Ground Attack Fighter

The Hunter was the most successful of British post-World War II fighter, with a total of 1.972 built including 445 manufactured under licence in Belgium and the Netherlands. This fighter replaced the Gloster Meteor offering transonic performance.

The prototype first flew in July 1951, and the Hunter F.Mk.1 entered squadron service in July 1954. Later modifications included more powerful engines and external fuel tanks.

Hunter F. Mk. 58 was basically a Mk. 6 ground attack fighter supplied to Switzerland. Deliveries of 100 aircraft began in April 1958. Modifications included installation of landing parachute (drag-chute) above exhaust nozzle.

The stored Hawker Hunter is owned by the Armed Forces Museum.

TECHNICAL DATA:

Hawker Hunter F. Mk. 58

LENGTH: 14 m

WINGSPAN: 10,3 m

HEIGHT: 4 m

MAX T/O WEIGHT: 8051 kg

MAX SPEED: 1002 km/t

CEILING: 14630 m

RANGE: 789 km (internal fuel only)

POWERPLANT: 1 x Rolls-Royce Avon Mk 207 turbojet – 4.605 kgp

ARMAMENTS: Four 30 mm Aden cannons, rockets and four 500 lb bombs