TYPE: Interceptor fighter, project
ACCOMMODATION: Pilot only
POWER PLANT: Two Rolls-Royce AJ 65 turbojet engines, rated at 2,500 kp thrust each
PERFORMANCE: 621 mph
COMMENT: The little-known Hawker P-1048/1 was a project “interceptor fighter” developed by Hawker/Hawker-Siddeley according to British Air Ministry Specification F.1/46 in 1946. The aircraft shared similarities with two others of the period, the German Luftwaffe’s war time Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe (Swallow) and the British Gloster Meteor, both designs going on to see operational-level service. The Hawker P.1048, however, did not advanced beyond its basic drawing board stage and ultimately fell to the pages of history.
The Hawker P.1048 was a simple concept built around quick reaction take-off and high-speed flight. Once airborne, the aircraft would fly to meet up enemy bombers or escorts and unleash cannon fire or rockets in an attempt to destroy in advance.
What is known of the Hawker P.1048 was that it would have carried two 30 mm automatic cannons in the nose. Its engine pair would be podded and underslung, the power plants being Rolls-Royce AJ 65 turbojet units providing the necessary thrust for fast acceleration and high-speed flight. Dimensions included a fuselage length of 41 ft and a wingspan of 39.5 ft.
Externally, the aircraft was an elongated Messerschmitt Me 262 with a slim, streamlined nose assembly and the cockpit just aft. The cockpit resided over and ahead of the mainplanes which themselves were seated ahead of midship. The mainplanes were straight in their general form and tapered towards the wing tips – the trailing edge seeing considerably more sweep than the leading edge. With the underslung engines, the center of gravity would climb towards the front of the aircraft so a modern tricycle undercarriage would be fitted for ground-running. The sleek design tapered to the rear to which a conventional single-finned tail unit was fitted. Horizontal tailplanes were mounted relatively low along the sides of the rudder.
Once build the Hawker P.1048 would have shown excellent performances. But the project status remained at the drawing boards (Ref: Military Factory).
Type: Two Turbojets Single Seat Fighter Project
Competitor to the Gloster Meteor