The Hawker Sea Hawk was a British single-seat jet fighter-bomber developed by Hawker Aircraft and later produced by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft. It was the company's first jet aircraft and served primarily with the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the Royal Navy. Known for its reliability and robust design, the Sea Hawk saw operational use, notably during the Suez Crisis in 1956, and was also exported to countries like the Netherlands, West Germany, and India.

Manufacture and Early Service: XE489 was built by Armstrong Whitworth at Coventry and delivered to the Royal Navy in 1956. It served with various squadrons before ending up with the Fleet Requirements Unit (FRU) at Hurn by 1961, where it wore an overall black colour scheme.

Final Flight and Museum Life: Its final flight was in May 1967, when it was disposed of to the Historic Aircraft Museum at Southend. However, it reportedly arrived at Southend by road after getting stuck under a bridge in Crawley during transit.

Identity Confusion and Restoration: At the Historic Aircraft Museum, it was painted as XE364. In 1983, it was acquired by Michael Carlton's Jet Heritage and registered as G-JETH with the intention of restoring it to flight. However, due to complications with its wing spar attachments, another Sea Hawk (WM983) was acquired, and its fuselage was used to become the "new" G-JETH. The original XE489, with some parts from WM983 (and potentially wings from WV909), was sold to the Netherlands and is now part of a composite restoration at the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum in Soesterberg, marked as "131" in Dutch Navy colours (specifically the forward fuselage of WM983 and rear fuselage of XE489).

Current Status (Gatwick Aviation Museum): The aircraft now displayed as "XE489" at the Gatwick Aviation Museum is a composite aircraft, primarily the fuselage of WM983 with the original wings from XE489. For many years, it guarded the gate at the museum, initially in the red colors from its time with Jet Heritage. Around 2010, it was repainted to represent XE364, and more recently, its tail has been correctly renumbered as XE489. It is now housed indoors in the museum's hangar, providing protection from the elements.

References

• 1. Thunder & Lightnings - Hawker Sea Hawk - Survivor XE489 (composite with WM983): This resource provides detailed historical information and notes the composite nature of the aircraft.
• 2. AirHistory.net - Aircraft Photo of XE489 / XE364: Provides photographic history and details on its time at the Historic Aircraft Museum.
• 3. Naval Air History - Sea Hawk Swansong: Discusses the role of the Fleet Requirements Unit and mentions XE489 as a surviving example.
• 4. Aerial Visuals - Airframe Dossier - Hawker Sea Hawk FB.5, s/n WM983 RN: Details the composite nature of the aircraft at the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum, confirming the use of XE489's rear fuselage.

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The de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen was a British twin-engine, twin-boom, two-seat, carrier-based fleet air-defence fighter. It served with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Notably, it was the first British two-seat combat aircraft to achieve supersonic speed (though not in level flight) and was unique for being solely armed with missiles, rockets, and bombs rather than guns in its primary role. Its distinctive appearance includes the pilot's offset cockpit and the observer's "coal hole" entirely within the fuselage.

OOriginal Service: XS587 was built as a Sea Vixen FAW.2 (Fighter All Weather Mk.2), which was an improved version of the original FAW.1. It first flew on October 4, 1965, and was delivered to the Fleet Air Arm on October 29, 1965. It served with No. 893 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) aboard HMS Victorious and later with No. 899 NAS on HMS Eagle.

Conversion to Target Tug (TT.2): Following its active frontline service, XS587 was converted for drone and target towing duties. This conversion led to its designation as a TT.2 (Target Tug Mk.2). In this role, it wore a very distinctive high-visibility paint scheme, typically with white and red topsides and yellow and black striped undersides, a scheme it largely retains today. These aircraft were often used by units like the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Llanbedr for trials and target duties.

Civilian Life and Preservation: In 1985, after its military career, XS587 was sold and acquired the civilian registration G-VIXN. There were intentions to return it to flying condition by its owner, Mike Carlton, but sadly he died in an aircraft crash before this could be achieved.

Arrival at Gatwick Aviation Museum: In September 1990, XS587 was acquired by Peter Vallance, the founder of the Gatwick Aviation Museum, and was transported to Charlwood for display. It became a prominent exhibit at the museum, initially displayed outdoors.

Current Status: The aircraft is now housed indoors at the Gatwick Aviation Museum, providing better protection from the elements. The museum has a dedicated team that works on preserving and maintaining its collection. The distinctive red, white, yellow, and black livery from its target tug days makes it a very recognizable aircraft.

References

• 1. Thunder & Lightnings - de Havilland Sea Vixen - Survivor XS587: This is an excellent source providing a detailed history, photos, and current status of XS587.
• 2. Gatwick Aviation Museum - Aircraft, Airfields and Airshows: This site confirms XS587's presence at the museum and provides a summary of its history. (Look for "De Havilland Sea Vixen TT.8 XS587" in the text - the TT.8 designation seems to be a common informal reference for these target tugs).
• 3. Wikipedia - de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen: The Wikipedia entry for the Sea Vixen lists XS587 (G-VIXN) as a preserved example at the Gatwick Aviation Museum under the TT.2 variant.
• 4. AirHistory.net - XS587 aircraft photos:This database offers a historical photographic record of XS587's various locations and liveries, including its time at Llanbedr.

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The Gatwick Aviation Museum houses a notable example of the Hawker Hunter T.7, specifically XL591.

The Hawker Hunter was a highly successful British transonic jet fighter aircraft developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s. While primarily designed as a single-seat interceptor, two-seat trainer variants, such as the T.7, were also produced. These trainers were crucial for converting pilots to jet aircraft and maintaining proficiency. The Hunter was known for its excellent handling characteristics and reliability, serving with the RAF and Royal Navy for many years, and being widely exported.

Service History: Hunter T.7 XL591 first flew on August 6, 1958, and was delivered to the Royal Air Force the following month. It saw service with various RAF units, including the Day Fighter Leaders School (DFLS), Day Fighter Combat School (DFCS), Air Fighting Development Squadron (AFDS), 4 Flying Training School (4 FTS), and 208 Squadron.

Post-RAF Life: After its retirement from RAF service, XL591 was acquired by Dick Everett, then sold to Aeromech at Kemble, a well-known aircraft salvage and maintenance facility.

Arrival at Gatwick Aviation Museum: XL591 eventually made its way to the Gatwick Aviation Museum in Charlwood, Surrey. It wasn't in the best condition upon its arrival.

Restoration and Display: The museum's dedicated team has progressively restored the aircraft. In 2007, it received a repaint into a distinctive red and white trainer scheme, reflecting its time with 4 FTS. With the construction of the museum's new hangar, XL591 was moved indoors, providing better protection. It received a further repaint in 2017 and has had various missing components replaced, with ongoing work in the cockpit area to bring it to excellent condition.

References

• 1. www.aerialvisuals.ca: This is an excellent source for detailed history and current status of XL591. It provides specific dates and units XL591 served with.
• 2. Aerial Visuals - Airframe Dossier - Hawker Hunter T.7, s/n XL591 RAF: This database provides a comprehensive timeline of XL591's history, including its construction number, first flight, and transfer details.
• 3. Wikipedia - Gatwick Aviation Museum: The Wikipedia page for the museum lists XL591 as one of its indoor exhibits, confirming its type and serial number./cite>

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The English Electric Lightning F.53, serial number 53-671, was a key aircraft in the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) during the Cold War era. Today, it stands as a testament to British aerospace engineering and Saudi military history, preserved as a "runner" at the Gatwick Aviation Museum in the UK.

Aircraft History and Service

Genesis of the F.53: The English Electric Lightning was a formidable supersonic interceptor, originally designed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) to defend against Soviet bomber threats. The F.53 variant was a specialized export version of the F.6, developed by British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) with enhanced multi-role capabilities, including ground attack and reconnaissance [1, 2, 4]. These enhancements included larger ventral fuel tanks, a cambered wing, and provisions for over-wing pylons to carry bombs or unguided rocket pods, alongside its formidable ADEN cannons [1, 3].

Initial Delivery: 53-671 first flew on November 2, 1967, and was delivered to the RSAF as part of a batch of 34 enhanced export versions of the Lightning F.6, designated F.53. These F.53s had additional ground attack capabilities.

Delivery to RSAF: 53-671 first flew on November 2, 1967, and was subsequently delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force as part of a batch of 34 F.53s [1]. The RSAF utilized these Lightnings for various missions, including air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance [2]. Lightnings of No. 6 Squadron RSAF, for instance, carried out ground-attack missions during a border dispute with South Yemen between 1969 and 1970 [2].

Return to the UK: In 1986, as part of the "Al Yamamah" agreement for the sale of Panavia Tornado aircraft to Saudi Arabia, 22 flyable RSAF Lightnings, including 53-671, were traded back to British Aerospace (BAe) [2]. 53-671 was returned to BAe's Warton facility, receiving the UK serial ZF573 [1].

Preservation: After being stored for some years, the aircraft was eventually acquired by Marine Salvage in 1997 and stored in Cheshire [1]. In 2000, the Gatwick Aviation Museum acquired 53-671. Unlike some other preserved Lightnings, it was fortunately dismantled correctly for transport, avoiding the need for the fuselage or wings to be cut [1].

Current Status at Gatwick Aviation Museum

At the Gatwick Aviation Museum in Charlwood, Surrey, 53-671 has undergone an extensive 16-year restoration by dedicated volunteers. This remarkable effort culminated in its first post-restoration engine runs in September 2016, making it the world's only live (running) Lightning F.53 [1]. The museum proudly showcases the aircraft in its original Saudi markings (with some religious elements omitted due to sensitivities) and regularly conducts public engine run events [1].

References

• 1. Thunder & Lightnings. (n.d.). English Electric Lightning - Survivor 53-671.
• 2. YouTube. (2024, July 29). BAC Lightning F.53 Engine Run and walk around - Gatwick Aviation Museum 27 July 2024. (Note: This is a cached YouTube link, the content provides historical detail)
• 3. War Thunder Wiki. (n.d.). Lightning F.53.
• 4. Pima Air & Space Museum. (n.d.). English Electric Lightning Mk.53.
• 5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatwick_Aviation_Museum

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Development and Design

Origins: The Harrier GR3 was developed from the Hawker Siddeley Kestrel prototype aircraft. The development followed the cancellation of the more advanced supersonic aircraft, the Hawker Siddeley P.1154

First Flight: The first flight of the Harrier GR3 took place on August 31, 1966. The aircraft was designed to meet the Royal Air Force's (RAF) requirement for a V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing) ground attack jet1.

Operational History

Service Entry: The Harrier GR3 entered service with the RAF in the late 1960s. It was primarily used for ground attack and reconnaissance missions1.

Squadrons: XV751 served with several RAF squadrons, including Nos. 1, 3, and 20 squadrons, as well as No. 233 Operational Conversion Unit (233OCU)2.

Technical Specifications

The Harrier GR3 was powered by the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, which provided the necessary thrust for vertical take-off and landing capabilities1.

The aircraft was equipped with a variety of armaments, including guns, rockets, and bombs, making it versatile for different mission profiles1

Notable Features

One of the most significant features of the Harrier GR3 was its ability to perform vertical and short take-offs and landings. This capability allowed it to operate from a variety of locations, including small and improvised airstrips1.

The Harrier GR3's ability to operate from dispersed locations made it highly valued by military strategists. This versatility was a key factor in its adoption by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as well1.

Preservation

XV751 was retired from active service in February 1991. After its retirement, it was used for ground instruction at Lee-on-Solent before being moved to the Gatwick Aviation Museum at Charlwood in October 199532.

References

• 1. Wikipedia
• 2. Flickr.com
• 3. Airfighters.com
• 4. airhistory.net
• 5. Airport-Data.com
• 6. ABPic.co.uk</cite>

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