Hawker P.1052   VX279

                                    

                                           The P.1052 was basically a Sea Hawk with swept (35 degrees) wings.  The first prototype
                                           flew on 19 Novermber 1948.  Depicted above is the second one.  This machine crashed in
                                           April of 1951 killing the pilot, S/L T.S. Wade.  Despite setbacks, experience gained with this
                                           aircraft and the follow on swept-tail P.1081,  provided much data in support of the design of
                                           that very successful fighter, the Hunter.     Look how much cleaner these early jet fighters look
                                           compared to today's machines, loaded down with wing ordnance, extra tanks and Lord knows
                                           what else.