Difference between revisions of "Hunter FGA.9"

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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
Although without an afterburner, this aircraft will out-accelerate almost all aircraft at it's battle rating. The '''[[MiG-15bis (Germany)|▀MiG-15]] bis''' will out-accelerate you on the runway, but from about 400-1000km/h you can pretty much outrun everything, even [[Shenyang F-5]]<nowiki/>s, [[F-86K (France)|F86K]]<nowiki/>s and [[F-100D|F100]]<nowiki/>s all with afterburners. The aircraft has the best acceleration for a non-afterburning jet in the game. It also has extremely good top end speed for its battle rating. Be warned the aircraft is a '''brick''' so most aircraft will out-turn you. Turning is advised only against larger aircraft like [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]].  
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
Although without an afterburner, this aircraft will out-accelerate almost all aircraft at it's battle rating. The '''[[MiG-15bis (Germany)|▀MiG-15]] bis''' will out-accelerate you on the runway, but from about 400-1000km/h you can pretty much outrun everything, even [[Shenyang F-5]]<nowiki/>s, [[F-86K (France)|F86K]]<nowiki/>s and [[F-100D|F100]]<nowiki/>s all with afterburners. The aircraft has the best acceleration for a non-afterburning jet in the game. It also has extremely good top end speed for its battle rating. Be warned the aircraft is a '''brick''' so most aircraft will out-turn you. Turning is advised only against larger aircraft like [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]].
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
Line 42: Line 43:
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drag chute
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X ||✓
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 620 || 620|| 465 || ~14 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 620 || 620 || 465 || ~14 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.-->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
−
The FGA.9 is quite survivable with a robust airframe due to it being primarily intended for ground attacking or close air support. It may take a few hits from enemy cannon fire and still survive, and also stay flying with critical components (wing, engine, etc.) damaged long enough to return to base. However, don't expect the FGA.9 to soak up 30 mm DEFA or other ADEN armed aircraft. Head-on attacks are recommended, albeit from further away than other aircraft (about 2.5/2km away and pull off) due to closure rates and the aircraft being a brick so you have to pull off earlier than normal. '''''Do not commit fully to a head on attack''''', especially against F-86s as their .50 cals will ruin you at closer distances. The placement of the cannons also makes head-on attacks tricky.  
+
The FGA.9 is quite survivable with a robust airframe due to it being primarily intended for ground attacking or close air support. It may take a few hits from enemy cannon fire and still survive, and also stay flying with critical components (wing, engine, etc.) damaged long enough to return to base. However, don't expect the FGA.9 to soak up 30 mm DEFA or other ADEN armed aircraft. Head-on attacks are recommended, albeit from further away than other aircraft (about 2.5/2km away and pull off) due to closure rates and the aircraft being a brick so you have to pull off earlier than normal. '''''Do not commit fully to a head on attack''''', especially against F-86s as their .50 cals will ruin you at closer distances. The placement of the cannons also makes head-on attacks tricky.
  
 
The only armour on the aircraft are a 64 mm bullet proof glass in front of the pilot, with a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot.
 
The only armour on the aircraft are a 64 mm bullet proof glass in front of the pilot, with a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot.
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|ADEN (30 mm)}}
 
{{main|ADEN (30 mm)}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is outfitted with the following offensive ordnance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 4 x 30 mm ADEN autocannons, nose-mounted (150 RPG, 600 rounds total)
+
* 4 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|SNEB type 23|AIM-9E}}
+
{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|AIM-9E Sidewinder|SNEB type 23}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following suspended ordnance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 +
* Without load
 
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs + 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (3,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M. C. Mk.II bombs + 36 SNEB type 23 unguided rockets
+
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (1,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 36 SNEB type 23 unguided rockets
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
+
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
−
Side rush and burst climb, then enter the main cluster of aircraft in the middle (ideally with a height advantage). Your AIM 9E's (if you choose to bring them into battle) will quickly dispatch any enemies at a low energy state (hopefully distracted by fighting someone else). Use your superior speed in the cluster and launch your ordinance then zoom back up (the [[Boom & Zoom]] strategy). When you have expended your missiles, use your 30 mm ADENs as they are VERY destructive and typically only one shell is enough to critically damage or destroy any aircraft they come in contact with.  
+
Side rush and burst climb, then enter the main cluster of aircraft in the middle (ideally with a height advantage). Your AIM 9E's (if you choose to bring them into battle) will quickly dispatch any enemies at a low energy state (hopefully distracted by fighting someone else). Use your superior speed in the cluster and launch your ordinance then zoom back up (the [[Boom & Zoom]] strategy). When you have expended your missiles, use your 30 mm ADENs as they are VERY destructive and typically only one shell is enough to critically damage or destroy any aircraft they come in contact with.
  
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
−
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
−
|I
+
| I
 
| Fuselage repair
 
| Fuselage repair
 
|
 
|
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| Engine
 
| Engine
 
|
 
|
−
| New 30 mm Cannons
+
| New 30 mm cannons
 
| Matra SNEB
 
| Matra SNEB
 
|-
 
|-
Line 179: Line 181:
 
| AIM-9E
 
| AIM-9E
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
+
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
−
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Excellent speed advantage when in rank IV matches
 
* Excellent speed advantage when in rank IV matches
Line 200: Line 202:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
 
Towards the end of the 1950s, the Royal Air Force was faced with the increasing obsolescence of the [[Venom_FB.4|De Havilland Venom FB.4]] in the ground attack role.  At the time, the Venom was still in use as a Close Air Support aircraft both in South East Asia and the Middle East; especially in the Aden Emergency it was intensely used, and as a result, a replacement was urgently required.  In 1958 the Royal Air Force started the Venom Replacement Evaluation Trials (VRET), selecting the Royal Air Force bases of RAF Khormaksar (Aden) with its long paved runway, and RAF Riyan (Quaiti State, Eastern Aden Protectorate) with its unhardened airstrip as trials bases.
 
Towards the end of the 1950s, the Royal Air Force was faced with the increasing obsolescence of the [[Venom_FB.4|De Havilland Venom FB.4]] in the ground attack role.  At the time, the Venom was still in use as a Close Air Support aircraft both in South East Asia and the Middle East; especially in the Aden Emergency it was intensely used, and as a result, a replacement was urgently required.  In 1958 the Royal Air Force started the Venom Replacement Evaluation Trials (VRET), selecting the Royal Air Force bases of RAF Khormaksar (Aden) with its long paved runway, and RAF Riyan (Quaiti State, Eastern Aden Protectorate) with its unhardened airstrip as trials bases.
Line 240: Line 242:
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 11:01, 1 August 2020

Hunter FGA.9
hunter_f9_rhodesia.png
Hunter FGA.9
Britain flag.png Britain
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE
This page is about the British jet fighter Hunter FGA.9. For the other version, see Hunter (Family).

Description

GarageImage Hunter FGA.9.jpg


The Hunter FGA.9 is a premium gift rank VI British jet fighter with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB) and 9.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack".

General info

Flight performance

Although without an afterburner, this aircraft will out-accelerate almost all aircraft at it's battle rating. The ▀MiG-15 bis will out-accelerate you on the runway, but from about 400-1000km/h you can pretty much outrun everything, even Shenyang F-5s, F86Ks and F100s all with afterburners. The aircraft has the best acceleration for a non-afterburning jet in the game. It also has extremely good top end speed for its battle rating. Be warned the aircraft is a brick so most aircraft will out-turn you. Turning is advised only against larger aircraft like F-4 Phantoms.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,138 1,133 15500 25.5 26.3 53.6 46.6 820
Upgraded 1,158 1,148 24.6 25.0 88.8 70.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 450 620 620 465 ~14 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 850 < 600 < 690 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.207 1 6,110 kg 237 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 4m fuel 14m fuel
1,175 kg Axial-flow turbojet 6,510 kg 7,487 kg 10,900 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 4m fuel 14m fuel MTOW
Stationary 4,272 kgf N/A 0.67 0.57 0.39
Optimal 4,991 kgf
(1,100 km/h) 		N/A 0.77 0.66 0.46

Survivability and armour

The FGA.9 is quite survivable with a robust airframe due to it being primarily intended for ground attacking or close air support. It may take a few hits from enemy cannon fire and still survive, and also stay flying with critical components (wing, engine, etc.) damaged long enough to return to base. However, don't expect the FGA.9 to soak up 30 mm DEFA or other ADEN armed aircraft. Head-on attacks are recommended, albeit from further away than other aircraft (about 2.5/2km away and pull off) due to closure rates and the aircraft being a brick so you have to pull off earlier than normal. Do not commit fully to a head on attack, especially against F-86s as their .50 cals will ruin you at closer distances. The placement of the cannons also makes head-on attacks tricky.

The only armour on the aircraft are a 64 mm bullet proof glass in front of the pilot, with a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: ADEN (30 mm)

The Hunter FGA.9 is armed with:

  • 4 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb), M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb), AIM-9E Sidewinder, SNEB type 23

The Hunter FGA.9 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

Usage in battles

Side rush and burst climb, then enter the main cluster of aircraft in the middle (ideally with a height advantage). Your AIM 9E's (if you choose to bring them into battle) will quickly dispatch any enemies at a low energy state (hopefully distracted by fighting someone else). Use your superior speed in the cluster and launch your ordinance then zoom back up (the Boom & Zoom strategy). When you have expended your missiles, use your 30 mm ADENs as they are VERY destructive and typically only one shell is enough to critically damage or destroy any aircraft they come in contact with.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Offensive 30 mm 2 500 LB GP
II New boosters Compressor Airframe 1000 LB GP
III Wings repair Engine New 30 mm cannons Matra SNEB
IV G-suit Cover AIM-9E
This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent speed advantage when in rank IV matches
  • Gets down-tiered most of the time due to rank IV placement
  • AIM-9Es are very good due to high speed, 10G manoeuvrability and up to (around) 4 km range from the rear
  • 30 mm ADEN cannons are devastating to aircraft and ground targets with a good ammo pool and high fire rate

Cons:

  • High speed manoeuvrability is bad due to locking up from about 1000 km/h onwards
  • Low level pilot can pass out instantly from pulling 3G's from about 700 km/h, requires upgrades in G-Tolerance and Stamina to perform well
  • MiG-21SMTs & MFs will ruin you due to good turn rate and very high speeds - they are problematic at high altitudes as the Hunter FGA.9 has a non-afterburning engine while the MiG's R-60M missiles will easily out-pull the Hunter every time if they acquire a strong lock (the only way to dodge is to use full elevator and aileron controls as soon as the "Missile has been launched" warning is shown)

History

Towards the end of the 1950s, the Royal Air Force was faced with the increasing obsolescence of the De Havilland Venom FB.4 in the ground attack role. At the time, the Venom was still in use as a Close Air Support aircraft both in South East Asia and the Middle East; especially in the Aden Emergency it was intensely used, and as a result, a replacement was urgently required. In 1958 the Royal Air Force started the Venom Replacement Evaluation Trials (VRET), selecting the Royal Air Force bases of RAF Khormaksar (Aden) with its long paved runway, and RAF Riyan (Quaiti State, Eastern Aden Protectorate) with its unhardened airstrip as trials bases.

For the VRET, three types were selected: the Hunting Jet Provost T.3; the Folland Gnat F.1; and last but not least, the Hawker Hunter F.6. Before the trials began, the Folland Gnat was considered the forerunner, while the Hawker Hunter was initially not even considered for the trials, as the type was thought to be uneconomical for use in the Middle East, however, this decision was overturned after intense lobbying by Hawker. Early on during the trials, it became clear that the Hunting Jet Provost was not able to fulfil any of the requirements set by the trials, and while the type would go on to be developed into the successful BAC Strikemaster, it was eliminated from the contest. The trials had become a straight contest between the Hunter and the Gnat.

Early on, the Folland appeared to be a clear favourite: above 40,000 ft it was more manoeuvrable than the Hunter, and its diminutive size made it a difficult target to spot and aim at. Additionally, it required only a minimum of external equipment to operate it from unprepared airstrips. However, the diminutive size of the Gnat also worked in its disadvantage: its relative short landing gear gave the aircraft unpleasant characteristics on unpaved airstrips, and its relatively low-set exhaust damaged the runway surface. However, the main problem for the Gnat was that it was unable to meet range requirements. Fully loaded for combat it had a range of 188 nm, which fell short of the 250 nm requirement set up in the VRET; with external tanks, its maximum ferry range was 673 nm, which was insufficient to ferry it between the Royal Air Force's main Middle East Air Force bases. At the end of the trials, the Hunter came out as the winner on all points except agility above 40,000 ft.

Following the trials, conversion work was started to bring the Hunter F.6 up to full ground attack standard, the FGA.9 (for Fighter Ground Attack). The wing spars were restressed and strengthened, a brake chute was added in a housing above the exhaust for use on unprepared airstrips, the flight controls were adjusted to give a better response at low altitude, and the oxygen supply was increased; as the FGA.9 was primarily intended for use in the Middle East, the aircraft were also given a tropicalised refrigeration and ventilation system. New drop tanks were designed for the inner wing hardpoints, capable of carrying 230 gallons (instead of the 100-gallon drop tanks in use up to then); as they were larger, a cut-out was made in the flaps so they could be extended while carrying the new tanks. Initially, these tanks were fixed and intended for ferry use only, but gradually they were redesigned so they could be jettisonable and used in combat. The first Hunter FGA.9 made its maiden flight on July 3rd 1959. The initial batch was built to 'interim' FGA.9 with an Avon 203 which provided 10,000 lb thrust; the production variant was equipped with an Avon 207 which provided 10,050 lb thrust.

Around the time the Hunter FGA.9 started entering RAF service in 1960, the Hunter F.6 was considered obsolete as a day fighter with the impending service entry of the English Electric Lightning. As a result, many Hunter F.6 airframes were taken back by Hunter for a rebuild to the FGA.9 standard. In all, 144 Hunter F.6s were rebuild to FGA.9 standard. A dedicated reconnaissance variant was also developed out of the FGA.9: the FR.10 had the same capabilities as the FGA.9, except for the adjusted flight controls, its main difference being a set of reconnaissance cameras in a new nose.

In Royal Air Force service, the Hunter FGA.9 was first deployed in Aden in 1960, where it replaced the obsolete Venom; it was used during the Radfan Emergency to attack insurgent forces. During the Borneo Confrontation of 1963-1966, RAF Hunter FGA.9s were used in counter-insurgency operations. The withdrawal from the Royal Air Force from its former protectorates in the late 1960s saw the need for these ground-attack Hunters disappear; the last frontline RAF Hunter FGA.9 unit was disbanded in 1971, however, the type remained in RAF service as an advanced trainer until the 1980s, with trainer variants remaining in RAF service until the early 1990s.

The Hunter FGA.9 variant also became the basis of numerous close air support variants intended for export. This was partly possible due to the disbanding of numerous RAF day fighter units following the 1957 Defence White Paper, and partly due to the early retirement of the Hawker Hunter F.6 in Belgian (1963) and Dutch (1968) service. This released several hundreds of Hunter F.6 airframes which could be rebuilt to FGA standard. Dedicated 'national' variants were built for India (FGA.56), Kuwait (FGA.57), Switzerland (F.58A), Iraq (FGA.59), Lebanon (FGA.70), Chile (FGA.71), Jordan (FGA.73), Singapore (FGA.75), Abu Dhabi (FGA.76), Qatar (FGA.78) and Kenya (FGA.80). Additionally, numerous ex-Royal Air Force FGA.9 airframes were refurbished by Hunter for export.

In foreign service, the Hawker Hunter had a considerably long life. It was relatively easy to maintain type, which could be deployed quickly if needed. In the absence of aerial threats, it was an excellent ground attack aircraft, making it suited for low-intensity conflict and counter-insurgency operations. Many aircraft were locally modified to carry a wide variety of ordonnance: some air forces such as those of Switzerland and Singapore modified theirs to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder; in their ultimate guise, Swiss Air Force Hunters were even capable of firing the AGM-65 Maverick. Most aircraft were withdrawn from frontline service in the 1990s, with Switzerland being the last Western nation to withdraw the type from frontline service in 1994. The Indian Air Force was the last major user of the type, withdrawing the last of its Hunters in 2000; the last nation to withdraw the Hunter from frontline military service was Lebanon, retiring the Hunter in 2014. Even so, a handful of Hunters remain in limited military service: as of 2019, ATAC in the United States, Apache Aviation in France, Hawker Hunter Aviation in the UK and Lortie Aviation in Canada operate a number of civilianised Hawker Hunters under government military contracts to provide high-speed aerial threat simulation, mission support training and trials support services.

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See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

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