Hawker Aircraft
Hawker Cygnet
The Hawker Cygnet was a British light biplane developed by Hawker Aircraft in the early 1920s. Conceived as a low‑cost trainer and sport aircraft, the Cygnet first flew on 21 September 1924, piloted by the company’s chief test‑pilot, Sydney Camm. Built primarily of wood with fabric covering, the two‑seat, single‑engine biplane was powered by a 35‑hp Blackburne Thrush radial engine, later upgraded to a 60‑hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx in some examples. Its simple, rugged construction and excellent handling made it popular with flying clubs and private owners, and it earned a reputation for steady performance at low speeds and short‑field capability.
Only a small production run was completed—about 30 aircraft—because Hawker soon turned its attention to larger military types. Nevertheless, the Cygnet played a pivotal role in Hawker’s post‑war transition, providing the firm with valuable experience in lightweight design, aerodynamic refinement, and the commercial market. The aircraft also contributed to the development of pilot training programmes in the United Kingdom, helping to create a generation of aviators who would later serve in the Royal Air Force during the interwar period and the Second World War.
Only a small production run was completed—about 30 aircraft—because Hawker soon turned its attention to larger military types. Nevertheless, the Cygnet played a pivotal role in Hawker’s post‑war transition, providing the firm with valuable experience in lightweight design, aerodynamic refinement, and the commercial market. The aircraft also contributed to the development of pilot training programmes in the United Kingdom, helping to create a generation of aviators who would later serve in the Royal Air Force during the interwar period and the Second World War.
