Hawker Hunter F(GA).Mk.9, G-ETPS / 41H/679959, FGA 9 Ltd.
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: G-ETPS
Construction Number: 41H/679959
Code Number: XE601
Model Hawker Hunter F(GA).Mk.9
Operator: FGA 9 Ltd.
Airport: Exeter (EXT / EGTE), UK - England
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 20/09/2010
Date Submitted: 23/10/2010
Photographed taxying in after arriving at Exeter as the #3 in a three-ship formation of Hunters from the Sanicole Airshow in Belgium. Currently one of four Hunters operated by Team Viper, she was originally built as an F.6 in 1956. She was retained by Hawkers for trials work and in 1964 was converted to an FGA.9. In 1966 she joined the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) fleet at Boscombe Down, remaining in service there for a truly remarkable forty-two years. She was fitted with large underwing tanks with spray nozzles and was used to spray water over troops to simulate chemical and biological air attacks. She became the last FGA.9 in military service in the UK when she was retired in 1999. She was then loaned to the Boscombe Down Museum before being put up for tender in 2004. She was acquired by a Canadian operator but fortunately was then bought by Exeter based Skyblue Aviation. The Hunter Flying Club returned her to airworthy condition and she flew again registered as G-ETPS on the 21st June 2005. Skyblue operated her on the airshow circuit until earlier this year when she was sold to FGA 9 Ltd. This beautiful aeroplane now continues to fly as part of Team Viper.
Picture ID:1258211