The Hawker Hunter

The Hawker Hunter, a name that fits like a flight suit on a test pilot. Sleek, fast lines, a turbine engine that screams louder than your toddler at bedtime, and a stare that'll make anyone on the wrong end of it consider a career change to something less hazardous, like knitting. Let's take a look at this jet-powered legend that’s been giving birds an inferiority complex since the 1950s.

The Hunter

Born in the 1940s and 1950s for the Royal Air Force, the Hawker Hunter was the first jet-powered aircraft built by Hawker for the RAF. It wasn't just a pretty face, on September 7, 1953, it broke the world airspeed record, clocking in at 632.29 knots (1170 kph) .

The Hunter first soared into the skies in 1951 and is still flying today. Yes, you heard right. Like your uncle’s ’57 Chevy, it's still running strong, with the one we're looking at today being a prime example.

Technical Specs

Here’s the nitty-gritty for all the aviation geeks (“Why is everyone looking at me?” - Dian):

• Manufacturer: Hawker Siddeley

• National Origin: United Kingdom

• First Flight: 20 July 1951

• Engine: Rolls Royce Avon Turbojet

• Length: 13.983m

• Wingspan: 10.26m

• Primary Operators: Royal Air Force, Swiss Air Force, Swedish Air Force, Indian Air Force

Engine Curiosities

The early Hunters were like overzealous interns, full of potential but prone to spectacular errors. The prototype and early models boasted either a Rolls Royce Avon 100 series or Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine, which had all the reliability of a cheap lawnmower. These engines had poor surge margins and were especially prone to compressor stalls when the cannons under the cockpit were fired. Nothing says "Oops!" like your engine stalling mid-flight because you dared to use the cannons.

The RAF, not one to settle for second-rate thrust, prompted the development of the Avon 200 series engine. This new version, with a redesigned compressor, angular combustion chamber, and fuel control system, churned out over 10,000 lbf of thrust and smoothed out those pesky compressor issues. Finally, an engine that could keep up with the Hunter’s ambition!

ZU-HUN

Now, let's talk about ZU-HUN, a Hunter with a history more colorful than a Bollywood dance sequence. ZU-HUN started her career with the Royal Air Force, bouncing around multiple squadrons before heading back to Hawker Siddeley for a makeover into the T.68 spec. She then served the Swiss Air Force before making her way to South Africa’s Mr. Hunter, Ron Wheeldon. After a “yellow” stint at Thunder City, she finally found a home at Lanseria International Airport, where Dian Townsend had the privilege of photographing her.

Many people was expected her to show up at the Polokwane Airshow which unfortunately didn’t happen. However ZU-HUN did in fact take to the skies once again this past Saturday (30 June 2024). The hope is that she'll be gracing South African airshows soon, a sight that would make any aviation enthusiast’s heart soar. Watching ZU-HUN in action is like witnessing a historical icon come to life, it's an honor and a thrill!

So, keep your eyes on the sky, because the Hawker Hunter is a jet that refuses to be grounded. And let's be honest, who wouldn’t want to see this vintage speedster show the young whippersnappers how it's done?

📸 : Courtesy of Dian Townsend // Av’Tog Media