Hawker Hunter HB-RVR

About the Aircraft

The Hawker Hunter is a transonic British jet-powered fighter aircraft developed by Hawker Aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was designed to leverage the advanced capabilities of the Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engine and featured a swept-wing design, marking a significant evolution in jet fighter technology. The Hunter made history on 7 September 1953, when a modified prototype set a world airspeed record, achieving a speed of 727.63 mph (1,171.01 km/h). This aircraft was the first jet-powered design from Hawker to be procured by the RAF, and it was introduced into service in 1954 as a highly maneuverable day interceptor.

The single-seat Hunter was known for its impressive operational capabilities, quickly replacing earlier first-generation jet fighters like the Gloster Meteor and de Havilland Venom. It was equipped with four 30 mm ADEN cannons and had provisions for underwing hardpoints that allowed it to carry various munitions, including rockets and missiles. The aircraft’s design included a conventional all-metal monoplane structure with a nose-mounted radar for air-to-air gunnery. Over the years, several variants were produced, enhancing its engine performance and expanding fuel capacity. The Hunter was also notable for its participation in RAF display teams, such as the Black Arrows, and it was widely exported, serving with 21 foreign air forces throughout its operational life.

Specifications

Historical Development

The development of the Hawker Hunter was shaped by the geopolitical landscape of the late 1940s, particularly the onset of the Cold War. Initially, the British Air Ministry adopted a cautious stance towards defense spending, believing that there would be no need for new aircraft for at least a decade. However, as tensions grew, the RAF recognized the urgent requirement for advanced fighter aircraft capable of matching the evolving threats. Responding to Specification F.43/46, Hawker’s chief designer, Sydney Camm, proposed a swept-wing jet fighter powered by the emerging Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engine, which provided superior thrust compared to earlier models.

The Hunter’s first prototype, the P.1067, flew on 20 July 1951, and subsequent prototypes demonstrated promising performance. By 1953, the aircraft had evolved into a production standard that impressed the RAF with its capabilities, leading to its entry into service during a time of heightened military engagement, notably the Korean War. As the RAF began to receive newer supersonic interceptors, the Hunter transitioned into roles such as fighter-bomber and aerial reconnaissance. Its adaptability allowed it to remain relevant, with two-seat variants continuing to serve in training roles until the early 1990s. The Hunter’s extensive operational history included participation in numerous conflicts, and it remained in service with various operators around the world, including the Lebanese Air Force until 2014, underscoring its legacy as a versatile and enduring aircraft in military aviation history.

Did You Know?

• The Hawker Hunter was the first jet-powered aircraft produced by Hawker for the Royal Air Force, entering service in 1954.
• On September 7, 1953, a modified prototype of the Hunter set a world air speed record of 727.63 mph, which stood for less than three weeks.
• The Hunter was widely exported and served with a total of 21 air forces around the world, reflecting its global appeal and versatility.
• The aircraft transitioned from a day interceptor to a fighter-bomber and reconnaissance platform during the 1960s as newer supersonic jets entered service.
• The Hunter remained in active service for over 30 years, with some variants still operational as late as 2014.

Performer Information

The Hawker Hunter F.4, serial number WV332, was manufactured in 1955 at the Hawker production plant and subsequently entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) later that year. Initially assigned to No. 67 Squadron and later to No. 234 Squadron, WV332 served the RAF until its retirement in 1957.

Following its decommissioning from active military service, the aircraft was transferred to RAF Halton, where it was utilized as an Instructional Airframe under the designation 7673M. In a significant turn of events, the aircraft was reacquired by Hawker and underwent a conversion to the Hunter T.68 variant, which was completed in 1974.

After the conversion, the aircraft was delivered to the Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force) and assigned the serial number J-4201. J-4201 remained in service with the Swiss Air Force until the mid-1990s when it was retired from active duty and subsequently sold to private ownership.

In its new civilian role, J-4201 was operated by the Swiss organization Amici dell’Hunter, where it was flown by a team of former Swiss Air Force pilots. The aircraft participated in pleasure flights and performed flight demonstrations at various airshows, showcasing its capabilities to aviation enthusiasts.

In early October 2023, Amici dell’Hunter announced the cessation of flight operations for its two-seat Hawker Hunter T.68, J-4201/HB-RVR. The aircraft was sold to Lortie Aviation, a Quebec-based defense contracting firm known for operating a comprehensive fleet of Hawker Hunters for tactical combat training purposes worldwide. Lortie Aviation has previously acquired several notable examples from the European airshow circuit, including aircraft such as Jonathon Whaley’s F58A G-PSST Miss Demeanour and F6A XF515/G-KAXF from the Dutch Hawker Hunter Foundation. The sale marked a new chapter in the aircraft’s storied history, transitioning from a celebrated performer in the skies of Switzerland to a key asset in the training operations of a Canadian defense contractor.