Hawker Hunter F.6
Hawker · UK · first flew 1954 · fighter
The F.6 is the definitive RAF Hunter fighter mark, with the more powerful Avon 203, the dog-tooth leading-edge extensions that cured tip-stall tendencies, and four underwing hardpoints. It is the standard against which other Hunter variants are measured.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.98 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Avon 203 engine with larger intake; subtle but intake lip is slightly more prominent
- Wing leading-edge extensions — small but visible 'dog-tooth' fences at approximately one-third span
- Four underwing hardpoints versus two on F.4 — more numerous pylon stubs even when carried clean
The dog-tooth leading-edge extension — a small kink and fence at about one-third span — is the key visual difference from the F.4. Visible on the wing upper surface in plan view. Four underwing pylons are present even when empty. Against the FGA.9, the F.6 typically lacks the long-stroke undercarriage and modified gun pack of the ground-attack variant.
Specifications
- The Hawker Hunter F.6 has a length of 13.98 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.26 m (34 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1148 km/h (713 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flight 1954; 383 built for the RAF. Entered service 1956 replacing F.4s in many squadrons. Formed the core of RAF Air Defence 1956-1963 before being displaced by the Lightning. Many were rebuilt as FGA.9s; export customers included India, Iraq, and Switzerland.
Variants
The export F.58 (Switzerland) and F.58A are effectively F.6 equivalents. The FGA.9 is a converted F.6 airframe for ground attack.
Where you'll see it
RAF Fighter Command and export air forces from 1956. Swiss Air Force operated F.58s until 1994. Privately operated airworthy Hunters at airshows across Europe are predominantly F.6 or F.58 airframes.
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- Canadair Sabre Mk 6
- Canadair Sabre Mk.5
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