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Hawker Hunter MK58 (Modified)

Technical

Wing Span 33ft 8in / 10.24m
Length 45ft 10.5in / 13.95m
Height 13ft 2in / 4.02m
Engine 1 x RR Avon series 200 10,150 lbs st
Weight 24,500 lbs / 11,110 kg
Max Speed 620kts
No mach limit, supersonic in shallow dive
Cruise 360 kts: Low Level
High Level Cruise 0.85 Mach
Max Range 1,200 NM with reserves
Max Operating Height 51,500ft
Take Off Distance 3,580ft / 1090m
@ MAUW
Landing Distance 2,650 ft / 795m
G Limits +7.5g / -3.75g
No. of Hardpoints 12

If greatness in a combat aeroplane equates with outstanding service longevity and extreme operational flexibility the Hunter is indeed truly great and one of the classic fighter designs of all time. It is aesthetically beautiful and a thoroughbred aircraft in every sense. This was almost to be expected, given that it’s design was penned by Sir Sydney Camm who’s other major masterpieces included the Hurricane and the Harrier.

Originally designed as an air superiority fighter in the 1950’s, the Hunter went on to become the most successful post-war British Military aircraft with almost 2000 being produced. Of these, about one third were later rebuilt by the manufacturer to zero time standard, the last leaving the Dunsfold factory in 1976. Aided by its high power to weight ratio, inherent strength and adaptability, the design evolved from the pure fighter in to a superlative ground attack aircraft, the pinnacle of the design being the Swiss MK58 Hunters.

The fuselage is of monocoque construction and manufactured in three main sections. The swept-back wings are two spar stressed skin structures covered with heavy gauge skin thereby ensuring a perfectly smooth finish and providing for the necessary stiffness of the internal structure. The tail is a multi spar swept back structure built in one piece.

HHA’s fleet consists of ten modified ex Swiss Air Force MK58 aircraft, which, whilst being a legacy platform, have a performance capability in excess of many more modern ground attack aircraft. The aircraft have been modified with electric start and a Garmin glass cockpit suite encompassing ACAS, TAWS, Mode S, dual 8.33 VHF & UHF radios and Rad Alt. Furthermore, they are equipped with Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), Chaff & Flare dispensers and are capable of carrying the latest internally or externally mounted Threat Emulation, Simulation and Replication systems. Usually configured with up to four external fuel tanks and / or EW pods, these fuel loads permit between one and three hours flying time. Maintained to exacting standards with a comprehensive support infrastructure, the aircraft exhibit very low flying hours & fatigue, the fleet average being 2500hrs total time, less than a quarter of their projected life.

The Hunter is an aircraft admired by both its pilots and the spectator alike, combining a robust, timeless and graceful design with flawless handling and superlative performance.