HAWKER HART I -
Two-seat light day-bomber to Specification 12/26, was the first of the
extended family of military biplanes designed by Sydney Camm. First flown
June 1928 and adopted by RAF for production to Specification 9/29, with
525 hp R-R Kestrel IB (or, later 510 hp Kestrel V, VDR, X or XDR, when
DR indicated de-rated). Service use began January 1930, and 937 built
on Air Ministry contracts -including variants noted below with production
shared between Hawker, Gloster, AWA and Vickers. Over 500 Hawker Harts
of all variants still on RAF strength in September 1939, continuing to
serve until declared obsolete 1943, mainly in training role and for communications.
Starting early 1938, some 230 Hawker Harts (with Kestrel XDR and tropical
radiators) transferred to SAAF, used for next few years primarily as trainers
but also alongside Hawker Hartbees
in East Africa/Abyssinia border operations against Italian forces. Two
ex-RAF to South Rhodesian AF in 1938, two to RCAF in 1940 (used only as
instructional'airframes) and 15 to Royal Egyptian AF.
Hawker Hart (India): Equipped for RAF service in India, first flown September
7, 1931, and 57 built to Specs 9/31 and 12/33. Equipped Nos 11, 39 and
60 Sqns on NW Frontier, then used for training at No 1 SFTS (India), some
transferred to Nos 1 and 2 Flights, Indian Air Force, and used for defensive
patrols, 1939/40.
Hawker Hart (Special): Batch of 30 built by Gloster to Spec 9/34, based on Audax
air-frame with desert equipment, derated Kestrel XDR, tropical radiator
and heavy duty u/c. Also 20 Audax converted or completed to this standard.
Primarily for use at training schools.
Hawker Hart (Comm): Eight Hawker Hart Is modified for communications duty with No 24
Sqn, all armament removed.
Hawker Hart Trainer: Dedicated trainer without armament; windscreen for rear
cockpit, and upper wing sweepback reduced from 5 deg to 2.5 deg for CG
reasons. Prototype to Spec 8/32, flown April 20, 1932; production deliveries
began August 1933 and of 471 built, (later batches to Spec 8/35), more
than 300 in wartime service in the UK. Kestrel X or XDR, with Kestrel
XVI or XVIDR later.
Max speed, 168 mph (270 kmlh)
at 3,000 ft (915 m). Time jo 10,000 ft (3,050 m), 6.5 min. Service ceiling,
22,800 ft (6,950 m). Range, 430 mis (692 km). Empty weight, 3,020 Ib (1,370
kg). Gross weight, 4,150 Ib (1,882 kg). Span, 37 ft 4 in (11.38 m).
Length, 29 ft 4 in (8.94 m). Wing area, 349 sq ft (32.37m2).
