. . . comes around.
In looking at some Hawker Hunter images, I was surprised to see two
with serials XX190 and ZZ191. These turned out to be ex-Swiss F Mk58s
and had been privatized then taken back on charge by the RAF.
Similarly G-BZSF has been de-registered and returned to the RAF under
its old serial XF-995.
As far as I can make out, these are operated by Hawker Hunter Aviation
(HHA) who where previously their civil owner of record, according to
G-INFO. HHA, which is based at Scampton, also own a Bucaneer S2B
(G-HHAA ex XF885) and a Sukhoi Su-22M-4 Fitter (ex East German Air
Force), both of which are maintained such that they can be returned to
flying duties in short order.
Now I knew that QinetiQ had taken over a lot of DERA's functions but
was not aware that there are so many companies doing similar things
and, in particular, the popularity of the Hawker Hunter in this type
of role.
HHA at one time had 7 F Mk58s and 58As (G-HHAB to G) and T Mk8B
G-BZSF/XF995.
Here in Canada, Lortie Aviation (Northern Lights) has had 7 Hunters
(F58 and F68). They are down to 3 now (F58As CFRHU and C-GZIB and F68
C-FUKW). These are all operated in France by Apache Aviation.
Hunter Aviation in the US has had 19 Hunters (N321AX to N339AX), some
acquired from HHA and Lortie.
Airborne Tactical Advantage Company also operates Hunters in addition
to Kfirs and Skyhawks.
What a great aircraft!
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