Hawker Hunter T7

Is this the 2 seat training variant?

Yes MM it's a Hunter T.7 carrying the markings of 12 Squadron RAF

Some history on this aircraft

Hawker Aircraft Ltd built Hunter T.7 XL573 at its Kingston-upon-Thames plant.
It took its first flight on 17th April 1958, with Duncan Simpson at the controls.
Delivered to the RAF exactly three months later, on 17th July, XL573 entered service with the DFLS (Day Fighters Leading School), at RAF West Raynham. It later had periods of service with the AFDS (Air Fighting Development School), and the DFCS (Day Fighters Conversion Squadron) as aircraft 'L'.
These two units were also based at West Raynham.
XL573 was then transferred to 229OCU based at RAF Chivenor for pilot conversion training.
During the 1970s XL573 was posted to various RAF squadrons in the UK, and also to Squadrons based in West Germany. Following its time with 229OCU, XL573 moved to RAF Valley for use with 4FTS (Flying Training School).
As aircraft '97', XL573 was used to train new RAF pilots on jet aircraft.
During 1981 it was transferred to No.237OCU, based at RAF Honington, tasked as a weapons and pilot trainer for the Unit's Buccaneer pilots. XL573 spent a brief period on strength of the RAF Laarbruch Station Flight in West Germany before returning to Honington for further service with 237OCU.
In 1984, 237OCU and XL573 re-located to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, where it also served with RAF 12 Sqn.
XL573 remained in service until 1991, when it was moved to RAF Shawbury and placed in store.
It remained in reserve until September 1993, when it was offered for disposal.


XL573's civilian life
XL573 was sold at auction to Barry Pover's Lightning Flying Club.
Delivered by road to Exeter, it was subsequently placed on the UK civilian register as G-BVGH.
The aircraft flew at a small number of events during 1994, making her debut display at Barton airfield.
It made its mark during the 1995 season, forming a airshow Hunter duo with GA.11 XE685.
Between 1995 and 1998, it was operated out of Exeter Airport.
During 1999, it was flown to RAF St Mawgan for storage, and was subsequently offered for sale.
Acquired by a private individual later that year, XL573 was ferried to North Weald aerodrome, but it was flown very rarely. Following negotiations in early 2001, it returned to Exeter and it has remained based here ever since.
Now one of the best known private Hunters in the UK, XL573 is now under the ownership of a private owner.
Early in 2005, it was reunited with its former RAF 12 Sqn Unit markings, comprising of a Fox's head underneath the cockpit. It will remain under our control for the foreseeable future.

Thanks again Matzos!

Nice looking aircraft