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Tom Cleaver
908 articles

Two 1/48 Hawker Hunter F.5s

June 29, 2013 · in Aviation · · 11 · 3.2K

Two F-5s, done with the Aeroclub conversion for cockpit, seat, landing gear and tail cone from the F.6. These are the two squadrons of Hunters based on Cyprus during the Suez Intervention in 1956 for defense of the island which was base for the Canberras and Valiants. Later research indicates the yellow might more accurately be done with camouflage Middle Stone, since they had a real shortage of yellow there (which is why at least on squadron of Canberras had black/white stripes).

The big conversion is getting rid of the "dog tooth" on the outer wing. This involves cutting off the outer wing leading edge back to the first panel line, then cutting the removed section so it fits with a flush leading edge. Not particularly difficult and it gives the Hunter a very different look.

The Hunter is definitely one of the best-looking second-generation jets, even if the tail is in the wrong place aerodynamically (which is why it is as thoroughly subsonic as the MiG-15 and MiG-17)

Reader reactions:
8  Awesome

12 additional images. Click to enlarge.


11 responses

  1. Nice clean build...in all the years of modelin', I've never done a Hunter. I guess I should, though. I like this one. Nice pics.

  2. Really nice looking model.

  3. Beautiful looking models of a lovely aircraft!

  4. Sharp,clear images of two fine ladies mixed with history stirred but, not shaken... makes for a interesting article. makes for another modeling treat.

  5. Very nice Tom! The Hunter is a beautiful aircraft for sure and you've done a great job here. I have the Academy F6 kit in the stash...hey, I think I hear it now, "build me, build me.." 🙂
    Gary

  6. I agree that it is a good looking aircraft & you've more than done it justice. I have to admire your ability to build multiple versions of the same aircraft when I do well to not lose interest in finishing one.

  7. Tom,
    Very nice work and I agree that this is in the top of the class for good looking airplanes. The Brits did a good esthetic job with this one. A lot of British airplanes are so ugly they are pretty. This is just pretty.

  8. Really nice- as usual, great build/conversion! I have always wanted to do a hunter, but I have far too many USN/USMC kits so need to keep my focus, and sell of all the extra kits I have!

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