Hawker Hunter
In its time the Hawker Hunter was one of the most elegantly looking fighters. And it still is! The fighter has swept wings through the middle of the fuselage. In their roots are characteristic triangular air intakes. The tail is also akey feature, and typical for a Hawker design: the leading edge of the vertical stabiliser is curved from the dorsal fin until over the top. On the Hunter, the horizontal stabilisers are near the base of the vertical fin, and has a bullet fairing at the back. The exhaust is well beyond the tail.
Different versions
The different versions of the Hunter can be distinguished by looking at
- the shape of the canopy
- the shape of the wing leading edge
- the presence of an arrestor hook
and more. Details will follow later.
Confusion possible with
Grumman F9F Cougar
The Cougar has swept wings, a cruciform tail and trianglar air intakes in the wing roots like the Hunter. However, the exhaust of the F9F is below the tail instead of behind it. Also the wings are mounted lower, and the horizontal stabiliser higher. The tail has a wider base.
Republic RF-84 Thunderflash
Another fighter with triangular intake in the wing roots. The Thunderflash has more slender wings, closer to the bottom of the fuselage. The tail is taller, and lacks the curved leading edge.
Supermarine Swift
The low mounted wings and nearly semi circular air intakes are probably enough to avoid confusion between the Swift and the Hunter, although the tail and rear fuselage are not that different. (photo: RuthAS/WikiMedia)
Saab 32 Lansen
The Saab Lansen is a contemporary of the Hunter. It has a similar basic appearance, but round T-33 style air intakes, low mounted wings and a conventional tail.