Dates

Event

Constructed as a Hunter F.4 by Hawker at Blackpool.

June 1956

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Ministry of Defence with s/n XF310.
Operated by Fairey Aviation Ltd as the main test-bed for testing the companys air-to-air missile, the Fireflash. Special pylons were fitted beneath the wings, and booster rockets above and below the body of the missile. Despite receiving some interest throughout the project, there was little commitment and the RAF eventually made the decision to order the alternative de-Havilland built Firestreak weapon instead.

1958

Returned to Hawker Aircraft Ltd for conversion to Hunter T7.

1958

Converted to a Hunter T.7.

24 April 1959

First post-reassembly Flight.
Piloted by Frank Bullen.

29 May 1959

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Air Force with s/n XF310.

From May 1959 to March 1967

Transferred to 20 SQN, RAF Tengah, Singapore.
Operated with markings: T

March 1967

Assigned to 5 MU, RAF Kemble for storage.
For storage and maintenance.

July 1969

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Navy with s/n XF310.
On loan.

July 1969

Transferred to Heron Flight, RNAS Yeovilton.
Operated with markings: 738

May 1971

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Air Force with s/n XF310.

Transferred to 45 SQN, RAF West Raynham.

Transferred to 45 SQN, RAF Wittering.

Transferred to 58 SQN, RAF Wittering.
Operated with markings: T

1976

Assigned to RAF Kemble for storage.
For storage and maintenance.

1 October 1976

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Navy with s/n XF310.
Remained in store at Kemble until it was placed on loan back to the Royal Air Force.

20 June 1977

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Air Force with s/n XF310.
On loan from RN.

20 June 1977

Transferred to 2 TWU, RAF Lossiemouth.

Transferred to Station Flight, RAF Laarbruch, FRG.
Operated with markings: 01

4 August 1981

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Navy with s/n XF310 and operated with these markings: 876, VL.
Returned from loan.

4 August 1981

Transferred to FRADU, RNAS Yeovilton.
Operated with markings: 876, VL

27 October 1982

Photographer: Robert Nichols
Notes: at RNAS Yeovilton

16 November 1983

Transferred to RAF Abingdon.
For modernisation.

1 April 1985

Transferred to FRADU, RNAS Yeovilton.
Operated with markings: 869
Painted in the revised dark sea grey standard finish.

15 September 1987

To Hendrik Ebes, Cheltenham, VIC with new c/r VH-HMS.

27 June 1992

Photographer: Unknown

25 March 1993

Last military flight (to RNAS Culdrose).

After March 1993

New serial number assigned: A2618 RN

From After March 1993 to January 1997

Transferred to School of Flight Deck Operations, RNAS Culdrose.
As Ground Instruction airframe.

27 February 1997

Sold at auction, XF310 moved into private ownership with a syndicate based in Tasmania, Australia. It was dismantled and shipped out to its new home but unfortunately suffered serious salt water damage in transit, rendering the engine useless. On arrival, the aeroplane was placed in store and was later sold.

4 February 1999

To Hendrik Ebes, Cheltenham, VIC with new c/r VH-HMS.

30 October 2003

To Ebes Hendrik, Melbourne, VIC with new c/r VH-HMS.