Many people look a little blank when told that my pride and joy is a Sea Hawk.
"I'm not familiar with those" is the usual comment. So, here's a potted history
for anyone interested.
The Sea Hawk was Hawkers first venture into the new world of
Jet-Engined aircraft and was designed back in 1944 by the legendary
Sir Sidney Camm who also gave us the Hunter and the Hawker Hurricane (We're glad we
had spitfires, but we HAD to have Hurricanes!). Powered by the new Rolls Royce NENE engine,
the prototype P1040 was originally intended for RAF service but was met with
little interest since not only was the European war drawing to a close - but the
newer - and faster - Vampires and Meteors were beginning to appear. Fortunately the Navy
maintained its interest and the design was 'navalised' to meet their requirements.
The first carrier trials were held aboard HMS Illustrious in April 1949 and
further trials were conducted throughout 1950. The first production contract
was issued on November 22nd, 1949 for 151 aircraft and the name Sea Hawk
was finally accepted.
With Hawker now straining to meet demand for both the Sea Hawk and its
big brother the Hunter, production of the Sea Hawk was moved to Armstrong Whitworth
in Coventry. Only the first 35 Sea Hawks were actually made by Hawker
themselves.
Sea Hawks saw action during the Suez crisis of 1956. Squadrons 800,
802, 804, 897 and 899 flying from aircraft carriers Albion, Bulwark and Eagle gave
support to the Anglo-French activities at Suez. This baptism of fire was
described as effective - but short lived.
With the rapid developments in aircraft design, the Sea Hawk's days were
soon numbered and they would be replaced by Sea Vixens and Scimitars. By 1958 the
Sea Hawk commenced phasing out and by 1960 had been reduced to second-line duties with
training establishments.
Towards the end of their life - Sea Hawks were taken up by the German, Dutch
and Indian forces. A total of about (figures vary) 550 Sea Hawks were built.