Hawker Hector
Hawker Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1936 · fighter
The Hawker Hector was a British two-seat army cooperation biplane that entered RAF service in 1937, powered by the unusual Napier Dagger air-cooled H-24 engine. It was the last biplane to serve in the army cooperation role with the RAF.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.07 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- RAF army cooperation biplane
- Napier Dagger H-24 engine with distinctive exhaust stacks
- Used as target tug and glider tug in WWII
A biplane with a distinctively narrow-chord lower wing, prominent exhaust stacks from the Napier Dagger engine, and an open rear cockpit with a Lewis gun on a Scarff ring.
Specifications
- The Hawker Hector has a length of 9.07 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.35 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 301 km/h (187 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed as a replacement for the Hawker Audax, the Hector served briefly in the army cooperation role before being quickly superseded by monoplanes. It saw limited action in France during 1940 and was subsequently used as a target tug, glider tug, and trainer.
Variants
Only one main production variant was built; the type was produced by Westland Aircraft under licence.
Where you'll see it
Served with the RAF from 1937, saw limited action with No. 613 Squadron in France in 1940, and subsequently served with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and in training and towing roles.
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