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Hawker Hunter Mk. 58

Development of the Hunter began with the RAF’s search for a replacement for the Meteor in 1947 and the first prototype was ready in mid-1951.  The initial versions of the Hunter suffered from numerous problems with their aerodynamics, range and weapons.  However, development continued and most of the problems were fixed in the Mark 4 and Mark 6 versions of the aircraft.  Hunters served as the primary fighter for the Royal Air Force well into the 1960s while two-seat trainers and ground attack variants were used until the 1970s.  The Hunter was also an extremely popular export fighter eventually serving with twenty-one air forces outside of England.  The Hunter Mk. 58 is the export version of the Mk. 6 fighter built for Switzerland.  The Swiss Air Force used the Hunter from 1958 to 1994.

Wingspan

33 ft 8 in.

Length

45 ft 10.5 in.

Height

13 ft 2 in.

Weight

17,750 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

715 MPH

Service Ceiling

51,500 ft

Range

1,900 miles

Engine

One Rolls-Royce Avon 207 turbojet with 10,145 pounds of thrust

Crew

1

Manufacturer
Hawker

Markings
Swiss Air Force, 5th Fighter Squadron, 1994

Serial Number
J-4035

Designation
Hunter Mk. 58