Hawker Hunter F(GA).Mk.9, XE601 / 41H/679959, MoD(PE)
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: XE601
Construction Number: 41H/679959
Military Unit: A&AEE
Model Hawker Hunter F(GA).Mk.9
Operator: MoD(PE)
Airport: Boscombe Down (EGD / EGDM), UK - England
Airshow: Boscombe Down - Air Tournament International - 1992
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 13/06/1992
Date Submitted: 23/03/2010
Photographed in the static display during Air Tournament International 92 at Boscombe. This Hunter was built in 1956 as an F.6. She was retained by Hawker for certification work and in 1964 was converted to an FGA.9, first flying as such in April 1965. She joined the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down in 1966, remaining there for an impressive forty-two years, becoming the last FGA.9 in UK military service. As you can see from this photograph, she was fitted with large underwing tanks fitted with spray nozzles, she would fly over troops on exercise and spray them with water to simulate a chemical or biological air attack. She was retired in 1999 and was initially loaned to the Boscombe Down Museum. In 2004 she was put up for tender and is now operated on the civilian register as G-ETPS. She returned to the air once again on the 21st June 2005 after an overhaul with the Hunter Flying Club, and is based at Exeter.
Picture ID:1222130