Hawker Hunter F4. Fighter and ground attack GAV 2168-230
The first prototype of the hawker Hunter (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. Initial problems with the early marks lead to the introduction into service, in 1955, of the Mark 4 (with Avons) and the Mark 5 (with Sapphires). Originally the Mark 4 supplied 21 squadrons and the Mark 5 supplied 7 squadrons.
Size: 6181px × 3952px
Location: RAF Fairford. Gloucestershire. England. United Kingdom
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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