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Sqn Ldr Neville Duke taxies out Hawker Hunter 3 WB188
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Sqn Ldr Neville Duke taxies out Hawker Hunter 3 WB188
Sqn Ldr Neville Duke taxies out Hawker Hunter 3, WB188. The first Hunter prototype was modified for a successful attempt on the world speed record in 1953. Date: 1953
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1953 Attempt Hawker Hunter Modified Neville Prototype Record Speed Successful Wb188
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In this historic photograph, Sqn Ldr Neville Duke taxis out Hawker Hunter 3, WB188, on the runway, marking the beginning of a successful attempt on the world air speed record in 1953. The Hawker Hunter, a British single-engine jet fighter, was modified specifically for this record-breaking mission. The first Hunter prototype, WB188, underwent extensive modifications to increase its speed capabilities. The wings were redesigned to reduce drag, and the engine was upgraded to a Rolls-Royce Avon RA.7R, which produced an impressive 10,000 pounds of thrust. The cockpit was also reconfigured to accommodate specialized equipment, including a high-altitude pressure suit and a fuel injection system for the afterburner. Duke, a renowned British test pilot, was chosen to pilot the Hunter for this record-breaking attempt. On October 1, 1953, he took off from RAF Biggin Hill in Kent, England, and reached a top speed of 727.6 miles per hour, breaking the previous record held by the US Air Force's Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star. The achievement was a significant milestone in aviation history and further cemented the Hawker Hunter's reputation as a high-performance aircraft. This photograph captures a pivotal moment in aviation history, as Sqn Ldr Neville Duke prepares for takeoff in the record-breaking Hawker Hunter 3, WB188. The determination and skill of the pilot, combined with the innovative modifications to the Hunter, resulted in a successful attempt on the world air speed record that would stand for several years.
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