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Airfix has released details of the background and progress with the quarter scale Hunter F.4/F.5 and the Swedish J34

Computer rendered 3D image featuring the handsome new Hawker Hunter F.4 and some of the alternative parts needed to build this version of the aircraft. An exclusive first look at the additional part frames included in the new 1/48th scale Hawker Hunter F.4/F.5 kit. More exclusive content, this is a page extract from the instruction booklet, illustrating how to incorporate the new parts to the wing of the kit
The new box design artwork which will soon be gracing the shelves of model shops everywhere
Engine surging issues were addressed by upgrading the aircraft to use the new Avon Mk.115 engine (later superseded by the Avon 121) and the problem of spent ammunition links causing structural damage to the airframe was solved by adding two large streamlined collection blisters on either side of the forward fuselage – these were colloquially known as ‘Sabrinas’, for reasons we won’t go into here. Many of the Hunter F.4 variants would go on to see operational service with the Royal Air Force in Germany.
The Hunter F.5 was almost identical to the F.4, but was powered by the Armstrong Whitworth Sapphire 101 engine and was built by Armstrong Whitworth at Coventry. Despite posting the best performance figures of all the early Hunter marks, only 105 of these Sapphire 101 powered fighters were produced.
The second release from our new 1/48th scale Hawker Hunter tooling, A09189 allows modellers to produce this slightly earlier variant of the aircraft and includes additional part frames specifically for this purpose. Featuring the earlier straight wing leading edge and slightly altered rear fuselage jetpipe shape, the wing modification does require a little prior planning, but is certainly not beyond anyone with even the most basic of modelling skills. The three appealing decal options included with the new kit are:
The Suez Crisis of 1956 saw the Hunter F.5s of the Tangmere Wing (Nos.1 and 34 Squadrons) deployed to bases in Cyprus, initially tasked with providing fighter escort for Canberra bombers flying strike missions into Egyptian airspace. Once it became clear that the Egyptian Air Force did not possess the capability to intercept the Canberras, the RAF Hunters were reassigned to providing air defence support against potential Egyptian reprisal strikes. With this threat also later removed, the Hunters were released to mount fighter sweeps in the region and despite not seeing air-to-air combat, the aircraft acquitted themselves extremely well whilst on operational deployment. Wearing the distinctive yellow and black identification markings associated with Suez Crisis operations, these Hunters must be considered some of the most attractive post WWII aircraft to see RAF service.
The Hunter would go on to be produced under licence in Belgium, with these aircraft being funded by the US Offshore Weapons Procurement Programme. This programme attempted to ensure that mainland Europe maintained an effective aerial deterrent force in the face of increasing Soviet military expansionism and would see some 111 Hunter Mk.4 fighters purchased for Belgian Air Force service. Used by Nos.1, 7, and 9 Wings from 1955, Belgium’s Hunter experience was not a particularly happy one and they replaced the aircraft after a relatively short length of service with the American Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. Interestingly, many of the former Belgian Air Force Hunters were bought back by the Hawker Company, underwent a programme of refurbishment and were later sold on to other world air forces.
During a period of significant post war modernization, the Swedish Air Force would have the distinction of being the first export customer for the British Hawker Hunter. Placing an order for 120 Hunter F.4 fighters during the summer of 1954, the aircraft were designated F.50 by Hawkers, but would be known as the J.34 in Swedish Air Force service. Popular with both pilots and ground crews alike, the Swedish Hunters served with 4 Wings (F8, F9, F10 and F18) during the 1950s and 60s, until they were replaced by indigenous Swedish aircraft types. In this extremely attractive grey and green scheme and wearing the distinctive ‘Three Crowns’ national insignia of the SAF, this will surely be a popular finish option for this beautiful new model.
Scheduled to be released just after Christmas, this latest 1/48th scale Hunter kit will make an ideal modelling project to start 2020, even though deciding on a finish option may prove to be quite a difficult choice.

A09189 - Hawker Hunter F.4/F.5/J.34 – 1/48

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