The Hawker Hunter

This aircraft was, at least numerically, the most sucessful British post WWII fighter. A total of 1972 were built including those built under licence in Belgium and Holland. It is still in service in small numbers with some air forces, even if not as a fighter.

It was designed as a replacement for the Gloster Meteor and the first prototype (P.1067) flew in July 1951. In August the first pre-production type flew, the F.Mk 1

The first production aircraft flew in May 1953 and the type entered squadron service in July 1954. These early aircraft were powered by the Rolls-Royce Avon engine but the F.Mk 2 used the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire Mk 101.

From the F.Mk 2 evolved the F. Mk 4 and 5. The Mk 4 had the Avon Mk 115/121 engine and the Mk 5 the Sapphire Mk 101. Both types had greater fuel capacity and more underwing armament capability

Th F.Mk 6 used the Avon 200 series turbojet, had greater fuel capacity and the uderwing armament of the F. Mk 4. This aircraft was later developed into the Hunter FGA. Mk 9. This sported the distinctive dog-tooth leading edge to the wing and had the Avon Mk 207 engine.

Tactical reconnaisance versions based on the FGA. Mk 9 were developed for the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. These were designated the FR. MK 10 for the RAF and the FR.Mk 11 for the Fleet Air Arm.

Another variant was the two seat trainer. These were known as the Hunter T. Mk 7 and 8 for the RAF and Fleet Air Arm respectively.

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