Nicolas Trudgian range of Hawker Hunter aircraft aviation
signed art prints. This site is dedicated to the artwork of Aviation
artist Nicolas Trudgian. Including the full range of Aviation prints
published by the Military Gallery which Cranston Fine Arts have purchased the
last remaining prints. Which include many rare items. many of Nicolas
Trudgian prints have been signed by Many of the Top Fighter and Bomber Pilots
of World war two over the past Decade. and many of these great Pilots are no
longer with us. This could be the last chance to own a piece of history which
will soon be no longer available except on the more expensive secondary
market.
Hawker Hunter
F. Mk1 to Mk 6 The
first prototype of the hawker Hunter F.1 (WT555) first flown by
Frank Murphy was on the 16th may 1953. production of the first 133 were
built at the hawker Factory in Kingston. A second production line at the
Blackpool factory first flew on 22 May 1954 a total of 26 F1 being
built. After a few delays the first aircraft entered service in July
1954 with 43 Squadron based at Leuchers. Only three other squadrons were
given F1 Hunters, the were Nos. 54, 222 and 247 squadrons. Only
45 Hunter F2 were built with the first flown ion 14th October 1953,
Only 257 and 263 Squadrons were given the F2. Both of these versions were
designed as short range aircraft. The F4 (WT701) first flew on
20th October 1954. This versions range had improved due the addition of
fuel tanks in the wings. and two drop tanks. A total of 188 were
built at the Kingston factory and another 177 built at the Blackpool site.
The F4 engines (Avon 113's) shown to be troublesome were replaced with he
new Avon 115's. 111 Squadron was the first squadron to be equipped with
F4's at North weald in June 1955. Followed by Squadrons 98, 118
based in Germany and replacing the aging Venoms. By 1956 a total
of 22 squadrons were equipped with the Mk 4, with 13 squadrons based in Germany,
the Hunter F4 became the main ground attack and fighter aircraft of the Royal
Air Force.
The
Hunter F5 produced by Armstrong Whitworth first flew ion 19th October 1954
and entered service with 263 squadron in April 1955. A total of 105
aircraft most operated from Cyprus during the Suez Campaign of 1956. with
1 and 34 squadrons. the Hunter F6 entering service with the Royal Air Force in
October 1957, This version was the largest production of all the marks,
with a total of 379 built for the \RAF. and another 36 exported to
Switzerland and Indian air forces. The F6 was used for the aerobatic teams
with 111 squadrons Black Arrows and 92 squadrons Blue
Diamonds. The F6 was modified for use mainly in Middle east and
tropical climates. This new version was designated the Mk 9 These replaced
the aging Venoms as ground attack aircraft. The Final MK10 was also
base don the Mk 6.
The
Total Production on all variants of the Hawker Hunter totaled 1,028 aircraft
HUNTER MK 6 Specifications. Hawker Designation number
P1099. Built at hawker Aircraft Ltd, Kingston Upon Thames and Blackpool
factories and also sub contracted to Sir W G Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft
factory at Baginton, Coventry. Engine: Avon 203 Rolls Royce
Engine. Max Speed: 715 mph at sea Level and Mach.95 at 36,000
feet. Range: 1840 miles at 515 mph (with drop tanks). ceiling
51,500 feet. Armament: four 30mm Aden Guns in a detachable
nose pack. Two 1,000 bombs under wings (or drop fuel tanks) or 16 under
wing rockets under outer wings.
