Hawker P.1057

History

In the post-World War II era, British aircraft engineers aimed to develop effective jet-powered night fighters. The Hawker "P. 1057," a twin-engine jet fighter, was proposed alongside a similar design. Despite advancements in turbojet engines and the need for high-speed, high-altitude capabilities, neither design was chosen by the RAF for dedicated night fighter roles.

The concept of night fighters originated during World War I, and their significance grew with the evolving threat of enemy bombers. In World War II, the RAF employed various tactics, including airborne radar, to intercept enemy jets at night. The De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito emerged as a successful RAF night fighter due to its dual fighter-bomber capabilities.

In the United States, the Northrop P-61 Black Widow became the first dedicated night fighter. As the war ended, the search for modern jet-powered night fighters continued, resulting in various designs. Unfortunately, the promising Hawker P. 1057 design did not progress further, marking a footnote in aviation history.

Specification

Fundamentals

Year of Service: 1947

Origins: UK

Status: Cancel

Crew: 2

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Hawker Aircraft UK

Carrier: UK

Roles

Air-to-air combat, fighter

The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 53.5 feet (16.31m)

Width/span: 48.1 ft (14.65m)

Cured weight: 18,739 lbs (8,500 kg)

MTOW: 24,030 lbs (10,900 kg)

Wgt Difference: +5,291 lbs (+2,400 kg)

Performance

Installed: 2 x Rolls Royce AJ. 65 (Avon) turbojets with reheat capability, each producing 6,500 pounds of thrust.

Maximum speed: 721 km/h (1,160 km/h | 626 kn)

Maximum: 45,932 feet(14,000 m | 9 km)

Rate of climb: 10,000 ft/min (3,048 m/min)

Weapons

4 x 30mm ADEN autocannons located under the nose.