The Hawker Sea Hawk was developed from a land-based prototype jet interceptor, intended for the RAF however, the RAF showed little interest so Hawker converted the design into a naval jet fighter. The first prototype flew on September 2, 1947. Initially 100 Sea Hawks were ordered by the Royal Navy, a further 400 following shortly after, first entering service in 1953. Six squadrons went into action during the Suez Crisis with the carriers HMS Eagle, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark as ground-attack aircraft. The Sea Hawk was withdrawn from first-line use in 1960, being replaced by the Sea Vixen, and totally withdrawn from Royal Navy service in 1965. |
Hawker Sea Hawk Specification: Crew: Pilot only Length: 39 ft 8 in (12.09 m) Wingspan: 39 ft 0 in (11.89 m) Height: 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m) Empty weight: 9,278 lb (4,208 kg) Loaded weight: lb (kg) Maximum Take-Off Weight: 16,150 lb (7,325 kg) Engine: Rolls-Royce Nene 103 turbojet of 5,200 lbf (23.1 kN) Maximum speed: 600 mph (965 km/h) Range: 480 mi (770 km) Service ceiling: ft (m)
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