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Westland Wyvern and Hawker Sea Hawk
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Westland Wyvern and Hawker Sea Hawk
Westland Wyvern S.4 (VZ796) and Hawker Sea Hawk FB.3 (WM906) of 703 Squadron Fa in flight over HMS Ark Royal 28 March 1955
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 1275330
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This evocative photograph captures the spirit of postwar aviation in the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, as two iconic aircraft take to the skies above HMS Ark Royal on 28 March 1955. The Westland Wyvern S.4 (VZ796) and Hawker Sea Hawk FB.3 (WM906) are seen in formation, their sleek shapes and powerful engines a testament to the technological advances of the time. The Westland Wyvern, a carrier-borne attack aircraft, was a development of the successful Westland Whirlwind helicopter. Capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including rockets and bombs, it played a crucial role in providing close air support to ground forces and defending against enemy aircraft. The Wyvern's distinctive intake design, which drew air in from the bottom of the fuselage, was a key feature that enabled it to operate effectively from the limited space of an aircraft carrier's flight deck. The Hawker Sea Hawk, meanwhile, was a versatile fighter and fighter-bomber that served with the Fleet Air Arm from the late 1940s until the 1970s. Its powerful engines and agile handling made it a formidable opponent in the air, while its ability to carry a range of weapons, including rockets and bombs, made it a valuable asset in ground attack roles. The Sea Hawk's distinctive inverted gull-wing design, which provided excellent visibility for the pilot, was another innovative feature that helped it excel in its various roles. Together, these two aircraft represent the cutting edge of naval aviation technology in the postwar era, and their appearance over HMS Ark Royal is a reminder of the vital role the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm played in defending Britain's interests at sea. This photograph, taken by Charles E Brown of the Royal Air Force Museum, is a precious record of a bygone era in military aviation history.
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