RAF FIGHTERS 1950-60 UK-BASED UNITS PART TWO: HUNTER, JAVELLIN, SABRE, SWIFT, VAMPIRE AND VENOM

A great Variety of aircraft served with the Royal Air Force during the late 1940s and 50s.Fighter squadrons operated the final versions of the wartime piston-engined types,as well as the first jets. Developed versions of these saw wide service,before being joined by the more advance types.By the end of the decade,the RAF was operating aircraft capable of flying at twice the speed of sound.

The colours worn by these aircraft were equally varied. Some of the wartime schemes continued in use,and were used on new types which entered service,such as the Meteor nightfighters. Most day fighters were repainted overall in a silvery aluminium colour,and squadron codes were finally replaced by often bright markings,many of which harked backed to those carried prewar.Camouflage returned to the day fighters by the middle of the decade,with Dark Green and Dark Sea Grey covering at least the upper surfaces.

This volume covers the Hunter,Javelin,Sabre,Swift,Vampire and Venom in frontline RAF fighter squadrons during the 1950s.A further volume will cover the other fighter types used overseas during this period.