T.7 XL578 at Kemble, 17th March 2002; author	T.7 XL586 at Kemble, 17th March 2002; author

Another one at Delta is XL578, which is being used for spares, along with XL586. While 578 is a complete aircraft it's currently in bits as you can see! Once it has lost its usefulness as a 'Christmas tree' it will be put back together and resprayed overall black, then it's likely to be put on display outside Delta's hangar at Kemble.

Another spares ship at Kemble is XL586, seen here minus its rear fuselage (which is mysteriously missing). She's seen her lurking around the back of Delta's hangars.

T.7 XL591 at Kemble, 17th March 2002; author	T.7 XL592 at Kemble, 17th December 2006; author

As we've seen, Kemble airfield has a number of Hunters hidden away, and XL591 was one of Dick Everett's many Hunters before being sold to Aeromech and then onward to the Gatwick Aviation Museum. Not in wonderful condition, it arrived at Kemble in April 1998 and is now at Charlwood awaiting re-assembly. She's pictured here at Kemble shortly before she moved to Charlwood.

XL592 first flew on 30th August 1958 and entered service with 229OCU at RAF Chivenor a month later. When Chivenor closed in 1974, 229 moved to Brawdy and the OCU became the Tactical Weapons Unit (TWU). XL592 was allocated to 1TWU and was retired in 1984, Hunters having been replaced by Hawks. Stored at St Athan, she was moved to Scampton for ground training with the TMTS (Trade Management Training School) as 8836M. After purchase by CJAC, XL592 went into storage pending a restoration to flight but has since moved on to Delta Jets at Kemble, and use for spares. Information current as of 17/12/2006.

T.7 XL601 at Weelde, December 2002; Classic Fighters	T.7 XL612 at Kemble, 22nd July 2001; author

XL601 is being restored to airworthy condition over the course of a year or so and will be given a new paint job (4 FTS training colours) before hopefully appearing on the airshow circuit. The aircraft is back on its gear and the cockpit has been stripped. The tail section is off and the engine has been removed. Basically most of the work is cleaning up because the aircraft is in very good condition. They expect to fly it in Spring 2003. Keep an eye on the Classic Fighters website for more news. Information current as of 01/12/2002.

Sadly her appearance at Kemble for the Hunter 50th birthday do may have been XL612's last public appearance, as she was scheduled to be retired after her flight from Kemble back to Boscombe Down. The Empire Test Pilot's School operated her for some time for spinning trials - spinning in a swept wing aircraft being a pretty dangerous matter and the Hunter is docile in comparison with many other types and was very useful for training pilots to cope with a spin. She's surely a good candidate for civilian ownership and return to the air, and as she is now up for disposal this may indeed occur. Information current as of 26/02/2004.

T.7 XL618 at Caernarfon, 19th August 2001; author	T.7 XL621 at Brooklands, 1st January 1999; author

Second of Caernarfon Air World's pair of Hunters, T.7 XL618 stands guard in the car park opposite the museum building and no doubt causes some comment when people arrive at this small airfield! Restored a few years back, already the green paint has started to turn brown, testament to the harsh weather in Wales. A return visit 4 years later, though, found her to be pretty much unchanged with no further deterioration evident.

In superb condition is XL621, preserved at the Brooklands Museum near Weybridge. In common with many of the outside exhibits it sports covers which do wonders for its long term health but are a total pain for the photographer. Sure it's winter but on a sunny day I think they could let the paying public actually see the exhibits properly, it's not as if the entrance fee isn't one of the highest for any aviation-related museum in the country (only Duxford and the RAF Museums are more expensive). Now permanently withdrawn from use, this aircraft was previously owned by Lovaux at Hurn and was being worked on to return it to the air. Sadly the plan fell through, the company was bought out and the Hunter left for Brooklands.

T.7 XL623 at Woking, 30th December 1998; author	T.7 XX467 at Kemble, April 2nd 1999; author

The 'What name does it have this year?' leisure complex in Woking town centre (currently called 'The Big Apple') boasts this Hunter proudly displayed on a pole outside the front entrance. This adds to the generally surreal atmosphere of this part of town, which also has a Martian war machine (and cylinder) just round the corner - I kid you not (read The War of The Worlds to find out why!). Originally painted in a garish multi-coloured scheme, it's now in a more sedate overall silver finish, with no markings at all. It's hard to tell what condition it's in because of this; the engine's been removed anyway and there are some dents to the wingtips etc. but otherwise it appears to be okay, from below at least! It is owned by the local council and so happily is staying, whereas the Buccaneer that used to be inside the complex has been taken away as scrap. It is even due for a repaint.

Built as T.7 XX467 in 1958, she served with 92 Squadron - the Blue Diamonds - leading the team. Also serving with 66 Squadron and 229 OCU, in 1966 she was returned to Hawkers and converted to unofficial 'T.70' spec and loaned to the Royal Saudi Air Force for jet conversion training. Presented to the Royal Jordanian Air Force in 1968, she came home in 1974 having been swapped for an ex-RAF FR.10. Refurbished at Dunsfold, she returned to the RAF under a new serial - XX467 - and served with 229 OCU and the TWU, retiring to ground duties in 1983. Sold in 1997 to the current owner, a full restoration to airworthy condition was begun by Delta Jets at Kemble. However this proved to be more protracted than the owner expected and the aircraft was placed into storage before moving by road to Exeter. The restoration has gradually continued after further storage and it is hoped to return her to the air in her original 92 Squadron Blue Diamonds colours. Information current as of 01/08/2006.