Hawker Nimrod 562

The Hawker Nimrod is a British built biplane fighter designed specifically for use on aircraft-carriers. They were part of the legendary Hawker Silver biplane family that included the Fury, Hind, Demon and Hart. During this time Hawker aircraft were market leaders and supplied a large portion of the UK’s defence aircraft which were considered far superior to other manufacturers. 

The Fleet Air Arm first put the Nimrod into service on HMS Glorious in 1932. Although two variants of the Nimrod were developed they were largely replaced in 1939 by the more advanced Gloster Sea Gladiators before the outbreak of the Second World War.

The aircraft pictured here is one of only two Hawker Nimrods that have survived. Amazingly, both are still airworthy! Hawker Nimrod II (G-BURZ), K3661, was completed on 5th September 1934, on the 23rd October 1936 it was issued to 802 Flight in the Mediterranean with the side code number 562. It served from 1936 to June 1938 during which it suffered two landing accidents. 

In 1972 the Nimrod II was discovered on a rubbish dump in Ashford, Kent, more or less complete but well corroded. The aircraft was recovered and donated to the RAF Museum and stored at RAF Henlow. Recognised for its uniqueness, the silver biplane was selected for restoration to airworthiness by Aero Vintage and eventually, ended up in the hands of the Historic Aircraft Collection. Now based at Duxford, It can still be seen today performing at numerous air-shows across the UK.