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Re: Aero Vintage Hawker biplanes info direct from Guy Black

Posted by Guy Black on Tue May 13, 2003 10:36:31 AM

In reply top Re: Aero Vintage Hawker biplanes info direct from Guy Black posted by Paul McMillan on Tue May 13, 2003 04:12:36 AM

Paul ? I?m afraid Hawker serial numbering is not as simple as that. The many major components that the aircraft were built from had a 41H/ serial number, and though we have dozens of examples, none seem to be in any kind of specific sequence. For example, the Hind (fuselage 41H/89971) centre section is 41H/81575, one top main plane 41H/81225, ailerons 41H/71988 & 41H/81505 etc. Even the struts each had their own 41H/number.

There is a general trend upwards with time, but that is about all. It has been suggested that ?41H? is the Air Ministry identifier for Hawker military aeroplanes, but if so, why does our Swedish Hart have the number 41H/428 on it (date April1933)? As a matter of interest the Nimrod 1 (now with the Fighter Collection) has 41H/50916, dated also April 1933! If anyone is prepared to do the research and has more time than I have, I would happily pass on these numbers, but our attempts at it suggest no obvious sequence other than the component parts seem to be mainly less than the fuselage. Over to all the experts out there?.

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