During the early 1950s a great deal of research was undertaken into the applications for power in a jet engine. In 1952 the National Gas Turbine Establishment was exploring the principles of lift augmentation. By 1957 it was realised that instead of modifying an existing aeroplane an entirely new design was called for. Specification ER189D for a Jet Flap Research aircraft was raised in 1959. The crucial requirement was that it could demonstrate a lift coefficient of 7.
During the 1940s Percival Aircraft had experiments with jet gaes exhaused through the rotor tips of helicopters. Percival aircraft became Hunting aircraft in 1957 and with their experience was awarded the contract to build the aircraft required under the specification.
Work commenced on the first airfrane in 1959 and continued over 3 years. During August 1962 XN714 was rolled out from Hunting's Factory in Luton. It was unpainted and would remain the only one of its kind as the other aircraft had been cancelled. Once structurally complete it was given a paintscheme in yellow. All areas which waould be subjected to hot gases were left unpainted and warings placed adjacent to jet effluxes.
Stanely 'Ollie' Oliver was the chief test pilot. The aircraft arrived at RAE Bedford December 1962 and taxying trials commenced in March 63.
October 1964 the H126 went to A&AEE Boscombe Down for canopy jettison tests where it was tested by John Farley, Ian Keppie and Dizzy Addicott.In 1969 it was sent to the Ames Flight Research Center and then returned to Yorkshire in 1970. in 1972 it was struck off charge.

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