History

The versatile Hawker Hunter jet was originally designed as a superior air fighter, which, due to its versatility, was easily adapted for air-to-ground attack and reconnaissance roles. It was the first swept wing, indigenous British bult fighter, with the first prototypes taking to the air in 1951 - and it held the world speed record for a brief period in 1953.

With its clean lines, brilliant handling and excellent load carrying capacity, the classic Hunter was possibly the best transonic jet fighter and ground-support aircraft of its kind - and it was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the post-war era.

The Hunter formed the backbone of the Royal Air Force’s jet fighter squadron between 1954 and 1961 and remained in frontline service until the early seventies. It was only finally withdrawn from active service in 1995.

Nearly two thousand Hunters of all types were built for various air
forces - including those of Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Holland, India, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Swiss ultimately ordered 160 Hunters and operated the class from 1958 until December of 1994. Among a total seven, Thunder City now owns two of the Swiss Hunters.