Hawker Hunter F.51 (E-419)
NAHR category - Noteworthy
Aircraft History
The Hunter is probably the most successful post-war British military aircraft and was widely exported. The first production Hunter (F.1 variant) first flew on 16 March 1953 and entered service with the RAF in July 1954
On 7 September 1953, a Hawker Hunter F.3 flown by Neville Duke broke the world air speed record, achieving 727.63 mph over Littlehampton. However, the record stood for less than three weeks before being broken by an RAF Supermarine Swift on 25 September 1953.
E-419 History
Hunter E-419 (constructors No. 41H680278) first flew on 24th April 1956 and was delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force at Vaerlose on 22nd June of that year and onwards to Aalborg to serve with 724 Squadron (Esk724). During 1958 Esk724 moved to Karup and then in March 1959 to Skyrdstrup taking E-419 with it in both cases. Number one flight of Esk724 disbanded on 30th September 1973 and on 31st March 1974 the squadron finally disbanded. 21st November 1973 saw E-419 struck off charge. The ex-Danish were purchased by Hawker Siddeley Aircraft on 10th April 1976 with the intention of refurbishing for resale. E-419 received the 'B-' registration of G-9-441 and had flown 3,183 hours. In 1976 the plan to refurbish was dropped the aircraft was donated to NEAM. It arrived on 9th February 1977.
E-419 complete with 'B' class registration on display outside at NEAM in 1977.