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Hawker
This page contains info on two types, the Hunter and Sea Fury.
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Hunter
One of the post-war British success stories was the Hawker Hunter, which saw long service with both the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, as well as enjoying a healthy export order book. Some of the aircraft, however, where not newly built, but refurbished after either being purchased by the Hawker company, or coming from RAF stocks.
Additional information thanks to the Merseyside Aviation Group.
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Abu Dhabi
All were camouflaged in Dark Earth/Light Earth, Azure Blue undersides and a thin red cheat line.
Additional information about Abu Dhabi Hunters from the files of my two colleagues, Charlo Stafrace & John Visanich.
Two of the Hunters listed below were seen at Luqa on 19.01.71, whilst the delivery dates of the other two remains unknown.
| SERIAL |
MARK |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| 701 |
F.76 |
09.03.70 |
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Fighter-bomber role. c/n 41H-679947, pi G-9-270, XE589. Converted in RAF service from F.6 to FR.10. |
| 702 |
F.76 |
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c/n HABL003155, ex RAF F.4 XG341, G-9-260. |
| 703 |
F.76 |
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c/n 41H-670835, ex RAF F.4 WV389, G-9-245. |
| 704 |
F.76 |
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c/n 41H-670848, ex RAF F.4 WV402, G-9-247. Noted at Luqa 05.12.70. |
| 705 |
F.76 |
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c/n HABL003091, ex RAF F.4 XF362, G-9-251. Noted at Luqa 05.12.70. |
| 706 |
F.76 |
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Seen at Luqa on 09.01.71. c/n HABL003096, ex-RAF F.4, pi G-9-252, XF367. |
| 707 |
F.76 |
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Seen at Luqa on 09.01.71. c/n HABL003103, ex RAF F.4, pi G-9-253, XF935. |
| 708 |
F.76A |
09.03.70 |
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Recce role. c/n 41H- ?, ex RAF F.6, pi G-9-292, WW592. |
| 709 |
F.76A |
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c/n HABL003126 ex RAF F.4 XF971 G-9-257. |
| 710 |
F.76A |
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c/n 41H-670846, ex RAF F.4 WV400 G-9-259. |
| 711 |
T.77 |
12.05.70 |
13.05.70 |
Two-seater. c/n 41H-695334, pi G-9-288, (ex RAF T.7 XM118), N-312 KLu (diverted off RAF contract to the Netherlands). |
| 712 |
T.77 |
12.05.70 |
13.05.70 |
Two-seater. c/n 41H- ?, pi G-9-289, N-301, ex KLu T.7. |
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India
Information on T.56’s, seen during 1969, kindly supplied by Ian Hawkridge.
Two different Air India B.707s were seen. Where they somehow connected with the deliveries listed below? These were VT-DVB on 09.01 and VT-DXT on 23.01. These two B.707S were later transferred to the Indian Air Force (date unknown) and became K2900 (VT-DVB) and K2899 (VT-DXT).
Hunter Deliveries to the Indian Air Force by Dennis Robinson.
Thanks to Air Britain (Historians) Ltd putting their magazines on CD in .pdf format, I have, in the course of accessing those CDs, come across the above article about Indian AF Hunter deliveries.
Between June 1966 and September 1967, the Indian Air Force took delivery of 48 refurbished Hunters comprising 12 T.66Ds and 36 F.56As. Finished in RAF camouflage of grey/green/silver with IAF roundels and fin flashes, the Hunters were modified and refurbished Belgian and Dutch aircraft bought by HS and sold to the IAF.
The aircraft were delivered in batches of four at approximately monthly intervals and were escorted by a Canberra B.58 of the IAF. This aircraft usually flew to England ten days to a fortnight beforehand and acted as navigation leader during the delivery flight. It is believed that most of the Hunters were placed in storage on arrival in India.
Information on T.56’s, seen during 1969, kindly supplied by Ian Hawkridge.
Oh, how the times have changed . . .
Whoever wrote the RAF Luqa Operations Record Book could not have been an aircraft enthusiast (although in fairness, it should be pointed out that they weren’t expected to be). Still less a Maltese enthusiast. Here’s what was written in November 1966.
”Hunter aircraft on delivery flights to the Iraqi, Jordanian and Saudi Arabian Air Forces no longer excite interest on the station but a new sight this month was the first Hunter aircraft for the Indian Air Force staging through.”
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| SERIAL |
MARK |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| ? |
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24.08.59 |
25.08.59 |
c/s Yellow 1. |
| ? |
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24.08.59 |
25.08.59 |
c/s Yellow 2. |
| ? |
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24.08.59 |
25.08.59 |
c/s Yellow 3. |
| ? |
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24.08.59 |
25.08.59 |
c/s Yellow 4. The serials of these four aircraft may be in the BA32_ range. |
| A-459 |
F.56A |
14.06.66 |
15.06.66 |
8852, ex FAB IF-91, G-9-122. |
| A-460 |
F.56A |
14.06.66 |
15.06.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-4, G-9-124 |
| A-461 |
F.56A |
14.06.66 |
15.06.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-77; G-9-118. |
| A-462 |
F.56A |
14.06.66 |
15.06.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-16; G-9-123. |
| IF-900 |
Canberra B.58 |
14.06.66 |
15.06.66 |
Indian AF 5 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-463 |
56A |
17.08.66 |
18.08.66 |
ex-Belgian AF IF-13; G-2-128. |
| A-464 |
56A |
17.08.66 |
18.08.66 |
ex-Belgian AF IF-104; G-9-130. |
| A-465 |
56A |
17.08.66 |
18.08.66 |
ex-Belgian AF IF-50; G-9-134. |
| A-466 |
56A |
17.08.66 |
18.08.66 |
ex-Belgian AF IF-120; G-9-136. |
| IF-919 |
Canberra B.58 |
17.08.66 |
18.08.66 |
Indian AF 35 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-467 |
F.56A |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-85; G-9-139. |
| A-468 |
F.56A |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-116; G-9-140. |
| A-469 |
F.56A |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-82; G-9-146. |
| A-470 |
F.56A |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-123; G-9-144. |
| IF-923 |
Canberra B.58 |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Indian AF 16 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-471 |
F.56A |
02.11.66 |
03.11.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-110; G-9-147. Appeared at the 1966 Farnborough Air Show as ‘708’, Jordanian Air Force. |
| A-472 |
F.56A |
02.11.66 |
03.11.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-18; G-9-148. |
| A-473 |
F.56A |
02.11.66 |
03.11.66 |
8892, ex FAB IF-115, G-9-152. |
| A-474 |
F.56A |
02.11.66 |
03.11.66 |
8751, ex-Belgian AF IF-7; G-9-154. |
| IF-923 |
Canberra B.58 |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Indian AF 5 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-475 |
F.56A |
11.12.66 |
12.12.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-127; G-9-157. |
| A-476 |
F.56A |
11.12.66 |
12.12.66 |
8761, ex-Belgian AF IF-17; G-9-158. |
| A-477 |
F.56A |
11.12.66 |
12.12.66 |
8833, ex-Belgian AF IF-89; G-9-161. |
| A-478 |
F.56A |
11.12.66 |
12.12.66 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-78; G-9-163. |
| IF-960 |
Canberra B.58 |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Indian AF 35 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-479 |
F.56A |
16.01.67 |
19.01.67 |
8814, ex FAB IF-64, G-9-142. |
| A-480 |
F.56A |
16.01.67 |
19.01.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-124; G-9-113. |
| A-481 |
F.56A |
16.01.67 |
19.01.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-137; G-9-156. |
| A-482 |
F.56A |
16.01.67 |
19.01.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-1; G-9-187. |
| BF-600 |
Canberra B.58 |
16.01.67 |
19.01.67 |
Indian AF 35 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-483 |
F.56A |
02.03.67 |
06.03.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-128; G-9-131. |
| A-484 |
F.56A |
02.03.67 |
06.03.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-2; G-9-107. |
| A-485 |
F.56A |
02.03.67 |
30.04.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-131; G-9-111. Involved in landing accident at Luqa, see military accidents page. |
| A-486 |
F.56A |
02.03.67 |
06.03.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-144; G-9-112. |
| IF-963 |
Canberra B.58 |
02.03.67 |
06.03.67 |
Indian AF, squadron unknown. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-487 |
F.56A |
19.04.67 |
30.04.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-113; G-9-115. Departure delay caused by a combination of pilot sickness and bad weather. |
| A-488 |
F.56A |
19.04.67 |
30.04.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-43; G-9-117. |
| A-490 |
F.56A |
19.04.67 |
30.04.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-98; G-9-137. |
| A-491 |
F.56A |
19.04.67 |
30.04.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-66; G-9-138. |
| IF-900 |
Canberra B.58 |
19.04.67 |
30.04.67 |
Indian AF 5 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| S-576 |
T.66D |
01.06.67 |
02.06.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-265; G-9-180. |
| S-577 |
T.66D |
01.06.67 |
02.06.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-203; G-9-165. |
| S-579 |
T.66D |
01.06.67 |
02.06.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-223; G-9-170. |
| S-580 |
T.66D |
01.06.67 |
02.06.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-218; G-9-184. |
| IF-923 |
Canberra B.58 |
01.06.67 |
02.06.67 |
Indian AF 16 Sqdn, ‘B’ flight. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| A-492 |
F.56A |
30.06.67 |
01.07.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-36; G-9-141. |
| A-493 |
F.56A |
30.06.67 |
01.07.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-209; G-9-188. |
| A-494 |
F.56A |
30.06.67 |
01.07.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-117; G-9-143. |
| S-578 |
T.66D |
30.06.67 |
01.07.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-214; G-9-168. |
| IF-976 |
Canberra B.58 |
01.06.67 |
02.06.67 |
Indian AF 5 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| S-573 |
T.66D |
20.07.67 |
21.07.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-212; G-9-183. |
| S-574 |
T.66D |
20.07.67 |
21.07.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-230; G-9-171. |
| S-575 |
T.66D |
20.07.67 |
21.07.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-261; G-9-178. |
| A-489 |
F.56A |
20.07.67 |
21.07.67 |
Ex-Belgian AF IF-132; G-9-132. |
| IF-919 |
Canberra B.58 |
20.07.67 |
21.07.67 |
Indian AF 35 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. |
| S-570 |
T.66D |
21.09.67 |
22.09.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-269; G-9-181. |
| S-571 |
T.66D |
21.09.67 |
22.09.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-208; G-9-167. |
| S-572 |
T.66D |
21.09.67 |
22.09.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-204; G-9-182. |
| S-581 |
T.66D |
21.09.67 |
22.09.67 |
Ex-Dutch AF N-250; G-9-185. |
| IF-960 |
Canberra B.58 |
12.10.66 |
13.10.66 |
Indian AF 35 Sqdn. Acted as escort for above four Hunters. Arrived on the 22nd. |
| A936 |
F.56A |
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ex RAF F.6, XG129, G-9-240. |
| A937 |
F.56A |
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c/n 41H-680026, ex RAF F.6, XG201, G-9-242. |
| A938 |
F.56A |
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c/n S4/U/3367, ex RAF F.6 XF521 G-9-243. The following Mk.56 Hunters were finished in standard RAF camouflage. Seen on 27.03.69. |
| A939 |
F.56A |
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c/n 41H-680015, ex RAF F.6, pi XG190, G-9-244. |
| A940 |
F.56A |
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ex RAF F.6, pi XG170, G-9-241. |
| A941 |
F.56A |
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Seen on 27.03.69. c/n 41H-680011, ex RAF F.6, pi XG186, G-9-237. |
| A942 |
F.56A |
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c/n 41H-680014, ex RAF F.6, pi XG189, G-9-238. |
| A943 |
F.56A |
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c/n 41H-680036, ex RAF F.6, pi XG211, G-9-239. |
| A967 |
F.56A |
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c/n 41H-679978, ex RAF FGA.9, XE620, G-9-273. |
| A968 |
F.56A |
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c/n 41H-688063, ex RAF FGA.9 XJ646, G-9-275. |
| A969 |
F.56A |
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c/n 41H-688083, ex RAF XJ692, G-9-276. Converted to FGA.9A from F.6. |
| A1011 |
F.56A |
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Seen on 26.11.69. c/n 8953, ex KLu F.6, N-271, G-9-278. |
| A1012 |
F.56A |
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Seen on 26.11.69. c/n 8956, ex KLu F.6, N-274, G-9-279. |
| A1013 |
F.56A |
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Seen on 12.03.70. c/n 8952, ex KLu F.6, N-252, G-9-280. |
| A1014 |
F.56A |
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Seen on 12.03.70. c/n 8821, ex KLu F.6, N-213, G-9-281. |
| A1015 |
F.56A |
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Seen on 12.03.70. c/n 8830, ex KLu F.6, N-216, G-9-282. |
| S1391 |
T.66E |
17.01.74 |
18.01.74 |
Pi XE556, RAF c/n 41H-679931, pi G-9-353. FR.10 in RAF service. |
| S1392 |
T.66E |
17.01.74 |
18.01.74 |
Pi XE585, RAF. c/n 41H-679943, pi G-9-354. FR.10 in RAF service. |
| S1393 |
T.66E |
17.01.74 |
18.01.74 |
Pi XF459, RAF. c/n S4/U/3336, pi G-9-355. Converted to FR.10 from F.6 mark in RAF service. |
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Iraq
It is believed that Iraqi Hunters F.6s, received in 1957 and flown by rebel pilots flying from Mosul, were the first Hunters anywhere to go into action, being used in rocket attacks on royalist strongholds in southern Iraq during the 1958 revolution.
Iraq went on to receive large numbers of Hunters intermittently until 1968, these all being reconditioned ex-RAF, ex-Belgian AF and ex-¬Netherlands AF machines, transited through Malta in 1964, as did others before and after this date.
Camouflage for these (and Jordanian Hunters) was the standard RAF dark green/dark sea grey with light grey undersides. The Iraqi examples also had red noses, fins, tailplanes (both upper and lower surfaces) and wing tips.
| SERIAL |
TYPE |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
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31.01.63 |
__.__.63 |
Additional details about these 4 aircraft will be appreciated. |
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x 2 |
14.08.63 |
__.__.63 |
No additional details available. |
| 537 |
T.69 |
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At Luqa on 31.05.63. Number was in Arabic only, but believed correctly translated.
I have received the following note about this particular aircraft.
This does not belong to an Iraqi Hunter or indeed any other type it operated but in view of the date it must have been one of the earlier deliveries since the earliest of the refurbished ones were only delivered in March 64 (to Iraq as 570 and 571).
This number could therefore be a typo for 573. |
| 569 |
T.69 |
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At Luqa on 16.05.64. c/n 8950, ex FAB F.6, IF-143, G-9-99. |
| 574 |
F.59 |
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At Luqa on 16.05.64. c/n 8765, ex FAB F.6, IF-21, G-9-74. |
| 575 |
F.59 |
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At Luqa on 16.05.64. c/n 8771, ex FAB F.6, IF-27, G-9-77. |
| 576 |
F.59 |
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At Luqa sometime between Jun/Jul 1964. c/n 8941, ex FAB F.6, IF-140, G-9-94. |
| 577 |
F.59 |
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At Luqa sometime between Jun/Jul 1964. c/n 8768, ex FAB F.6, IF-24, G-9-75. |
| 585 |
F.59 |
__.12.64 |
__.12.64 |
c/n 8909, ex IF-126. |
| 587 |
F.59 |
__.01.65 |
__.01.65 |
c/n 8826, ex IF-75. |
| 661 |
F.59A |
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At Luqa during May 1966. c/n 8753 ex FAB F.6, IF-9, G-9-133. |
| 662 |
F.59B |
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At Luqa during May 1966. c/n 8846, ex KLu F.6, N-221, G-9-169. |
| 663 |
F.59B |
__.08.66 |
__.08.66 |
Seen on 08.08.66. c/n 8801, ex KLu F.6, N-205, G-9-166. |
| 664 |
F.59B |
__.08.66 |
__.08.66 |
Seen on 08.08.66. c/n 8935, ex KLu F.6, N-259, G-9-177. |
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Jordan
Since this list was originally published, additional information has recently come available to this writer, including some “new” aircraft.
Unfortunately, the routing, i.e. passing through Malta, couldn’t be confirmed, and have therefore been placed in a separate table pending confirmation.
| SERIAL |
TYPE |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| 700/A |
F.73 |
02.04.65 |
03.04.65 |
c/n 41H-679926, ex F.6 XE551. Retained by Hawkers and sold to RJAF on 07.11.58. Allocated G-9-195 after their return to the UK for overhaul. Departed Dunsfold, UK on 02.11.65, accompanied by Hunter 706/G. Destroyed during the June 1967 six-day war. |
| 704/E |
F.73 |
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Seen at Luqa on 08.02.68. c/n S4/U/3344. ex F.6 XF498. No RAF service and sold to RJAF on 12.11.58. Allocated G-9-203. |
| 705/F |
F.73 |
|
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c/n S4/U/3321, ex F.6 XF444. Only used by the A&AEE and sold to RJAF 12.11.58 Allocated G-9-200 after its return to the UK for overhaul. Arrived at Luqa with 709/K, landing in the UK on 11.10.65. Left the UK, and again seen at Luqa on 08.08.66. |
| 709/K |
F.73 |
|
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See 705/F above c/n S4/U/3279 ex F.6 XF379 Retained by Hawkers and sold to RJAF 10/11/58 Allocated G-9-199. |
| 710/L |
F.73 |
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c/n S4/U/3280. ex F.6 XF380. Retained by Hawkers, but only used by the A&AEE, then sold to the RJAF on 10.11.58. Allocated G-9-197. Arrived with 712/N for the UK for maintenance, landing in the UK on 03.07.65. Left the UK on 04.03.66, probably seen at Luqa later the same day. |
| 712/N |
F.73 |
|
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See 710/L above. c/n 41H-680063. ex RAF F.6 XG262, and sold to the RJAF on 09.09.60. Allocated G-9-198. |
| 717 |
F.6 |
22.04.67 |
23.04.67 |
Courtesy of the Air Britain Information Exchange comes the following: Former 229 OCU F6 XG159 had its Minor servicing completed at Number 5 MU RAF Kemble on the 30th March 1967 during which it was re-sprayed Dark Green over Dark Sea Grey with Grey 9-05-BS2660 (early LAG) under surfaces. RJAF markings were painted on and the aircraft was despatched by Kemble on the 17th April 1967 arriving at RAF Luqa from Dunsfold, flown by a Contractor pilot, departing for Amman AB the following day. Destroyed on the ground some six weeks later at Mafraq AB at the start of Operation "Moked", the beginning of the Six-Day War. |
| 808 |
F.6 ? |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 09.10.62. c/n 41H-?, ex RAF F.6 XG171. |
| 810 |
F.6 ? |
|
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Seen at Luqa on 09.10.62. c/n S4/U/3293, ex RAF F.6 XF417. |
| 811 |
F.6 ? |
|
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Seen at Luqa on 09.10.62. c/n 41H-680012, ex RAF F.6 XG187. |
| 812 |
F.6 ? |
|
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Seen at Luqa on 09.10.62. c/n 41H-680058, ex RAF F.6 XG257. These four aircraft were sold to the RJAF, so this was their delivery flight to Jordan. |
| 825/K |
F.73A |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 02.06.71. c/n 41H-680056, ex RAF FGA.9 XG255. This aircraft was sold to Jordan in August 1967, on UK withdrawal from Aden, so this was a ferry flight to the UK for maintenance purposes. |
| 826 |
F.73A |
26.07.72 |
27.07.72 |
c/n 41H-680084. ex RAF FGA.9 XG298. This aircraft was sold to Jordan in August 1967, on UK withdrawal from Aden, so this was the return flight to Jordan after maintenance in the UK. |
| 827 |
F.73A |
26.07.72 |
27.07.72 |
c/n 41H-679989. ex RAF FGA.9 XE645. This aircraft was sold to Jordan in August 1967, on UK withdrawal from Aden, so this was the return flight to Jordan after maintenance in the UK. |
| 846 |
F.73B |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 12.10.71. c/n 41H-670799, ex RAF F.4 WV325, G-9-250. |
| 847 |
F.73B |
21.12.71 |
22.12.71 |
c/n HABL003123, ex RAF F.4 XF968, G-9-264. |
| 848 |
F.73B |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 12.10.71. c/n HABL003120, ex RAF F.4 XF952, G-9-263. |
| 849 |
F.73B |
21.12.71 |
21.12.71 |
c/n 41H-670853, ex RAF F.4 WV407, G-9-248. |
| 850 |
F.73B |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 13.11.71. c/n HABL003134, ex RAF F.4 XF979, RN Ground Instruction aircraft serial A2587, G-9-258. |
| 851 |
F.73B |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 13.11.71. c/n 41H-670847, ex RAF F.4 WV401, G-9-246. |
Unconfirmed Jordanian Hunters
| SERIAL |
TYPE |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| 702 |
|
19.01.67 |
|
|
| 708 |
|
19.01.67 |
|
|
| 715 |
|
13.05.67 |
|
|
| 716 |
|
07.10.66 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Kenya
The first two aircraft are two-seaters, the remaining four being single-seaters. They all carried standard RAF camouflage of dark green/dark grey upper surfaces, with light grey undersides.
| SERIAL |
MARK |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| 801 |
T.81 |
24.06.74 |
25.06.74 |
c/n 41H-670712, ex RN T.8 WT755, G-9-417. Written off 02.06.75. |
| 802 |
T.81 |
24.06.74 |
25.06.74 |
c/n 41H-?, ex RN T.8 XL604, G-9-416. Transferred to Zimbabwe AF in 1981 as 1084. |
| 803 |
FGA.80 |
24.06.74 |
25.06.74 |
c/n 41H-679984 ex RAF FR.10 XE626, G-9-409. Transferred to Zimbabwe AF in 1981 as 8100. |
| 804 |
FGA.80 |
08.12.74 |
09.12.74 |
c/n HABL003127. c/n ex RAF F.4 XF972, 7948M, G-9-418 . Transferred to Zimbabwe AF in 1981 as 1801. |
| 805 |
FGA.80 |
08.12.74 |
09.12.74 |
c/n HABL003070, ex RAF F.4, XF309, 7771M, G-9-420. Transferred to Zimbabwe AF in 1981 as 1038.. pi WT778. |
| 806 |
FGA.80 |
13.01.75 |
14.01.75 |
c/n HABL003130, ex RAF F.4 XF975, 7945M, G-9-421. Transferred to Zimbabwe AF, 1981 as 1082. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Kuwait
Camouflage was dark earth and middle stone on the upper surfaces, with azure blue undersides, similar to the Qatar examples below.
All three aircraft were seen on 23.05.69, most probably the day of arrival.
| SERIAL |
MARK |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| 218 |
T.67 |
|
|
c/n 8970, ex KLu F.6, N-282, G-9-236. |
| 219 |
T.67 |
|
|
c/n 8830, ex KLu F.6, N-257, G-9-266. |
| 220 |
T.67 |
|
|
c/n 41H-679905, ex RAF FGA.9 XE530, G-9-267. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Lebanon
These seem to have later been re-serialled, replacing the number ‘1’ with ‘2’. Also, current Lebanese AF aircraft carry the serial without a hyphen.
| SERIAL |
MARK |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| L-176 |
F.6 |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 14.09.65. c/n 8844, ex FAB F.6 IF-86, G-9-110. |
| L-177 |
F.70 |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 14.09.65. c/n 8861, ex FAB F.6 IF-96, G-9-121. |
| L-178 |
F.70 |
|
|
Seen at Luqa “late 1965”. Noted at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus on 16.11.65. c/n 8912, ex FAB F.6 IF-129, G-9-102. |
| L-179 |
F.70 |
|
|
Seen at Luqa in “late 1965”. Noted at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus on 16.11.65. c/n 8866, ex FAB F.6 IF-101, G-9-114. |
| L-180 |
T.66C |
|
|
Noted at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus on 16.11.65 with L-178 & L-179. So presumably delivered via Luqa as well? c/n 8807, ex FAB F.6 IF-60, G-9-145. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Qatar
The Qatar AF F.78s and T.79s were similar to the RAF’s FGA.9 and T.7 respectively. Camouflaged dark earth and middle stone on the upper surfaces, with azure blue undersides. Roundels were (starting from the outside) dark brown, light tan and white.
| SERIAL |
MARK |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES/PREVIOUS SERIAL |
| QA12 |
F.78 |
09.12.71 |
10.12.71 |
c/n 8850, ex KLu F.6 N-222, (G-9-229) G-9-284. |
| QA13 |
T.79 |
09.12.71 |
10.12.71 |
c/n 41H-695338, ex RAF T.7 (XM122), KLu T.7 N-316, G-9-191. |
| QA10 |
F.78 |
20.12.71 |
21.12.71 |
c/n 8947, ex KLu F.6, N-268, G-9-268. Preserved Elvington as KLU N-268, coded N-2 |
| QA11 |
F.78 |
20.12.71 |
21.12.71 |
c/n 8840, ex KLu F.6 N-219, G-9-283. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Rhodesia
The Royal Rhodesian Air Force placed an order for 12 Hunter F.6s to be brought to full FGA.9 standard. Serial numbers ran from RRAF 116-127, deliveries commencing in January 1963 and completed by 1964. The aircraft went into service with No. 1 squadron at Thornhill.
The following two aircraft were sold directly to Rhodesia on 19.04.63 and carried no G-9- identities.
| SERIAL |
MARK |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| RRAF124 |
FGA.9 |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 22.04.63. c/n 41H-688091, ex RAF FGA.9 XJ716. Re-serialled 1284. |
| RRAF125 |
FGA.9 |
|
|
Seen at Luqa on 22.04.63. c/n S4/U/3350, ex RAF F.6 XF504. Re-serialled 1258.
It's possible that this aircraft had already been converted during its RAF service to FGA.9 standard, but its last recorded unit, No. 74 Sqdn., did not operate this particular version. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Saudi Arabia
Six Hunters, four F.6s and two T.7s, part of the Magic Carpet contract which also included Lightning interceptors and Thunderbird SAMs, were delivered to the R. Saudi AF between May - June 1966 to provide jet experience for Saudi pilots who were later to fly the BAC Lightning.
The aircraft were delivered in three batches of two aircraft, and were finished in a scheme of light earth/dark earth upper surfaces with azure blue belly. The insignia and lettering were in emerald green. On the left upper and right lower wing surfaces appeared the insignia, on the opposite surfaces appeared RSAF in green. The camouflage pattern followed that of RAF Hunters.
Based at Khamis Mushajt AB, close to the Yemeni border, they flew retaliatory raids against Yemeni and Egyptian strong points in the Yemen civil war.
Aircraft have been listed in chronological order of their delivery date.
| SERIAL |
TYPE |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES/PREVIOUS SERIAL |
| 60-601 |
F.60 |
25.05.66 |
__.05.66 |
c/n 41H-688087, ex RAF F.6 XJ712, G-9-210. |
| 60-602 |
F.60 |
05.05.66 |
__.05.66 |
c/n 41H-679949, ex RAF F.6 XE591, G-9-212. |
| 60-603 |
F.60 |
25.05.66 |
__.05.66 |
c/n S4/U/3327, ex RAF F.6 XF450, G-9-211. |
| 60-604 |
F.60 |
__.05.66 |
__.05.66 |
c/n 41H-688090, ex RAF F.6 XJ715, G-9-213. |
| 70-616 |
T.70 |
05.05.66 |
__.05.66 |
c/n 41H-695354, ex RAF T.7 XL620, G-9-215. This aircraft was eventually returned to the RAF as XX466.. |
| 70-617 |
T.70 |
__.05.66 |
__.05.66 |
c/n 41H-693834, ex RAF T.7 XL605, G-9-214. This aircraft also returned to the RAF as XX467, later becoming G-TVII. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Singapore
The batch of sixteen Hunters destined for the Singapore AF had started life as F.6’s with the RAF, being upgraded or converted to FGA.9 and FR.10 standard.
For use with the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC), twelve of these Hunters were designated as F.74, equivalent to the FGA.9, and as a ground attack aircraft. The remaining four were given the designation F.74A, having both a ground attack and reconnaissance role. Camouflage was a dark and light earth, with light grey undersides, with a white serial number on the fuselage, and black numbers on the wing undersides. No markings were carried on the fin.
| SADC SERIAL |
MARK |
PREVIOUS ID’S |
ARR/DEP |
NOTES |
| 500 |
T.75 |
G-9-290, N-303 |
27.10.72 |
rr N91167 |
| 501 |
F.74A |
G-9-300, XG260 |
12/13.11.70 |
c/n 41H-688076. Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. |
| 502 |
F.74A |
G-9-306, XJ685 |
12/13.11.70 |
Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. |
| 503 |
FR.74A |
G-9-324, XF437 |
24/25.06.71 |
rr VH-FGA. c/n S4/U/3313. Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. |
| 504 |
T.75 |
G-9-291, N-304 |
27.10.72 |
Previously T.7 with the KLu. |
| 505 |
F.74A |
G-9-302, XJ632 |
10/11.12.70 |
Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. |
| 506 |
F.74A |
G-9-325, XG205 |
24/25.06.71 |
c/n 41H-680030. Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. |
| 507 |
F.74A |
G-9-304, XG251 |
10/11.12.70 |
c/n 41H-680052. Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. Collided with 509 on 08.04.71. |
| 508 |
F.74A |
G-9-305, XE615 |
14/15.01.71 |
c/n 41H-679973. Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. |
| 509 |
F.74A |
G-9-301, XF456 |
14/15.01.71 |
c/n S4/U/3333. Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. Collided with 507 on 08.04.71. |
| 510 |
F.74A |
G-9-303, XG296 |
04/05.03.71 |
c/n 41H-680082. Previously an FGA.9 with the RAF. |
| 511 |
F.74 |
G-9-307, XJ680 |
04/05.03.71 |
|
| 513 |
F.74 |
G-9-308, XJ684 |
25/26.03.71 |
|
| 515 |
F.74 |
G-9-309, XJ643 |
25/26.03.71 |
|
| 518 |
F.74A |
G-9-311, XJ642 |
20/21.05.71 |
|
| 519 |
F.74A |
G-9-323, XE652 |
20/21.05.71 |
|
| 512 |
F.74A |
G-9-326, XG292 |
04/05.08.71 |
rr N81846 |
| 517 |
F.74A |
G-9-327, XJ689 |
04/05.08.71 |
rr ZK-JIL |
| 520 |
F.74 |
G-9-357, XG153 |
14.06.72 |
|
| 521 |
F.74B |
G-9-358, XG266 |
14.06.72 |
|
| 525 |
F.74B |
G-9-362, XF428 |
13.10.72 |
|
| 527 |
F.74B |
G-9-364, XF458 |
13.10.72 |
|
| 526 |
F.74B |
G-9-363, XF432, G-BABM |
10.11.72 |
|
| 528 |
T.75 |
G-9-345, XF970 |
10.11.72 |
rr VH-RHO |
| 529 |
F.74B |
G-9-346, XF969 |
15.12.72 |
|
| 530 |
F.74B |
G-9-347, WV364 |
17/18.01.73 |
Wheels up landing 18.06.86. |
| 531 |
F.74B |
G-9-365, XJ714 |
17/18.01.73 |
|
| 532 |
F.75 |
G-9-348, WV386 |
15.12.72 |
rr N81827 |
| 533 |
F.74B |
G-9-366, XE614 |
21.02.73 |
|
| 534 |
F.74B |
G-9-356, XJ633 |
21.02.73 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Sea Fury
| SERIAL |
COUNTRY |
ARRIVED |
DEPARTED |
NOTES |
| 703 |
Egypt |
16.02.50 |
16.02.50 |
The RAF Luqa ORB states that the aircraft was on a record-breaking flight by famed test pilot Neville Duke. Landed at 12:23Z, departing at 12:36Z. |
| G-AKRY |
Egypt |
20.04.48 |
21.04.48 |
Owner listed as “Hawker Aircraft Ltd” Landed at 15:40, Routed via Ugley ?, Lympe & Marignane. pi NX798, registered on 29.01.48. Air Britain’s British Civil Aircraft Register 1919-1999 gives this aircraft as crashing in Egypt in 10/48 whilst on delivery. Departed from Luqa at 12:05. Listed as a F.1. |
| 302 |
Iraq |
14.06.52 |
17.06.52 |
c/s DF.310. Landed at 10:30, departure at 07:30. Customs’ records also had the name “Bhagdad” written after aircraft name. |
| 304 |
Iraq |
19.10.52 |
19.10.52 |
c/s DF312. Re-fuelling stop between 12:40-15:30. |
| 305 |
Iraq |
22.10.52 |
23.10.52 |
c/s DF313. Landed at 13:55 departure time unknown. |
| 306 |
Iraq |
31.10.52 |
31.10.52 |
c/s DF314. Re-fuelling stop between 13:30-16:00. |
| 315 |
Iraq |
28.08.53 |
28.08.53 |
Re-fuelling stop between 14:30-14:45, c/s DF.333. |
| L-981 |
Iraq |
12.12.53 |
13.12.53 |
Landed at 17:45, departed at 10:30. Airwork listed as Agent for all three aircraft. c/s DF352. |
| L-326 |
Iraq |
12.12.53 |
13.12.53 |
Landed at 17:46, departed at 10:31. c/s DF350. |
| L-980 |
Iraq |
12.12.53 |
13.12.53 |
Landed at 17:47, departed at 10:32. c/s 351. |
| L-921 |
Pakistan |
01.11.49 |
02.11.49 |
Landed at 12:25. Departed Blackbushe on the 30th at 11:00z, Nice on the 1st at 09:15, c/s DF226. Departed Luqa at 08:15. |
| L-923 |
Pakistan |
01.11.49 |
02.11.49 |
Landed at 12:30. Departed Blackbushe on the 30th at 11:00z, Nice on the 1st at 09:15, c/s DF228. Departed Luqa at 08:20. |
| L-924 |
Pakistan |
18.11.49 |
|
Landed at 16:05. Departed Blackbushe on the 17th at 12:45z, Bordeaux on the 18th at 11:10z. c/s DF231/1. |
| L-925 |
Pakistan |
18.11.49 |
19.11.49 |
Landed at 16:02. Departed Blackbushe on the 17th at 12:45z, Bordeaux on the 18th at 11:10z. c/s DF231/1. Left Malta at 09:45. |
| L-974 |
Pakistan |
02.07.53 |
03.07.53 |
Landed at 18:25, departing at 09:00. c/s DF.326 |
| L-975 |
Pakistan |
02.07.53 |
03.07.53 |
Landed at 18:25, departing at 09:00. c/s DF.327 |
| L-976 |
Pakistan |
15.07.53 |
16.07.53 |
Landed at 17:30, departed at 08:00. c/s DF.328. |
| L-977 |
Pakistan |
15.07.53 |
16.07.53 |
Landed at 17:32, departed at 08:02. c/s DF329. |
|
| |
|
|