Kingston's Aviation History

Kingston's Aviation History

Period: Jul 12, 1916 to Jul 12, 1966

Sopwith Camel

Dec 22, 1916

The Spowith camel was a WW1 biplane designed and created by Thomas Sopwith in Kingston. It was very hard to handle but provided the pilot was experienced they would be given unmatched manouevrability.

Kingsyon's Aviation History

Period: Dec 22, 1916 to Jul 12, 1966

Hawker Fury

Mar 25, 1931

This was a biplane used in the 1930s and was originally named the Hornet - 275 were produced. It was faster than the Sopwith Camel and was easier for the pilot to control.

Hawker Hurricane

Nov 6, 1935

This was a very sucessful aircraft and unlike the planes before it, it was not a biplane. It was often overshadowed by the Spitfire in the Battle of Britain but it shot down roughly 60% of enemy aircrafts. It was faster, more manouverable and lighter than the Hawker fury.

Spitfire

Mar 5, 1936

The Spitfire was an incredible plane which was both fast and agile. It was the only plane which was produced throughout the whole of WW2 and its unique wings gave it incredible speed with the fster time recorded in a Spitfire just over 600 mph.

Hawker Hunter

Jul 20, 1951

This was one of the first ever jet planes and it broke the world air speed record reaching 727 mph. It was extremely fast and light giving pilots the edge. Over 50 years since it was first flown and it is still in active service with the Lebanese Air Force.

Hawker Harrier

Jul 14, 1966

This aircraft is phenomenal due to its ability to take off and land vertically. It was the first of generations of Harriers and could reach speeds up to 720 mph.