The Hawker Hunter, one of the UK’s most successful post-war military aircraft, saw service with 19 air arms worldwide. A total of 1,972 were built, including 445 under license in Belgium and the Netherlands. First flown on 20 July 1951, most variants—including the GA.11—were powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet. The GA.11 was the Fleet Air Arm’s designation for refurbished RAF Mk.4 Hunters, adapted for ground attack and training.
Renowned for its aerobatic performance, the Royal Navy’s first Hunter display team was formed by No. 738 Squadron at RNAS Brawdy, South Wales. Operating four GA.11s, the team was named "The Rough Diamonds," a nod to the Hunter’s wing shape. Led by Lt. Cdr. Christopher Comins, the team performed from 1965 to 1969. Aircraft XE680, the first team leader’s jet, featured a distinctive dayglo red nose, spine, and wingtips.
