Planes of Fame Air Museum
 
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Home »  Collection »  Flying & Static Aircraft »  Hawker Mk. 58 'Hunter'

HISTORY

  • The need for a replacement for the Gloster Meteor was the genesis for the design of the Hawker Hunter. Sir Sydney Camm of Hawker quickly laid out the design of Britain's first swept-winged jet. The prototype was first flown in 1951. It was a mid-wing, stressed skin monoplane with a 40-degree sweep and a beautifully sculptured high tail. Early performance results were impressive so in 1958 the Hunter entered service with the Royal Air Force.
  • In January 1958 the Swiss Government signed an initial contract for the delivery of 100 Hunters Mk 6, after incorporating a number of modifications. These modifications included installing a brake-parachute in the tail section that later became standard for all export Hunters. The Swiss Hunters also got enlarged ammunition link containers; this was necessary to protect Swiss farmers from cascading metal in the vicinity of the confined mountain gunnery ranges. The modified aircraft was designated the Hunter Mk.58.
  • In addition to the standard armament of four 30-mm cannons, the Hunter could carry a variety of under-wing stores including 2-inch rockets, 500- or 1,000-lb. bombs, 1 80-qallon napalm tanks, or drop tanks carrying an additional 600 gallons of fuel.
  • The Hunter was one of the most successful jet fighter/ bombers of its era and was flown by many countries. It was not until 1991 that the Swiss finally retired their much-loved Hunters.
  • Planes of Fame Air Museum's Hawker Hunter Mk.58 is on loan to Pima Air Museum in Tucson, AZ and is displayed there.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Status: Static Display
Manufacturer: Hawker Siddeley
Year: 1958
Model: Mk. 58
Registration Number:
Serial Number: 
Crew: 1
Max T/O Weight: 24,500 lb.
Span: 33 ft. 8 in.
Length: 45 ft. 11 in.
Height: 13 ft. 2 in.
Maximum Speed: Mach 0.94
Cruise Speed: N/A
Rate of Climb: 17,200 ft/min
Power Plant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Avon 207 turbojet engine, 10,145 lb. thrust
Range: 1,380 miles
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Armament: Four 30-mm Aden cannons in a detachable pack under nose

 

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