Hawker's Secret Projects: Cold War Aircraft That Never Flew

Hawker Aircraft Ltd at Kingston was the most successful and long-lasting manufacturer of military aircraft in Great Britain and Europe, producing war-winning aircraft such as the Hart and Hurricane, Hunter, Harrier, and Hawk. However, some designs failed to reach flight or were declined by the services, and this book seeks to redress this omission by examining the reasons behind their failure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Hawker Aircraft Ltd, situated in Kingston, emerged as one of the most renowned and enduring manufacturers of military aircraft in Great Britain and Europe. Throughout its evolution, including Hawker Aircraft, Hawker Siddeley Aviation, and British Aerospace, the company produced an unparalleled output of war-winning aircraft, primarily fighters. From the Hart and Hurricane to the Hunter, Harrier, and Hawk, Hawker consistently delivered aircraft that the UK fighting services desired. However, certain designs, for various reasons, failed to reach flight or were declined by the services. Despite their advanced aerodynamics and technology, these aircraft could have had successful service careers but were abandoned, their stories remaining largely unnoticed by mainstream consciousness. This book aims to rectify this oversight by examining the reasons behind the failures of these designs. The causes of failure are multifaceted, often rooted in financial or political factors, but in each case, the underlying reasons behind the design's failure are explored. In a comprehensive investigation that traces the origins of Hawker Aircraft Ltd and its renowned Project Office, this work, the third installment in Christopher Budgens' exploration of Hawker Aircraft's inner workings, serves as a fitting tribute to the countless individuals who contributed to the company's remarkable success.

Dimension: 246 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399047906