The Dutch Hawker Hunter Foundation (DHHF) has sold its single-seat Hunter F.6A, after terminating the jet’s use due to subdued demand for air displays in the Netherlands.
The British-registered aircraft, G-KAXF (serial N-294), has been owned by the Leeuwarden-based organisation for the past 12 years and was used for displays at air shows across Europe.
In a statement, the DHHF, said: “[We] had to conclude that a two aircraft operation is no longer economically viable, and that we have to return to the initial years when DHHF operated just her dual Hunter N-321.
“Therefore, Hunter F.6A N-294 will not return to the sky this spring.”
The jet has been sold to Quebec-based tactical combat training provider Lortie Aviation.
The Rolls-Royce Avon-powered aircraft is expected to join its existing Hunter fleet to deliver training for the air forces of Canada and United States.
According to UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the 1956 vintage jet was de-registered on March 10 and transferred to the United States.
There are now just eight Hunters on the UK register including two T.7s, two T.8s, two Mk.58s, one GA.11 and a single T.68.
The latter – a 1976 vintage aircraft registered G-EHLW (N-322) – is also owned by the DHHF and is located in Switzerland, awaiting repositioning to Leeuwarden Air Base.
The jet’s arrival – which was supposed to take place in the second quarter of last year – has been delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dutch organisation says it now expects N-322 to land in the Netherlands before the summer.
“A real ‘stunner’, N-322 will take the place of N-321 for training and currency flights. And fitted with a ‘big’ Avon engine, she will be a worthy replacement for our single seater at future airshows,” the statement added.
