Hawker Hind
Hawker Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1934 · bomber
The Hawker Hind was a British single-engine biplane light bomber that served as an interim type during the RAF's rapid expansion in the mid-1930s. Based on the Hart family, it allowed the RAF to grow its bomber force while modern monoplane aircraft were being developed.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.02 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine RAF biplane light bomber of the expansion period
- Rolls-Royce Kestrel inline engine in a neat nose
- Two-bay biplane with staggered wings and fixed undercarriage
The Hind shares its biplane layout with the Hart family: two-bay staggered wings, a Rolls-Royce Kestrel inline engine with a nose-mounted radiator, open tandem cockpits, and fixed undercarriage with wheel fairings. The slightly modified tail and exhaust arrangement distinguish it from the Hart.
Specifications
- The Hawker Hind has a length of 9.02 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.35 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 298 km/h (185 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in September 1934, the Hind was developed from the successful Hawker Hart as a dedicated bomber. It entered service in 1935 and served widely during the RAF expansion scheme, equipping dozens of squadrons. By the outbreak of World War II it was completely obsolete, having been replaced by Blenheims and Battles.
Variants
The standard Hind differed from the Hart primarily in the revised radiator and tail configuration. Export versions served with Afghanistan, Iran, Yugoslavia, Switzerland, New Zealand, South Africa, and others. A dual-control trainer variant was also produced.
Where you'll see it
Served with the RAF across numerous home and overseas squadrons from 1935 to 1939. Many were transferred to Commonwealth air forces and training schools at the war's outbreak. One flies: the Shuttleworth Collection's ex-Afghan Hind G-AENP.
Related aircraft
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