1982 Hunters

[jamesdevice]

Something I've wondered about for years
back in 1982, around two weeks into the Falklands conflict I went for a blast up the A303 on my bike and came across a very close formation of nine Hunters at low level heading west across Salisbury plain, parallel to the road.
As far as I can remember the paint-work was three colour: dark brown / light brown / pale green.
Any idea who / what they would have been? I had visions of a "secret squadron" getting ready to be sent to Chile, but I assume thats pure fantasy? Or Chilean pilots in training? Am I right in thinking that by then the RAF had lost its Hunters? They certainly weren't the FRDAU flight from Yeovilton - I was more than familiar with those.

[Archimedes]

The RAF still had Hunters in 1982 - they were part of the TWUs (alongside Hawks by that point), and two-seat Hunters were part of the Buccaneer force until that type went out of service.

[RAFEngO74to09]

Hunters To Chile

There are anecdotal stories out there that former RAF Hunters were supplied to Chile in 1982 for "services rendered" in support of UK operations in the South Atlantic.

Here is a link to one - make of it what you will.

Chile

[rolandpull]

They 'flew' from Brize inside Flying Tiger's 747 freighters. They were loaded on the South side of the airfield. Years after having seen this going on I bumped into one of the loadies who by coincidence worked in the same office at LHR.

[Chainkicker]

What a pain it was getting them into the 747s as well

[newt]

Remember him well JENKS. Such a shame they stopped the detachment after that!

[foldingwings]

They 'flew' from Brize inside Flying Tiger's 747 freighters

Bloody hell, I never knew that a 747 was long enough to get a Hunter airborne inside it!

Foldie

Getting my coat but misplaced my hat!

[Wander00]

Was that when my old and sadly departed mate Ian A_R ejected from a Hunter that had departed controlled flight, and buggered his back? (RIP)