Hawker Hart II (J9941)  [@ RAF Hendon]

The most widely used RAF light bomber of the 1930s. The prototype flew in June 1928 and deliveries of the first production aircraft began in January 1930, the recipient being No 33 Squadron. A trainer version of the Hart was also produced, as was the Hart C general-purpose aircraft, the Hart Special and the Hart India, both of which were tropicalized versions. Eight Harts were exported to Estonia and four to Sweden, which built a further 24 Harts under licence, these being powered by Pegasus radial engines. Faster than any contemporary RAF fighter, the Hart performed exceptionally well in the harsh climate of India’s North-West Frontier.

Over four hundred Harts were built for the Royal Air Force and seven home-based regular bomber squadrons were equipped as well as eleven auxiliary and reserve units. With such an exceptional basic design Sydney Camm (designer of the Hurricane) and the Hawker team were able to develop later versions. The Audax, Demon, Hardy, Hind and the Hector all show clearly how important the Hart influence was on a whole era of British aircraft design. A number of these later types saw limited operational use in the Second World War. A large number Hawker Harts were still on RAF strength in September 1939, continuing to serve until declared obsolete in 1943, they were mainly used in the training role and for communications.

Apart from the featured aircraft, only two others are known to have survived worldwide, one at RAF Cosford and the third at in the Flygvapenmuseum in Linköping (Sweden) with Finnish Swastika signs. However, there is reputed to be another Hart under restoration in New Zealand.