A striking 1:72 scale diecast representation of Hawker Hunter F.Mk 6 XF506, operated by RAF No.111 Squadron as part of the legendary Black Arrows aerobatic display team. Released within the Corgi Aviation Archive Jet Fighter Power collection, 49802 recreates the Hunter in the distinctive all-black finish which made the Black Arrows one of the most recognisable Royal Air Force display teams of the 1950s.
No.111 Squadron, commonly known as Treble One, converted to the Hawker Hunter during the mid-1950s. Under Squadron Leader Roger Topp, the squadron developed an increasingly ambitious formation aerobatic routine and became the Royal Air Force's principal display team.
The team's specially presented black Hunters soon earned the name “Black Arrows”, derived from the French description “Les Flèches Noires”. Their combination of precision formation flying and the elegant swept-wing Hunter produced some of the most memorable British military aviation displays of the period.
The Black Arrows achieved their most famous feat at the 1958 Farnborough Air Show. A formation of twenty-two Hawker Hunters completed full formation loops, establishing a record for the number of aircraft looped together. Six aircraft subsequently separated from the formation, allowing the remaining sixteen Hunters to perform barrel rolls.
XF506 was one of the Hawker Hunter F.Mk 6 aircraft associated with No.111 Squadron and the Black Arrows. Corgi reproduces the aircraft in its dramatic gloss-black presentation, contrasted by RAF roundels, national markings, serial number and the understated markings of the display team.
The Hawker Hunter first flew in 1951 and developed into one of the most successful British jet fighters of the post-war era. Its combination of a powerful Rolls-Royce Avon engine, swept wings and exceptionally clean aerodynamic design gave the aircraft excellent performance while also producing superb handling characteristics.
The improved Hunter F.Mk 6 became one of the definitive fighter variants. Alongside its frontline role, the Hunter's responsive controls and graceful appearance made it particularly well suited to formation aerobatics, with several RAF squadrons forming display teams around the aircraft during the 1950s and 1960s.
Limited to 6,800 pieces worldwide, this early Corgi Aviation Archive release features substantial diecast construction with a detailed cockpit and authentic Black Arrows markings. Display options include configurable landing gear, an opening or closed airbrake and the original presentation display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive - Jet Fighter Power
Scale: 1:72
Model Code/MPN: 49802
Aircraft: Hawker Hunter F.Mk 6
Serial: XF506
Unit/Markings: No.111 Squadron “Black Arrows”
Operator/Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Associated Base: RAF Wattisham, Suffolk
Year/Date: 1958
Role: Fighter / Aerobatic Display Aircraft
Limited Edition: 6,800 pieces worldwide
Material: Diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Distinctive all-black Black Arrows finish, authentic RAF markings, detailed cockpit, configurable landing gear, open or closed airbrake and presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 7.75" or 19.7 cm
Width (Wingspan): 5.75" or 14.6 cm