What a beautiful aircraft!
On April 2nd, I published an account of a flight in a Hawker Hunter that my dear cousin, Richard, experienced in 2003, the 50th anniversary of Neville Duke’s breaking of the existing world speed record on September 7th, 1953. Neville Duke died in 2007 at the age of 85.
It seemed fitting to add a little more information about this marvellous aircraft from an era when Britain built some of the best aircraft in the world.
As always, WikiPedia has an excellent account of the history of the aircraft. So this Post will just present a few images for readers to ooh, aah over!
Thunder and Lightnings has some excellent images of all the different types including WB188 that Duke broke the speed record in.
F.3 WB188, Hawker Aircraft, RAF Tangmere, 1953; author
As at 7th September 1953, when World Absolute Speed Record of 722.2 mph gained by Neville Duke; pointed nose, reheated engine, additional curved/raked windscreen
Later scheme of Scarlet Red
There is also a distant connection with our erstwhile editor, Paul. Paul used to fly a TB2o from Exeter Airfield in SW England which is where the Hunter Club is based. Jonathan Whaley, who commanded the Hunter that Richard flew in, has his own personal Hunter – Miss Demeanour – registration G-PSST so during the summer months it was not uncommon to see Hunters in the sky above Exeter.
Finally, a couple of videos to drool over.
and a lovely display at RAF Waddington in rather unpleasant weather conditions
Wonderfully nostalgic!
By Bob Derham
Learning from Dogs 