The Hunter Story

One of the world’s greatest aircraft, for three decades pilots enthused about the Hunter and its smooth lines, Rolls- Royce Avon engine, outstanding handling characteristics, and lively performance. Designed by Sir Sydney Camm, the genius behind the Hurricane, work on the Hunter commenced late in 1948, but the post-war economic situation in Britain delayed its first flight until July 20, 1951. In September 1953, Neville Duke piloted a Hunter to shatter the world speed record. This book traces the history of the Hunter across RAF and worldwide service, from design and development to the glory days and the unforgettable aerobatic displays with the Black Knights, Black Arrows, and Blue Diamonds. A real pilot’s airplane, the Hunter reigned supreme for 50 years, with the last example retired in July 2001.

One of the world’s greatest aircraft, for three decades pilots enthused about the Hunter and its smooth lines, Rolls- Royce Avon engine, outstanding handling characteristics, and lively performance. Designed by Sir Sydney Camm, the genius behind the Hurricane, work on the Hunter commenced late in 1948, but the post-war economic situation in Britain delayed its first flight until July 20, 1951. In September 1953, Neville Duke piloted a Hunter to shatter the world speed record. This book traces the history of the Hunter across RAF and worldwide service, from design and development to the glory days and the unforgettable aerobatic displays with the Black Knights, Black Arrows, and Blue Diamonds. A real pilot’s airplane, the Hunter reigned supreme for 50 years, with the last example retired in July 2001.

Martin W. Bowman is the author of 76 books on military and commercial aviation as well as photographic books on a variety of subjects. He has participated in German and USAFE air/land and night air/drop missions on C-160 and C-130 Hercules aircraft, and has flown in B-17 Flying Fortresses, the Lancaster. and a B-52 Stratofortress. He is a frequent contributor of photographs and articles for Flight International, Rolls-Royce Magazine, and Aeroplane Monthly. In 1999 he became an official researcher for DERA.