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The RMF has a long history of forming aerobatic teams from operational units, although perhaps none will be as affectionately remembered as the Howlettes with their four HS. 748s. As those familiar with the Rolls-Royce Dart will testify, never was a name so appropriate. (Defence PR)
Aircraft of the ADF-AlO HS.748
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A10 – British Aerospace HS.748
Originally designed by Avro (the A V Roe & Co Ltd of Manchester), then continued by the newly amalgamated Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd, the HS. 748 was Britain’s answer to the Dakota replacement.
The first prototype, registered G-APZV, flew on June 24 1960 and a later aircraft with more powerful engines, G-ARAY, became the prototype Series 2 aircraft in 1961. The Australian Government’s Defence Review of November 1964 announced that eight navigation trainers were to be acquired and the following year the HS. 748 Series 2 was specified. Also the order was increased by a further two aircraft for VIP duties. In addition to internal differences, the nav trainer version, designated HS. 748 Series 228, had the more powerful Rolls- Royce Dart 550-2 turboprop engines, and together with the VIP version, Series 229, were the first to include the Collins FD108 flight director system.
The first RAAF 748, A10-595 (constructor’s number 1595) flew on January 13 1967 and was accepted on March 17. It left the UK on April 1, arriving with No 34 Squadron at RAAF Fairbairn on April 12. The other VIP aircraft, A10-596 (c/n 1596), followed the next month. The VIP 748s, which could accommodate 18 passengers, were required for their short and rough field capability, and operated at 34 Squadron with BAC-111s and Dassault Mystere/Falcon 20s.
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