A highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Hawker Hunter F.Mk 6 XG274, aircraft 71 of No.4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley during 1973. Released within the Corgi Aviation Archive Jet Fighter Power collection, 49803 represents the Hunter during its later career as an advanced fast-jet training aircraft with the Royal Air Force.
No.4 Flying Training School has a long association with the training of Royal Air Force fast-jet pilots. The unit arrived at RAF Valley on Anglesey in 1960, with the station becoming one of Britain's most important centres for advanced jet flying training.
Hawker Hunter F.6 and two-seat T.7 aircraft were introduced to No.4 FTS during the latter half of the 1960s. They supplemented the smaller Folland Gnat and provided valuable experience on a powerful swept-wing aircraft before student pilots progressed towards frontline operational types.
XG274 was one of the Hunter F.6 aircraft operated by No.4 Flying Training School and carried the individual aircraft number 71. Period photographs confirm the aircraft in the unit's markings during the early 1970s, including appearances at major RAF aviation events.
Corgi recreates XG274 in its characteristic No.4 FTS appearance, combining the standard RAF camouflage of the period with prominent training-unit markings. The scheme provides an interesting contrast to the frontline fighter and colourful aerobatic Hunter releases represented elsewhere in the Aviation Archive range.
The Hawker Hunter first flew in 1951 and became one of Britain's most successful post-war military aircraft. Its elegant swept-wing design, powerful Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet and responsive handling characteristics allowed the type to serve successfully as a fighter, ground-attack aircraft, reconnaissance platform and advanced trainer.
The F.Mk 6 represented a significant development of the Hunter fighter and introduced increased performance and improved fuel capacity. Although newer aircraft gradually replaced the Hunter in frontline service, its excellent flying characteristics ensured that it continued performing training and secondary duties for many years.
XG274 remained in Royal Air Force service until later being allocated the maintenance serial 8710M in 1981 for instructional use at RAF Halton. The surviving airframe subsequently entered preservation, providing a direct historical link to the era represented by this Corgi model.
Limited to 6,800 pieces worldwide, Corgi 49803 features substantial diecast construction with a detailed cockpit, authentic XG274 and No.4 FTS markings and a range of display options. The model can be presented with its landing gear deployed or retracted and includes the original Aviation Archive display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive - Jet Fighter Power
Scale: 1:72
Model Code/MPN: 49803
Aircraft: Hawker Hunter F.Mk 6
Serial: XG274
Construction Number: 41H/680075
Aircraft Number: 71
Unit/Markings: No.4 Flying Training School
Operator/Country: Royal Air Force / United Kingdom
Base: RAF Valley, Anglesey, Wales
Year/Date: 1973
Role: Advanced Fast-Jet Training Aircraft
Limited Edition: 6,800 pieces worldwide
Later Identity: RAF maintenance serial 8710M
Material: Diecast metal with detailed plastic sub-components
Special Features: Authentic XG274 and No.4 FTS markings, aircraft number 71, detailed cockpit, configurable landing gear and original presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 7.75" or 19.7 cm
Width (Wingspan): 5.75" or 14.6 cm