Hawker Hunter FGA.9
Hawker Siddeley · UK · first flew 1959 · fighter
The FGA.9 converted surplus F.6 airframes into dedicated ground-attack fighters for RAF overseas commands, adding a brake chute, strengthened wings, and improving the attack systems. It was the Hunter at war — Aden, Borneo, Oman, and Radfan.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Brake parachute housing at base of rudder — a small fairing not present on fighter marks
- Strengthened four-pylon wing with 230-gallon ferry tanks almost invariably carried
- Modified cockpit glazing and extended-stroke undercarriage giving a slightly nose-high ground attitude
The brake-chute housing at the rudder base is the cleanest FGA.9 distinguisher. Combined with large underwing tanks (almost always present) and the generally 'worked' appearance of an aircraft configured for attack sorties, it separates the FGA.9 from the cleaner F.6. The nose-high ground angle from extended-stroke legs is subtle but consistent.
Specifications
- The Hawker Hunter FGA.9 has a length of 14 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
Converted from F.6 airframes from 1959; 127 conversions. Served RAF Middle East and Far East Air Forces through the 1960s, seeing combat in Aden, Radfan, and Borneo. Replaced by the Harrier in RAF service but sold extensively to export customers including India (where they fought in 1971), Abu Dhabi, Chile, and Rhodesia.
Variants
The FR.10 is the fighter-reconnaissance equivalent. Export FGA.9-equivalent aircraft flew under various type designations. The T.7 and T.8 are the two-seat trainers supporting the FGA fleet.
Where you'll see it
RAF 1960-1971 overseas; export service much longer — Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) operated FGA.9s until 1995. Several airworthy FGA.9s and equivalents still fly at European airshows.
Related aircraft
- Hawker Siddeley P.1127
- Hawker Siddeley Trident
- Hawker Siddeley Dominie T.1
- Hawker Siddeley Andover C.1
- Aero L-29 Delfin
- Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar
- Dassault Mirage IIIB
- English Electric Lightning F.1
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.