An early production Hunter F Mk 1
A fine study of F.1 WT594, with the "afterthought" airbrake spoiling its lines.
Hawker Hunters of No. 43 Squadron ("The Fighting Cocks") Fighter Command, based at R.A.F. Station, Leuchars. The chequerboard markings are black and white.
Hunter F.1s of No 43 Squadron's aerobatic team, based at Leuchars in 1955. This unit gave impressive displays in Norway and Sweden during a goodwill visit from October 17-23 of that year.
A team of four Hunter F.1s from 54 Squadron, based at RAF Odiham, performed at the 1955 SBAC Show at Farnborough. In this picture the aircraft are in box formation.
F.Mk 2
F.Mk 2: сделан на базе планера Mk 1 с двигателем Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire Mk 101.
The prototype F.2 Hunter WB202, positioned with ideal background for Cyril Peckham’s camera. Marks 2 and 5 were powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire and Marks 1, 4 and 6 were all fitted with the Rolls-Royce Avon.
"Хантеры" F.Mk.2 из 263-й эскадрильи. Вторая половина 1950-х годов
F.Mk 4
Blackpool-built F.4 XE683, with 74 Squadron's markings on its nose, rotates for take-off.
F.Mk 4: недостатки версии Mk 1 исправили в версии Mk 4, получившей двигатель Avon R.A.21/Mk 115, не подверженный помпажу на штатных режимах. Также увеличили запас топлива и ввели подвесные топливные баки.
The day job; in 1955 the author left the RAF to join Hawker Aircraft, for which he became a production test pilot for the shapely Hunter.
A typically dynamic photograph by Russell Adams of Hunter F.4 WV325 completing an elegant loop before its delivery to the Central Flying School in 1955. David’s nephew Simon Sanders recalls his uncle ’s thrilling aerobatic displays over his boarding school in Sussex while production testing Hunters from the Hawker airfield at Dunsfold.
Three RAF fighter types of the ’fifties are shown together in this photograph, all in the markings of No 66 Squadron. From left to right they are the Hawker Hunter F Mk 4, Canadair Sabre F Mk 4 and Gloster Meteor F Mk 8.
Hunter F.Mk.4 WV385, with twelve rockets (outboard), one 100-gall. tank (inboard) under the starboard wing, and one I,000-lb. bomb (inboard) and one tank (outboard) under the port wing
In Germany, 118 Squadron formed part of 121 Wing whose leader was W/C C S ‘Hammer’ West. His personal Hunter, XF315, bore the markings of all four of ‘his’ squadrons as well as his rank pennant.
Наземная команда готовит к вылету «Хантер» F.Mk.4 из 130-й эскадрильи RAF. Аэродром Брюгген (Германия), вторая половина 1950-х годов
No 118 regularly took part in visits to other RAF and NATO bases - one of its Hunters, WT748 ‘S’ on a tree-lined dispersal at Bruggen in May 1957, shortly before disbandment.
Боевые машины модификации F.Mk.4 из состава 43-й эскадрильи RAF. Авиабаза Лейчерс, середина 1950-х годов
To modernise its German-based fighter force, the RAF deployed the Hunter F.4 in a number of squadrons, including 118 whose aircraft are shown on arrival at Jever in May 1955. No 98’s aircraft are beyond.
Finished in Fighter Command's grey/green (upper) and silver (under) surfaces, this Hawker Hunter F.Mk.4 (WV385) is being loaded with a battery of three cartridge starters. Note the wing-mounted 1,000-lb. H.E. bomb.
Fighter reconnaissance version of a Hunter 4, with camera ports in nose.
F.Mk 5
Истребители Hunter F.Mk 5 из 1-й и 34-й эскадрилий летали из Никосии. Самолеты из авиакрыла в Тангмере осуществляли непосредственную поддержку войск и прикрытие базировавшихся на Кипре самолетов Canberra.
The F.5, represented by WN958, was an F.2 with increased fuel capacity.
F.Mk 6
One of David’s own photographs taken during the 1957 Hunter sales tour to Switzerland, in which he used Hunter F.6 XE588 to demonstrate the type’s impressive ground-attack capabilities.
In the summer of 1957 two RAF Hunter F.6s, XE587 and XE588, were sent to Switzerland to participate in comparative evaluation trials for a new Swiss Air Force fighter. One of the two, seen here with a suitably Alpine backdrop at Ambri, is fitted with outer wing racks carrying Hispano 8cm unguided rocket projectiles for the trials.
The CO of 92 Sqn collects his bone dome prior to flying a Hunter Mk 6.
Hawker Hunter F. Mk. 6 (XE587), with new ribbon braking 'chute operating;
Busy apron scene at Bedford on August 29, 1960, depicting flight test aircraft used by both NAD and Aero Flight. They include a hybrid all-white Hunter WW598, two Fairey Delta 2s WG774 and WG777, Buccaneer S.1 XK524, Supermarine Scimitar, and in the top left hand corner of the photograph Supermarine Type 529 VX136 delivered to NAD on April 15, 1953 for tail-down deck landing trials.
A scene at RAE Bedford, foreground left to right: the second SC.1 XG905; SC.1 test-pilot Tom Brooke-Smith; the Rolls-Royce 'Flying Bedstead'. Background; left to right: Vickers Varsity; Shorts SB.5; Hunter F.6 WW598; Lightning F.l from the development batch.
A new spectacle will be provided at flying displays this season by the aerobatic team of No. 111 Squadron, R.A.F., comprising five all-black Hunter 6s. Serial numbers (this one is XF430) are in red as unit markings are carried.
A question mark on the (all-red) fin and nosewheel door of this Hunter F. Mk. 6 (XF454) identifies It as the mount of the O.C No. 247 Squadron, R.A.F. Odiharn, S Ldr. R. A. Carson, M.C., A.F.C., R.A.F. This novel marking has historical associations. S Ldr. Carson first saw it when he joined No. 222 Fighter Squadron in 1943.
Hunter F.6 XG233 of 92 Squadron
«Хантер» F.Mk.6 из 8-й эскадрильи взлетает с авиабазы Бахрейн. Июль 1961 г.
Hawker Hunter Mk.6 WW593, production machine of latest mark.
Maj R. G. Newell USAF, on exchange posting as CO of 19 Squadron RAF, based at Church Fenton, in his Hunter F.6 XF449, 1957.
На протяжении 1950-1960-х годов Hunter F.Mk 6 использовались для выполнения группового пилотажа многими эскадрильями RAF (такими как известная 111-я эскадрилья "Black Arrows"). На этом снимке самолет из пилотажной группы 92-й эскадрильи "Blue Diamonds" во время выступления в 1963 году.
Рекордная петля Нестерова в исполнении 111-й АЭ. Фарнборо, 1958 г.
1958 marked the third appearance of the black Hunter 6s Sqn, led by Latham. A No 111 Sqn later looped record that still stands.
A Hunter Mk. 6 showing the "dog tooth " leading edges which will be fitted to all marks;
F.6 XG128 shows off its underwing tanks and 24 unguided rockets.
Mk 6 проектировался как чистый истребитель с двигателем Avon 203 и обтекателями над контейнерами сбора звеньев снарядных лент.
Hunter F. Mk. 6 is illustrated in one of the first views of this latest mark of Avon-powered Hunters, Marks 2 and 5, built by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft at Coventry have the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire turbojet. Today, the Hunter is the most important British aircraft contribution to N.A.T.O. Apart from the one hundred and fifty being delivered to Sweden, there are N.A.T.O. and R.A.F. contracts still being completed which total more than one thousand Hunters. The Mk. 6 is reported to have a late series Rolls-Royce Avon, possibly the R.A.2B which may be boosted to 14,000-lb. S.t. with afterburning. The F. Mk. 6 Hunter has a slightly enlarged tailpipe.
Серийный истребитель «Хантер» F.Mk.6
FGA.Mk 9
Входившие в состав 20-й авиаэскадрильи (база Тенга, Сингапур) самолеты Hawker Hunter FGA.Mk 9 оказались единственными британскими истребителями-бомбардировщиками в этом регионе. Они активно привлекались к подавлению восстания в Брунее и Сараваке.
The definitive Hunter FGA Mk 9 ground attack fighter.
Предположительно, Hunter в маневренном воздушном бою сбил индонезийский МиГ-17 во время очередного конфликта, хотя инцидент, если он все же имел место, произошел в спорном приграничном районе. Если эти неподтвержденные сообщения были правдой - то эта победа стала единственной для Hunter британских ВВС. На снимке - Hunter FCA.Mk 9 из 20-й эскадрильи патрулирует малайское побережье, 1965 год.
An FGA.9 of 8 Squadron, based at RAF Khormaksar, over the Western Aden Protectorate in 1960.
Серийный истребитель-бомбардировщик «Хантер» FGA.Mk.9
Пера "Хантеров" FGA.Mk.9 из 20-й эскадрильи во время вооруженного патрулирования над морем. Конфронтация с Индонезией, сентябрь 1965 г.
Пилотаж четверки из 208-й АЭ перед саудовскими принцами. 1960 г.
Hunter FGA.9 XG254 and Meteor WH291, both with 79 Squadron of 229 OCU, over the North Devon coast in April 1971.
Canberra B(I).8 WT339 was built by Short Brothers & Harland and was part of a batch of 30 aircraft delivered to the RAF between July 1955 and June 1956. After serving with Nos 88, 14, 3 and 16 Sqns, this particular Canberra became instructional airframe 8198M in June 1972.
All four aircraft in neat formation at 2,500ft, flying at 250kt. Furthest from the camera is the Vampire T.11; the variant was operated by the RAF from 1952 to 1967 and was the Service’s first jet aircraft on which pilots qualified for their wings. Power was supplied by one 3,500lb-thrust D.H. Goblin 35 engine.
At bottom left is Hunter F.6 (FGA.9 ???) XE616. It was built in the greatest numbers of any Hunter variant and first entered RAF service in 1956. It was powered by a 10,000lb-thrust Rolls-Royce Avon 203 engine and was phased out of RAF service by 1962. This photograph was selected for the squadron Christmas card.
Стрельба НАРами на полигоне
An FGA.9 of 1 Squadron fires a salvo of six 60lb, 3in concrete-headed practice rockets at targets on the Cowden North range, on the Yorkshire coast, in 1964.
Аден являлся ключевым опорным пунктом британских владений на Ближнем и Среднем Востоке, но здесь активно действовали террористические группы, желавшие добиться независимости. На снимке - Hunter FGA.Mk 9 наносит ракетный удар по йеменским террористам.
«Хантер» FGA.Mk.9 из 43-й эскадрильи ведет огонь 76-мм НАР
В последние годы своей карьеры в британских ВВС Hunter использовался как истребитель-бомбардировщик FGA.Mk 9. Над соплом двигателя FGA.Mk 9 смонтирован контейнер с тормозным парашютом.
Hunter F(GA) Mk.9 XF523 of 54 Sqn
Hunter FGA.9 XF435 from the Tactical Weapons Unit, Brawdy, in No. 79 Squadron markings and with an FR.10 camera nose
Истребитель-бомбардировщик FGA.Mk.9 из 45-й эскадрильи на заснеженном аэродроме Каруп (Дания). 1973 г.
«Хантер» FGA.Mk.9, вооруженный 16-ю НАР, перед вылетом в район горного массива Радфан в Южном Йемене. Лето 1964 г.
FR.Mk 10
FR.Mk 10: разведчик на базе Mk 6. Этот вариант оснащался тремя АФА, установленными в носовом обтекателе. Добавлены такие особенности версии Mk 9, как тормозной парашют, сбрасываемые баки большой емкости и другое новое оборудование, включая УКВ-радиостанцию и радиокомпас.
Прототип самолета-разведчика «Хантер» FR.Mk.10 (№ XF429)
Latest of the versatile Hunter is the F.R.10. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon 203 it features a new nose containing a battery of cameras.
«Хантер» FR.Mk.10 на аэродроме Хормаксар. Аден, 1964 г.
The outstanding Hunter FR.10. This 4 Squadron aircraft, XE428, carries full overload fuel to extend its low-level range.
Самолет-разведчик FR.Mk.10 из 1417-го отдельного звена во время боевого вылета над Южным Йеменом. 1964 г.
Hawker Hunter F.R. Mk. 10 reconnaissance-fighter of No. 2 Squadron, R.A.F.
Hunter FR.10 XE556 of 2 Squadron at low level over Germany.
Разведчик «Хантер» FR.Mk.10 из 4-й эскадрильи. Аэродром Гютерслох (Германия), середина 1960-х годов
GA.Mk 11
Взлетает морской учебно-боевой самолет «Хантер» GA.Mk.11. 1980 г.
The final UK service model was the GA.11, an F.4 rebuild for the Royal Navy, WV380 is seen here.
A Royal Navy Hunter T.8 (GA.Mk.11 ???) up from RNAS Yeovilton takes a look at the American Double Eagle balloon, August, 1978.
This photograph of Hunter GA11 XE668 of the Royal Navy's Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit (FRADU), was taken over Devonshire recently by L. E. CLOWES
Yeovilton-based Canberra TT18 WJ717 and a Hunter GA11 of the Royal Navy pictured over France during a positioning flight to Gibraltar
The Blue Herons aerobatic team, photographed near their home base at Yeovilton by RICHARD WILSON in 1977. Their Hunter GA.11s are operated by Airwork Services for the Royal Navy and are flown by civilian pilots led by Derek Morter.
Звено 92-й эскадрильи взлетает с авиабазы Акротири. Кипр, 3 февраля 1961 г.
На крыле истребителей Hunter поздних модификаций появился "зуб", улучшивший маневренные качества самолета во всем диапазоне скоростей полета.
На фотографии - четверка самолетов, задействованных в программе летных испытаний. Ведущий - прототип T.Mk 7 (XJ615, обратите внимание на две пушки ADEN); левый ведомый - F.Mk 6, на котором испытывались крыльевые баки на законцовках; крайний левый ведомый - F.Mk 6, предназначенный для испытаний сбрасываемых подкрыльевых баков; правый ведомый - F.Mk 4 с УР Fireflash.
"Хантеры" - ударная сила британских ВВС в конфронтации с Индонезией.
Sabre британских ВВС. Задержки с вводом в эксплуатацию Hawker Hunter и Supermarine Swift привели к тому, что Canadair Sabre в качестве временной меры попали в британские Королевские ВВС. Sabre был первым английским истребителем со стреловидным крылом, который поступил в 13 эскадрилий. Первый экземпляр был поставлен 8 декабря 1952 года, последний снят с эксплуатации в середине 1956-го, когда его заменил Hawker Hunter. На снимке самолеты Hunter и Sabre из 112-й эскадрильи со знаменитым рисунком "акулья пасть", ранее изображавшимся на истребителях P-40. Королевские ВВС имели смешанный парк из 460 Sabre модификаций Mark 2 и 4.
Истребитель из 208-й АЭ отрабатывает полет на предельно малой высоте со сбросом баков с напалмом
«Хантер», пилотируемый флайт-лейтенантом Аланом Р. Поллоком, проходит под пешеходными галереями Тауэрского моста. Лондон, 5 апреля 1968 г.
The well-known sharks-tooth insignia of No. 112 Squadron has now been applied to its Hunters and is well shown in this photograph.
60 лет назад, 20 июля 1951 г. состоялся первый полет реактивного британского истребителя Hawker Hunter. В 1954 г. самолет был принят на вооружение. Всего выпущено 1972 истребителя этого типа в 65 модификациях. "Хантеры" летали в 22 странах, а в Ливане они служат и по сей день. Истребитель широко применялся в региональных военных конфликтах на Ближнем Востоке, в Индии, Африке и Латинской Америке.
The famed G-HUNT moved to the USA becoming at first N50972 and now flies from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with the EAA Aviation Foundation as N611JR in the colours of Neville Duke’s record breaking WB188. It is seen here at Oshkosh in 1992 with its US identity worn on the lower fin.
Michael Carlton's Hunter Mk.51 G-HUNT over the Needles, Isle of Wight recently
G-HUNT leaves Biggin Hill in a hurry in the hands of Stefan Karwowski.
Spencer Flack's Hunter G-HUNT has been sold to Mike Carlton and will be flown by Stefan Karwowski from Hurn.
The dynamic duo - G-HUNT and Flack’s Spitfire FR.XIV G-FIRE perform a scorching high-speed run at the Biggin Hill Air Fair in May 1981. In its obituary, Flight International described Karwowski as having ‘‘a responsible attitude to display flying [which] was exciting but never reckless”.
Experimental
Самолет № XG131 для отработки законцовочных топливных баков
HUNTER (XG 131). Small (85 Imp. gall.) permanent tip tanks have been fitted to this private venture ground-attack version of the F. Mk. 6. Various war loads, including bombs, rockets and drop tanks, were displayed with this machine.
HUNTER F. Mk. 4 (XF833). Shows the R-R reverse thrust in action as is revealed by the cloud of oil vapour obscuring the underside of the rear fuselage.
Old prototypes never die, they usually 'soldier on' in some secondary role, as in this case of the prototype Hawker Hunter F.6, XF 833, seen here at the SBAC 1956 Farnborough Air Show, displaying its experimental thrust reverser system. Installed by Miles Aircraft earlier in the year, the system used two plates, normally lying flush with the fuselage sides, that could be swivelled into the jet's exhaust, deflecting it out and slightly forward to assist in stopping the aircraft. The idea worked.
Опытный самолет для исследования реверсивного устройства двигателя «Конвей»
REVERSE-THRUST HUNTER (XF833). The Rolls-Royce modified Hunter has rear fuselage "ports" to cater for the mechanical reverse thrust.
Опытный самолет-носитель ракет «Фейри Файерфлеш»
A pair of Fireflash AAMs is seen here carried by a Hawker Hunter F Mk 4, with modified nose to carry the beam-transmitting radar.
Hunter F. Mk. 4 (XF310) with Fireflash missiles plus Fighter-Recce blunt-nosed camera housing;
MISSILE CARRIER. Compare the close-set launching arm for the Fireflash guided missile on this Hunter Mk. 4 (XF310) with that on the Swift.
Hunter F. Mk. 6 (XF378), with Firestreak missiles and enlarged A.I. nose radome;
Летающий стенд на испытаниях ракет SRAAM
Один из трех "Хантеров", предназначенных для испытания ракет "Блу Джэй"
The 1109B XF378 was armed with two Aden guns and a brace of Firestreaks.
Опытный самолет для исследования фюзеляжа, построенного с учетом правила площадей
Обслуживание фотокинопулемета
Winching down the gun-pack of a Hunter to re-load the Aden guns. Note the breech attachment points for the quickly detachable barrels.
Опускание лафета для перезарядки пушек
Снаряжение 50-мм ракетами блока НАР
Подвеска под крыло «Хантера» 455-л бака
Per ardua ... ad astra. It is not easy to fly with the R.A.F., to lead others, to shoulder great responsibilities while still young. But in the lasting satisfaction of this immensely worthwhile career...
The bulged, dorsal parabrake housing on the Hunter F. Mk. 6;
Передняя и правая основная опоры шасси
Отстыкованная хвостовая часть и двигатель «Эйвон»
«Хантеры» в сборочном цехе компании «Хоукер» в Блекпуле. Вторая половина 1950-х годов
Netherlands
DUTCH MASTER. First of three fine air-to-air studies by Sergeant Kraak of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (via G. H. Kamphuis of 's-Gravenhage, Holland) shows a Fokker-built Hawker Hunter F. Mk. 4 of the Leeuwarden A.F.B. Last August four of these Hunters led by
Major Folmer won the first annual air force aerobatic competition held at Scesterberg A.F.B.
This unique formation was photographed on March 31, 1981 and shows representative types flown by No 523 Sqn at Leeuwarden since the war. The F-16 is flown by Adrian Brouwer, the F-104 by Jack de Vries, the Hunter by Terry Easterbrook and the Meteor F8 by the author.
AIM-9B Sidewinder installation on R.Neth.A.F. Hunter
Belgium
Few photographs have been published in this country of Belgian-constructed Hawker Hunter fighters. Both Avions Fairey S.A. of Gosselies and S.A.B.C.A. of Haren-Brussels are engaged in the production of Hunter F. Mks. 4 and 6 for the Royal Belgian Air Force. Illustrated is a Belgian Hunter F. Mk. 4, serial ID8.
Line-up of 7 Squadron F.6s - IF-86 is wearing red and white checkerboard on its wingtips - Chievres on May 27, 1961. It was later sold to Hawker Siddeley with only 485 flying hours.
F.6 still bearing the code ‘JE-B’ of 26 Squadron from Bierset’s 9 Fighter Wing. However the white paper horse insignia from one of the Chievres squadrons is also painted on it - this picture dates from 1960 when there were frequent change-overs due to 9 Wing’s disbandment.
Next fighter to be built under licence by Avions Fairey was the Hawker Hunter - F.4 ID136 for the Belgian A.F. illustrated
Hunter F.4 ID-30 flew with both 350 Squadron as illustrated, and also 349 Squadron - ending its flying career with 308 hours clocked.
Armourers taking care of the ADEN gun pack. The code indicates that it is an aircraft belonging to 22 Squadron from Bierset
During the 1959 season at Chievres, in front of one of their camouflaged Hunters members of the Red Devils acrobatic team: left to right are: Deprins, Debart, Thys, Girardin, Tonet; kneeling, Bodart, Jacobs, Gaye and kneeling in front, wearing gloves, is the leader, Major ‘Bobby’ Bladt.
Members of the Red Devils acrobatic team for the 1961 season. Left to right: Warrant Officer P Weymans, reserve; Captain F Jacobs, solo; Captain A d’Hoop, slot; Warrant Officer R Girardin, left wing; Warrant Officer M Debart, right wing; and Commandant I Deprins, leader.
Another conundrum. F.6 of 26 Squadron from Bierset coded ‘JE-M’ but it still has the letter 'A' and not 'M' on its fin. This aircraft served later with 7 Fighter Wing at Chievres and was subsequently sold to Hawker Siddeley with only 271 flying hours to its credit.
A line-up of 7 Squadron F.4s, ready to roll with the pilots strapped in.
Hunter F.4s from the second production batch, modified to F.6 standard, June 1959. The first three are ID-132, ID-114 and ID-135. The aircraft in the background ‘OV-Y’, an F.6 belonging to 8 Squadron.
Two F.6s belonging to 8 Squadron from Chievres prepare for a mission in April 1960. ‘OV-A' is fitted with 100-gallon pylon-mounted fuel tanks.
One of few known aerial shots of a 350 Squadron Hunter F.4 from Beauvechain. This particular aircraft was struck off charge on December 27, 1957, having amassed only 189 flying hours.
Banking hard to port, with flaps partially lowered, F.6 IF-25 of the Red Devils. This aircraft is wearing the second colour scheme with the white fuselage band painted all along the fuselage leaving only a thin metal exhaust ring. Note also the Belgian colours painted on the wing undersurfaces.
Breaking to port in echelon formation, brand new F.4s of 7 Squadron from Chievres. These aircraft still lack their streamlined ammunition link collectors as well as their gun blast deflectors. Note the serial numbers painted underneath the port wings.
Close-up formation of Chievres Hunter F.6s, IF-113, IF-132 and IF- 78, obviously photographed after 1960 when squadron code letters were abolished. Also of note are the checkerboard-painted wingtips.
Hunters F.6s of the Red Devils, flying in box formation and trailing smoke behind them.
Overhead view of 7 Wing F.6s clearly showing the camouflage pattern and the white painted serials on the starboard upper wings. Left to right, IF-80, IF-69, IF-93 and IF-131.
Окончательная сборка «Хантеров» F.Mk.4 в Бельгии на заводе фирмы «Фейри»
Sweden
Сфотографированный во время испытаний в июле 1955 года, этот Hunter F.Mk 50 был первым серийным самолетом для шведских ВВС. Созданный на базе F.Mk 4, этот вариант не имел выступа-"клыка" на передней кромке крыла.
Known as the J34 in Swedish Air Force service, this is an F.50 to basic F.4 standard. 120 were supplied.
The Swedish Air Force Hunter, serial 34085, in J 34B configuration with an afterburner filled to the shortened tailpipe of the Avon 100-series engine. Plt Off Lars Erik Larsson is in the cockpit, preparing for the first take-off. Eventually, this aircraft was converted back to J 34 standard by installing the rear fuselage of a damaged Hunter, number 34034.
A mock-up of the revised tailcone of the J 34 serial 34007, used during development of the afterburner.
Pierced steel planking (PSP) was used by Flygvapnet in the early days of the Cold War to improve airfield surfaces. Jet aircraft were often heavier than piston-engined types and required taxiways and parking surfaces that could withstand higher loads. Here a J 34 Hunter is manoeuvred on to PSP on soft ground during an exercise
Denmark
Hawker Hunter F.51 E-412.
Danish Hunter F.51, E-419, shown at Sunderland 9/3/77 in Class B marks G-9-441, has been donated to the North East V.V.A.
Hunter Mk 51 E-418 during service with the Danish Air Force.
Hunter 47-415 over the flat Danish farmlands. Like Sweden’s J 34s, Denmark’s F.51s were fitted with Rolls-Royce Avon 115s, which later had to be modified to overcome surge problems during gun firing. On completion the new-build Hunters were flown from the Hawker airfield at Dunsfold to Vaerlose, deliveries being completed in 1956.
Hunter 47-415 in service with the Royal Danish Air Force before the ejection incident in January 1960. All 30 Danish Hunters were built at Hawker’s factory at Kingston.
Hunter Mk 51 E-418 awaiting restoration at Elstree aerodrome.
Switzerland
Швейцарский F.Mk.58A приземляется на шоссе
Refurbished Hawker Hunter Mk 58A of the Swiss Air Force, subject of a modification programme by the Federal Aircraft Factory
India
India placed an order for 160 Hunter F.56s in September 1957 and deliveries began that November. The initial batch of 32 were new-builds, but the next batch of 16 had all been built to an RAF contract and completed to F.56 standard, including BA239 - originally XE600 - seen here at Dunsfold before delivery. Interestingly, it was rejected and returned to Hawker in 1959 and replaced by a new-build, also serialled BA239.
The ferrying of the first of the Indian Air Force's one-hundred-and-fifty-order of Hawker Hunter F. Mk. 56s is now under way. Seen en route with long-range wing tanks are I.A.F Hunters, BA213 and BA215.
The Hunter Mk 56As of No 20 Squadron's Thunderbolts display team were placed on stand-by for close air support in the high Himalayas as recently as 1985 during one of the periodic crises with Pakistan over the Siachin glacier.
With Indian Air Force Hunters in the background, aircrew at Kalaikunda study the basic principles under which Shiksha (meaning to study or educate) would be undertaken.
Pilots of No 7 Sqn IAF pose with Col Joseph Kruzel (third from left), the Commanding Officer of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, of which the 356th TFS was part, and a senior RAAF officer (second from right) at Palam. Shiksha was the first - and only - joint exercise conducted between the IAF and USAF during the Cold War.
Индийцы снаряжают боезапасом пушки «Хантера». 1965 г.
Индийские "Хантеры" сыграли заметную роль в воздушных боях
India received its first batch of Hawker Hunter Mk 56s (an export variant of the RAF’s F.6) in November 1957, and although the type was outclassed as an air superiority fighter by the early 1960s, it went on to prove itself as an adaptable ground-attack aircraft and remained on the Indian Air Force’s inventory until the mid-1990s.
Индийский "Хантер" приближается к границе с Пакистаном
UAE
Hunter в строю. Продажи на Ближнем Востоке: помимо Швейцарии, небольшие ВВС Абу Даби закупили несколько Hawker Hunter FGA.Mk 76, FR.Mk 76 и два учебно-тренировочных T.Mk 77. Самолеты перегнали в Абу Даби из Дансфолда с посадкой в Акротири на Кипре. В отличие от самолетов, проданных Швейцарии, эти машины ранее состояли на вооружении британских ВВС.
Oman
«Хантер» F.Mk.73, вооруженный ракетами «Сайдвиндер», из состава Королевских ВВС Омана. Аэродром Тумрайт, середина 1970-х годов
Iraq
На момент начала арабо-израильской войны 1973 года на вооружении ВВС Ирака еще оставались Hunter - они использовались как истребители-бомбардировщики и истребители сопровождения, помогая МиГ-21 и Су-7 ВВС Сирии. Предположительно пять иракских Hunter были сбиты в воздушных боях, еще два сбили зенитчики.
Jordan
Иорданские "Хантеры" F.Mk.73 выруливают на взлет. Аэродром Лука (Мальта), 28 июля 1972г.
Rhodesia
Личный состав 1-й АЭ ВВС Родезии на фоне «Хантера» FGA.9. Конец 1960-х гг.
The first Rhodesian Hawker Hunter to be delivered, RRAF 116 was originally RAF F.6 XE559 before being converted to FGA.9 standard and flown to New Sarum in late 1962. At the time of the UDI the RRAF had 12 Hunters on strength.
Родезийский «Хантер» FGA.Mk.9, вооруженный 4-мя ракетами калибром 76 мм
Kenya
Кенийский «Хантер» FGA.Mk.80 во время промежуточной посадки на Мальте. Аэродром Лука, июнь 1974 г.
Zimbabwe
Зимбабвийский «Хантер» FGA.Mk.9 и его боекомплект. Ближайшие к самолету - 454-кг бомбы «Гольф» местной разработки
Chile
Пара чилийских "Хантеров" FGA.Mk.71 над побережьем своей страны
В 1978 г. "Хантеры" стали главной надеждой ВВС Чили
A Hunter FGA Mk 71 of Grupo No 8 of the same Brigada Aerea. Another unit, Grupo No 9, is expected to re-form on Hunters during the course of this year.
Peru
The author taxies out at Limatambo for the first flight of the first completed Peruvian Hunter, 635, on May 18, 1956. The flight lasted 50min and the aircraft was taken up again later the same day for a 45min flight.
A line-up of four of the Mk 52s at Limatambo, with the Andes rising in the background. In a 1980 letter to the author, Peruvian Hunter pilot Julio Leon Melgar wrote: “We enjoyed flying our Hunters and for me it is still the best ’plane I ever flew - including the Mirage”.
All 16 of the batch of Hunter single-seaters ordered as Mk 52s by Peru in September 1955, photographed at Limatambo in May 1956. The aircraft were all ex-RAF Hunter F.4s and the Peruvian sale - the first order for Hunters from a country outside Europe - was something of a coup for Hawker, the USA having saturated the South American market with surplus North American F-86 Sabres and Lockheed F-80s and T-33s.
President Odria inspects his air arm’s new interceptors on May 30, 1956, before presenting the new squadron with its War Standard in the presence of various American and British diplomats and chiefs of the FAP.
Hawker and FAP personnel at Dunsfold in 1955 during the latter’s familiarisation flight programme. Left to right: Hawker production test pilot Don Lucey; unknown; E.H. Jefferson Sr (Production Manager at Kingston); Col Fernando Paraud; Hawker’s Sales Manager for South America Tim Wills and Lima agent Luis Navarro.
Four Peruvian pilots in the flying gear that caused the author such headaches. Although it is not certain who these individual pilots are, a four-man formation team - the Four Aces - was formed in September 1956, comprising Julio Leon Melgar, Hernan Boluarte, Alberto Thorndike and Chilicuto Hernandez; this may be them.
An EC 14 Hunter with the unit’s distinctive Peruvian Gamefowl motif on the nose is prepared for another flight.
TOP LEFT Box fresh - each Hunter was dismantled and packed into four boxes for shipping to Peru. Seen here outside the hangar at Limatambo are two tall boxes containing wings and a smaller fuselage box. TOP RIGHT The wings in their supporting structure after the tie-beams of the box had been severed. The wings would then be laid over on to beams on the ground, to be picked up with slings for mounting. BOTTOM The centre fuselage and nose section with the case opened. The boxes were packed with great expertise in the UK by Messrs R. & J. Parks.
Members of the Peruvian Arsenal work on the tailplane of 631. The author recalls: “By any standards they were excellent workmen and soon obtained a complete grasp of operations”.
In bow tie and white linen suit and with pipe firmly gripped in his teeth, Rolls-Royce representative Jock Gaskyn supervises the installation of an Avon Mk 115 in one of the Hunters at Limatambo. In the background is one of 20 Republic F-47D Thunderbolts supplied by the USA to Peru as fighter-bombers in 1947 as part of the Rio Pact.
Fighter aircraft ancient and modern - a Hunter is prepared for flight alongside an F-47D of fighter-bomber unit Escuadron de Caza (EC) 13, the FAP’s F-86F Sabres operating with EC 12.
A busy scene at Limatambo as the Hunters are prepared on the ramp in front of the hangar. Hunter 634 was originally serialled WT803 but never saw service with the RAF. At least two of the FAP Hunters have been preserved as gate guardians or exhibits at Peruvian air bases.
A poor-quality but extremely rare photograph of the author performing aerobatics and low-level runs at Limatambo in May 1956.
Wikipedia
