Hawker Hunter F.4
Hawker · UK · first flew 1954 · fighter
The F.4 cured the main deficiencies of the F.1 by adding internal fuel and underwing hardpoints, becoming a practical fighter rather than a limited demonstrator. It equipped the bulk of RAF Fighter Command in the mid-1950s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Avon 115/121 engine with larger fuel capacity — fuselage appears identical to F.1 but has more internal fuel |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Avon 115/121 engine with larger fuel capacity — fuselage appears identical to F.1 but has more internal fuel
- Under-nose gun pack with characteristic four-Aden blisters visible from below
- Two underwing hardpoints (though often flown clean) — distinguishes from F.1 which had none
The F.4 is distinguished from the F.1 by its two underwing pylons and slightly larger internal fuel capacity — essentially impossible to see externally. Against the F.6, the F.4 has a less powerful Avon and lacks the F.6's pronounced wing leading-edge extensions that create the characteristic 'dog-tooth' fence.
Specifications
- The Hawker Hunter F.4 has a length of 13.98 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.26 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1144 km/h (711 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flight 1954; 365 built for the RAF plus substantial export orders. Equipped many NATO air forces and formed the backbone of RAF Fighter Command 1955-1960. Many were sold to Denmark, Peru, and other nations after RAF service.
Variants
The F.5 was the Sapphire-engined equivalent. The FGA.9 is the later ground-attack development. Many F.4s were converted to two-seat T.7 trainers.
Where you'll see it
RAF 1955-1963 in frontline use; export service considerably longer. The Hunter is still flown by private operators; several F.4/F.58 marks fly airshow circuits in Europe.
Related aircraft
- Hawker Hunter F.6
- Hawker Hunter F.1
- Hawker Sea Fury T.20
- Hawker Sea Fury FB.11
- A-4 Skyhawk
- Armstrong Whitworth Meteor F8 Prone Pilot
- Canadair Sabre Mk 6
- Canadair Sabre Mk.5
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