1937 Hawker Demon

History

The Hawker Demon was a two-seat fighter developed from the highly appreciated Hawker Hart light bomber. The Demon, which first flew in February 1933, was very similar to the Hart externally, but was powered by the supercharged Kestrel IIS V12, which gave it better performance at high altitudes than the Hart. The Demon was the first two-seat fighter operated by the Royal Air Force after World War I, and was the last two-seat biplane fighter manufactured in significant numbers. It was soon outclassed by the new generation of monoplane fighters entering service in the mid to late 1930s.

The Demon was built by both Hawker and Boulton Paul Aircraft. It entered full service in 1933 with No 23 Squadron. A total of 305 Demons were built, most for the RAF with 64 sold to the Royal Australian Air Force. The Demon equipped seven regular squadrons and five squadrons of the Auxiliary Air Force. The Demon remained in front line service until late 1938. A handful were still in service through the early 1940s with the RAF in secondary roles and in bombing and gunnery schools.

The privately owned and operated Demon K8203 is the only Demon currently flying and is a regular performer on the British airshow circuit. The only other example is on static display with the RAAF Museum, Point Cook, Australia.

Demon K8203 was among the last 37 built by Boulton Paul Aircraft Ltd. of Wolverhampton and was delivered to No. 1 Aircraft Servicing Unit on October 27, 1937. Initially assigned to No. 64 Squadron at RAF Church Fenton, it was transferred to 25 Sqn. at RAF Hawkinge in mid-1938.

Replaced by the Gladiator, the Demon was assigned to No. 9 Maintenance Unit at RAF Cosford and No. 9 Air Observers School (later renamed No. 9 Bombing & Gunnery School) at RAF Penrhos in Wales. That was K8203’s last operational station until it was struck off inventory on September 28, 1940, and became a ground training aid for No 1 Service Flying Training School at RAF Netheravon. K8023 was finally disposed of while with No. 413 (Aldershot) Squadron of the Air Training Corps, during 1943. Luckily, the Demon’s rear fuselage survived in storage at RAF Museum depot at Cardington, and was sold to civilian hands in 1991. SkySport Engineering Ltd. restored it to flying condition, and after more than 35,000 man hours and 18 long years, Demon K8023 returned to the sky on June 23, 2009 piloted by Stuart Goldspink. It was painted in the colour scheme it wore while serving with No. 64 Squadron at RAF Church Fenton in 1937.

This iconic Hawker Demon is possibly the most original and authentic, privately owned inter-war bi-plane available for purchase.  It is based in the UK and available for Inspection by appointment only.

Specifications

Engine: Rolls-Royce Kestrel V

Horsepower: 485

Maximum speed: 182mph at 13,000 feet

Ceiling: 27,500 feet

Endurance: 2 hours 30 minutes

Wingpan: 37 feet, 3 inches

Length: 29 feet, 7 inches

Armament: A single rear .303 in Lewis Gun with two .303 in Vickers machine guns in the nose

Note: All Specifications subject to confirmation by Buyer.