Fighter Jets
Hawker Siddeley AV-8B Harrier
ICAO: HAR
Overview
The Hawker Hunter was a British transonic jet fighter developed in the early Cold War. Designed as an interceptor and ground-attack aircraft, it achieved widespread export adoption. The Hunter became one of Britain’s most successful jet aircraft.
Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Rolls-Royce Avon 207 turbojet
- Engine type
- Jet
- Thrust
- 10,145 lbf · 45 kN
- Avionics
- Ekco ARI 5820 ranging radar
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 1
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 45 ft 11 in · 14.00 m
- Tail height
- 13 ft 5 in · 4.10 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 4 ft 7 in · 1.40 m
- Wing span
- 33 ft 8 in · 10.26 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 24,600 lb · 11,200 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 4,000 lb · 1,800 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 500 gal · 1,900 L · 1,500 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 621 kt · 715 mph · 1,150 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 1,700 nm · 1,960 mi · 3,150 km
- Fuel burn
- 3.32 nm/gal · 1.62 km/L
- Ceiling
- 50,000 ft · 15,200 m
- Rate of climb
- 17,200 ft/min · 87 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 3,600 ft · 1,090 m
- Landing distance
- 2,600 ft · 800 m
Gallery
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Operational Context
Hawker Hunter — transonic jet fighter
The Hunter first flew in 1951 and entered service in 1954. It featured a swept-wing design and streamlined fuselage for improved high-speed performance. Early versions encountered development challenges that were resolved through progressive upgrades.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet producing approximately 10,000 pounds of thrust (44 kN), the Hunter approached transonic speeds. Maximum takeoff weight was around 24,000 pounds (10,900 kg). Armament included four 30 mm cannon and external stores for strike missions.
The Hunter served with numerous air forces and saw combat in various regional conflicts. Its reliability and handling qualities made it a favored export aircraft. The type remained in limited service well into the late twentieth century.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.