Hawker Tomtit, Old Warden 2009 ©Nigel Key
ROLE
Trainer.
FIRST FLIGHT
Early 1928.
The Tomtit is a British biplane that was developed in 1927 as a potential replacement for the RAF’s outdated Avro 504N's.
The Chief Designer of the Hawker Aircraft Company, Sydney Camm, proceeded to design the 'Tomtit' which was a bi-plane with a steel and duralumin tubular frame and fabric covered.
The leading edges of the upper wing accommodated the 'Handley Page' type Automatic slots and aluminium panels were used around the engine casing.
The Hawker Tomtit was fitted with an Armstrong Siddeley Mongoose IIIC engine producing 150 hp. The Instructor sat in front of the trainee in open cockpits with the trainees cockpit fitted with a blind flying panel so that blind flying instruction was possible.
PRODUCTION
The Hawker Tomtit was produced from the late 1920’s, with 35 built.
ENGINE
Armstrong Siddeley Mongoose IIIC engine, producing 150 hp.
ARMAMENT
None.
Hawker Tomtits were delivered to the RAF between 1928 and 1931 for trials along with the eventual winning aircraft the Avro Tutor.
After the trials, the aircraft were sold and despite the failure to be awarded an order the Hawker Tomtit was well thought of by the pilots and more could have been sold, however due to commitments by Hawkers producing the 'Hart' there was no capacity for production.
The civil registered Tomtits were originally fitted with an Armstrong Siddeley Mongoose IIIA engine and then later model fitted with an A.D.C. Cirrus Major engine producing 115 hp.
| Crew - 1 or 2 (in tandem) |
| Wing Type - Biplane |
| Length - 23ft 8in (7.25m) |
| Wingspan - 28ft 6in (8.71m) |
| Height - 8ft 8in (2.68m) |
| Empty Weight - 1,100lb (499kg) |
| Max. Weight - 1,750lb (794kg) |
| Max. Speed - 124mph (198.4km/h) |
| Range - 350 miles (560km) |
