1 February 2009

Hunter undergoes restoration at Wattisham

Wattisham Airfield Museum in Suffolk has taken delivery of Hawker Hunter F6 (XG194) with the aim of restoring it to its former glory.

XG194 was delivered to the RAF in October 1956 and was flown by Air Commodore Roger Topp, C.O. of 111 Sqn. She was the lead aircraft in the world famous Black Arrows Display Team when they performed a 22 aircraft loop at Farnborough Air show in July 1958.

Wattisham Airfield Museum has named her ‘Blackjack’ in honour of Air Commodore Topp as Blackjack Red One was his call sign whilst performing this record breaking manoeuvre.

When the aircraft was finally grounded it was modified to resemble a Russian Mig, and put on the edge of RAF North Luffenham runway, now St. George’s Barracks, as a Cold War target.

This aircraft is an important part of Wattsham’s history, and so the Museum members are hoping to restore the Hunter to its former glory with the Black Arrows colour scheme.

All donations to help with the restoration would be gratefully received, to find out more and how to donate go to: www.wattishamairfieldmuseum.org.