Index: History | G-HVIP | Colour | Technical

       Jacquie JonesHunter Wing's Meteor NF11 G-LOSM

THE GOLDEN EUROPE JET - HAWKER HUNTER TMk68, G-HVIP

 

HISTORY - AIRCRAFT TYPE  (back to top)

The Hunter, a product of the team under the leadership of Hawker's near legendary Chief Designer, Sir Sydney Camm, is unquestionably one of the classic designs of the jet age - versatile in performance, a delight to fly and blessed with an elegance of line which belies its sturdy reliability making it a worthy successor to the propeller equivalent, the Spitfire.  The Hunter is just one of a long line of very successful Hawker fighters, its lineage can be traced back to the biplane Hart of the late 20s, via such names as the Hurricane and Typhoon of the Second World War.  The first prototype flew on the 21st July 1951 and it was Britain's first truly transonic service fighter.  It had many novel design features not least the rapid re-arming facilitated by the gun pack, which contained four 30 mm Aden cannons.  The first flight was made by a man who's name will be forever linked to the Hunter, Squadron Leader Neville Duke.  It was he who broke several speed records in an all red Hunter in 1953 - for a short while the fastest man and aeroplane in the world were both British!

It was quite obvious that the Meteor and Vampire trainers were not capable of preparing the next generation of fighter pilots for the Hunter, such was the quantum leap in performance and complexity of the new aircraft.  Hawker's, as a private venture, decided to modify a single-seat F4 fighter to produce the prototype two-seater trainer, which first flew in July 1955.  Initially, problems were encountered with airflow turbulence over the characteristic bulbous nose.  However, this was resolved after numerous installations were tried.  Having originally neglected the need for an advanced trainer the Ministry of Supply ordered the type into service as the TMK7 in 1958.  In squadron service the Hunter was immensely popular and it was not long before orders were placed by friendly governments.  They served all around the globe with the Air Forces of Chile, India, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Peru, Jordan, Singapore, Kuwait, Sweden and Switzerland to name but a few.

HISTORY - G-HVIP  (back to top)

G-HVIP, built as serial number HABL-003215, is one of the very few 'big-engine' two-seaters to be built.  Ordered for the Swiss Air Force only the aircraft had the same thrust as the later model British single seaters.  No large engine two-seaters were used in the British forces.  This particular aircraft was retired from service in 1994, when it was acquired by Karl Theurer for Golden Europe Jet.  It was in immaculate condition when it was bought but it has been substantially enhanced by its new owner and is probably one of the finest Hunters in the world today.  It has a striking blue and white civil colour scheme, which accentuates its classic lines superbly.  It is believed to be the only 'big-engine' original two-seater Hunter flying in the world today.

THE AIRCRAFT'S PAINT SCHEME  (back to top)

She is painted in a striking civil colour scheme that highlights the striking lines of the hunter - you will not find a more pristine hunter than this.

TECHNICAL DETAILS  (back to top)

For further information or to book the aircraft contact Challenges Aviation Limited by e-mail:

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