Update!
Monday 3rd October 2022
A start has been made of a huge website upgrade, with an overhaul of the "In Service" Photo Gallery Page!
Not only has the available archive increased substantially, but there is an additional "Mystery Box" containing photographs which need either a date or location confirming before inclusion in the main timeline selection!
Take a look here!
A start has been made of a huge website upgrade, with an overhaul of the "In Service" Photo Gallery Page!
Not only has the available archive increased substantially, but there is an additional "Mystery Box" containing photographs which need either a date or location confirming before inclusion in the main timeline selection!
Take a look here!
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Hawker Hunter XF382 DescriptionHawker Hunter XF382 was built as an F6 version of the classic Hunter family in 1956 at the Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft factory at Baginton airfield in Coventry (later renamed Coventry Airport). AWA had produced some of the thousands of Hunters on behalf of Hawker due to demand exceeding their own ability to supply at the time. It spent 30 years in service before retiring and subsequent disposal. The Midland Air Museum based at Coventry acquired XF382 to form part of their collection of ex-AWA built aircraft on display in the 1980's. I arrived at the Museum in 1994 just by chance, and found XF382 sitting there still in the markings I had last seen it in at RAF Brawdy, Pembrokeshire in 1984! As an ex-RAF Airframe Technician, I couldn't ignore the fact that here was an example of one of the aircraft I had worked on during my own career, and it was within relatively easy reach from home. Having joined the Museum on the spot, I was soon engrossed in a full appraisal of any work needed to give XF382 some T.L.C. As well as some cosmetic work needed, it soon became apparent that I was dealing with a virtually complete airframe with the potential for some parts being able to work once again. Having access to some of the correct RAF issue servicing manuals made my task slightly easier, as I had not worked on the electrical systems before, but that wasn't going to hinder the huge task ahead! After much testing, electrical power was applied stage-by-stage and to everyone's amazement we had a fully functional electrical system. These days there are some parts of the system which are inhibited as they either consume too much power or would render the aircraft potentially unsafe to display in public. Having a working cockpit has meant that this aircraft is a 'living' display within the museum, and all with safety in mind! This aircraft was repainted by the Museum's skilled team in 2005 into the 234 Sqn markings it had once worn... |
Sources of Information and Photographs used in building of this website
Website Sources:
www.abpic.co.uk www.airliners.net www.demobbed.org.uk www.flickr.com www.jetphotos.net www.planepictures.net www.photobucket.com www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk www.ukserials.com Individual Sources: Stu Arnott Richard Bennett Fred Martin Alex Walsh |
Introduction:
Welcome
to this site, which is the second version of a review of the history
and preservation of this aircraft - a Hawker Hunter F6A, serial number
XF382. It is intended to be as complete a documented history of this aircraft as possible.
Please come along to the Museum and pay a visit - and see this aircraft in all it's glory! Website written by Pete Buckingham Groundcrew on XF382 at the Midland Air Museum and ex-Royal Air Force Airframe Technician on the same aircraft when in service at RAF Brawdy! |
Disclaimer:
This website has been compiled from various resources including my own archives. The photo pages include those sourced from elsewhere on the web, and no intention is made of breach of copyright.
If you see a photo of yours that you would prefer removed, please contact me and it will be done.... I am always on the look-out for new information and photos of XF382, so please contact me if you would like to help! Some of the information on this web site is incorporated into display boards used alongside the aircraft when I am at the Museum working on the aircraft. |
