Cold War fighter finds new life with Veterans Central at West Raynham after being transported from City of Norwich Aviation Museum
The streets of Norfolk were abuzz with excitement this week as a majestic fighter jet made its way to its new home, leaving a trail of awe-inspired onlookers in its wake. The Hunter jet F.6 aircraft, a veteran of the Royal Air Force (RAF), was being relocated from the City of Norwich Aviation Museum to its new residence at Veterans Central in West Raynham, near Fakenham. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in the aircraft’s storied history, one that would see it restored to its former glory and become a beacon of purpose for a community of veterans. After more than 20 years of proudly standing sentinel at the museum, the Hunter jet was bound for a new home, where it would be rejuvenated and repurposed as a symbol of remembrance and a hands-on project for veterans to work on.
As the aircraft began its journey, it was clear that this was no ordinary move. The carefully planned relocation involved a team of experts, including a low loader and a crane, to ensure the safe transport of the precious cargo. The route took the aircraft along the A1067 towards Fakenham, before turning south to the former RAF station, where it would be unloaded and placed in its new home. The excitement was palpable as the aircraft made its way through the countryside, with many people stopping to gaze in wonder at the sleek, silver jet. The move was not without its challenges, however, as one problematic wing bolt threatened to delay the proceedings. Nevertheless, the team persevered, and the aircraft was finally lifted into position, ready to begin its new life at Veterans Central. The Hunter jet’s new home is the headquarters of the Veterans Central charity, a organization dedicated to providing a sense of purpose and reducing social isolation among veterans.
The decision to acquire the Hunter jet was a deliberate one, driven by the charity’s mission to support the well-being of veterans. Rob Baker, a former RAF airframes engineer and the team lead for the Hunter project at Veterans Central, explained that the idea to bring an aircraft to the charity had been suggested by a number of veterans. They believed that having a tangible project to work on would help to provide a sense of purpose and camaraderie among the veteran community. The Hunter jet, with its rich history and significance to the RAF, was the perfect candidate for this project. As Rob Baker noted, “A few nervous hours there, but we are delighted that XG172 has landed safely and is now ready to be worked on by the team of volunteers, who can barely wait to get started on the restoration.” The aircraft’s restoration will be a labor of love, with a team of veteran volunteers, many of whom worked on Hunters during their time in the RAF, set to painstakingly restore the jet to its former glory.
The restoration of the Hunter jet is a significant undertaking, but one that is deeply meaningful to the veterans involved. The aircraft will be repainted in the colors of 56 Squadron, a unit that holds particular significance for one of the veterans who regularly visits the charity. The project is not just about restoring an aircraft; it is about preserving history, honoring the service of those who flew the Hunter, and providing a sense of purpose for those who are no longer in the armed forces. As the team begins their work, they will be drawing on their collective expertise and experience to bring the aircraft back to life. The project is also a testament to the power of community and collaboration, with multiple groups and individuals coming together to make the move possible. The Coltishall Heritage Trust, which owns the aircraft, has entrusted Veterans Central with a long-term loan of the jet, and the charity is grateful for the support of Jack Richards & Son, which provided expert advice and planning for the move.
As the restoration of the Hunter jet begins, Veterans Central is inviting the public to visit the aircraft and meet the team. This is a unique opportunity to witness history in the making, as the aircraft is transformed from a relic of the past into a vibrant symbol of remembrance and community. The charity’s headquarters, located in the former RAF station, provides a fitting backdrop for the project, and visitors will be able to see the aircraft up close, learn about its history, and meet the veterans who are working tirelessly to restore it. The project is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and honoring the service of those who have come before us. By supporting the restoration of the Hunter jet, the public can play a role in ensuring that this important piece of history is preserved for future generations. The aircraft’s new home at Veterans Central is a place where history comes alive, and where the stories of those who flew the Hunter can be told and retold.
The Hunter jet’s move to Veterans Central marks a new chapter in the aircraft’s history, one that is filled with promise and possibility. As the restoration project gets underway, the charity is eager to share this journey with the public, and to provide a glimpse into the lives of the veterans who are working on the aircraft. The story of the Hunter jet is one of service, sacrifice, and community, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our heritage and preserving our history. By visiting the aircraft and meeting the team, the public can become a part of this story, and help to ensure that the legacy of the Hunter jet lives on for generations to come. As the team at Veterans Central looks to the future, they are filled with a sense of excitement and purpose, knowing that the restoration of the Hunter jet will have a lasting impact on the lives of the veterans they serve. The aircraft’s new home is a place where memories are made, and where the bond between veterans and their community is strengthened. As the project progresses, it will be a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and the human spirit.
