BEST OF THE HUNTER BREED: An Operational History of the Hawker Hunter FR10

This book is about the tactical reconnaissance mark of the Hunter FR10 and its front line operation between 1961-70. With the Hunter already well proven in ground attack role, this variant was an ideal platform for the excellent Vinten F95 strip aperture cameras. The heavy armament of four 30-mm Aden cannon was retained for use in defense suppression and target marking, unilateral action against high value targets (assigned or opportunity) and if necessary in self-defense.

It follows that the pilots selected for this demanding operating regime had to show an ability to operate alone over long distances using basic pilot navigation techniques only at high speeds and ultra low levels; in the main, therefore, they were second or third tour fast jet pilots.

Group Captain Nigel Walpole is a former aviator and author.