Hawker Cygnet (replica)

The Hawker Engineering Company produced only two examples of this remarkable ultralight aircraft. The prototype, G-EBMB, was powered by a 34hp Anzani engine and the second aircraft, G-EBJH, used the 34hp ABC Scorpion III which provided similar performance.

Both took part in the 1924 competition and achieved third (’BJH) and fourth (’BMB) place overall. ‘BJH also won a £100 prize for the take-off and landing  contest. Later both aircraft were re-engined with the 34hp Bristol Cherub III flat twin and ‘BMB went on to win the 1926 competition at Lympne, held under revised rules, receiving prize money of £3,000 put up by the Daily Mail. During the same meeting, ‘BJH came first in the Lympne Open Handicap race.

About this aircraft

This aeroplane is a replica, built by the late Don Cashmore in 1993 and registered G-CAMM in honour of the original designer. It is powered by a modern 37hp Mosler flat twin engine, but otherwise is built to the original specifications. Despite its frail appearance it performs well, even in winds which keep other early lightweight designs firmly on the ground. 

Ownership of the aircraft transferred to the Shuttleworth Collection in early 2009.

Specification