HAWKER HARDY-
Adapted from the Hawker
Hart to conform to Specification
G.23/33, the Hawker Hardy was equipped to operate in the Middle East,
special features including a tropical radiator, message pick-up hook,
water containers and tropical service kit. After prototype first flight
on September 7, 1934, RAF bought 47 (built by Gloster) with 530 hp R-R
Kestrel IB or (later aircraft) 581 hp Kestrel X. Some 30 were in the hands
of No 6 Sqn in Palestine when war started; in April 1940 four transferred
to South Rhodesian AF and others to No 237 (Rhodesia) Sqn for operation
(alongside Harts), in army co-op and bombing roles on Kenya/Abyssinia
border, and in Sudan until April 1941.
Max speed, 161 mph (259 kmlh)
at sea level. Gross weight, 5,005 Ib (2,270 kg). Span, 37ft 3 in (11.35m).
Length, 29ft 7 in (9.02 m).
