Hawker P.1056

Hawker P. 1056 History

During World War II's conclusion in 1945, turbojet engines emerged as the future of air combat, with major powers investing in their development for new fighter jets. Leading this progress was the UK, notably with the Rolls-Royce AJ.65 ("Avon") engine, the world's first axial-flow turbojet, powering aircraft like the British Electric Lightning and Saab Draken during the Cold War.

In response to an Air Ministry request in 1947, the Hawker "P. 1056" jet-powered night fighter was designed around the AJ.65 engine. Influenced by the Gloucester Meteor, the aircraft featured a streamlined body, radar-equipped nose, tandem cockpit, and twin-turbojet configuration under the wings. The tail had a circular vertical section and retractable tricycle landing gear for ground use.

Armed with 4 x 30mm ADEN cannons positioned beneath the cockpit, the aircraft was designed for effective night combat. Anticipated to reach 680 mph and climb 11,000 ft/min, it aimed for speed and altitude gain. Despite its promise, the project ceased in May 1947, with a short-lived alternate version, the "P. 1057," unable to fulfill RAF night fighter needs.

Specification

Fundamentals

Year of Service: 1947

Origins: UK

Status: Cancel

Crew: 2

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Hawker Aircraft 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, prototype, tech demo)

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

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 50.3 feet (15.32m)

Width/span: 50. 0 feet (15.24m)

Cured weight: 17,637 lbs (8,000 kg)

MTOW: 22,101 lbs (10,025 kg)

Wgt Difference: +4,464 lbs (+2,025 kg)

Performance

Installed: 2 x Rolls Royce AJ. 65 ("Axial Jet", later RR "Avon" series) turbojets, each producing 6,500 pounds of thrust.

Maximum speed: 680 km/h (1,095 km/h | 591 knots)

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

Rate of climb: 11,000 ft/min(3,353 m/min)

Weapons

4 x 30mm ADEN autocannons located under the nose.