Aircraft overview

The Hawker Sea Fury is a British piston engine naval fighter built by Hawker Aircraft, with first flight in 1945 and production continuing into the mid 1950s. Developed from Hawker’s late war fighter lineage, it served mainly as a carrier based fighter and fighter bomber with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and several export operators. Its importance lies in being one of the final and most capable piston fighters to enter military service, bridging the gap between wartime propeller aircraft and early naval jets.

Performance & specifications

Most surviving examples are based on the Sea Fury FB.11 or related export airframes. The type is powered by the Bristol Centaurus 18 sleeve valve radial engine, rated at about 2,480 hp in service form. Published figures for the FB.11 include a maximum speed of about 400 knots, a service ceiling around 35,800 feet and range commonly cited at roughly 600 nautical miles, with greater ferry range possible using external tanks. Useful load varies materially by restoration standard, equipment fit and civil certification basis, so buyers should rely on the individual aircraft’s current weight and balance documentation rather than generic wartime figures.

Cabin & avionics

The Hawker Sea Fury is normally a single seat aircraft with a compact military cockpit, excellent forward visibility for a tailwheel fighter of its era and systems layout reflecting its naval combat role. The T.20 trainer variant has two seats in tandem and is valued for familiarization and dual instruction. Avionics are not standardized and should not be expected to resemble modern integrated suites such as Garmin Perspective or G1000. Civil operated examples typically carry a practical VFR or light IFR fit, such as modern VHF communication, transponder with ADS B where required, GPS navigation and updated engine instrumentation, integrated around preserved original controls and displays where authenticity is prioritized.

Buying & value

For prospective buyers, condition and provenance matter more than model year. Key review items include airframe corrosion, spar and wing attachment history, tailwheel and carrier equipment condition, engine time and overhaul quality, propeller status, logbook continuity, parts support and compliance with the aircraft’s civil operating limitations. Common market distinctions include FB.11 fighters, T.20 two seat trainers, export derivatives and heavily modified racing aircraft, some of which use non original engines or aerodynamic changes. Current PlaneFox used market data shows an average asking price near EUR 731,000, with listings ranging from EUR 323,000 to EUR 1,290,000, reflecting wide differences in originality, airworthiness status, restoration depth and included spares.