IATA HS7ICAO A748

Hawker Siddeley HS 748

Hawker

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Rugged British turboprop built for challenging short-haul routes.

First flight

1960

Category

Regional turboprop

Seating

40–58

Range

1,815 km

Engines

Two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines

Status

In service

The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 is a twin-turboprop airliner developed in the United Kingdom during the late 1950s and introduced in the early 1960s. Designed to replace aging piston-engined airliners on regional and feeder routes, it was noted for its robust construction, unpressurized-compatible low-wing design, and ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips. The aircraft was produced at Avro's Woodford facility and later marketed under the British Aerospace name following corporate restructuring. It was also license-built in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the HAL 748, with India becoming one of the largest operators. Military variants served in transport and maritime patrol roles for numerous air forces. Although production ended in 1988, a number of HS 748s remain in service with smaller regional carriers and government operators, particularly in developing nations and remote-area operations where its ruggedness and STOL capability remain valued assets.

Notable operators

Major operators have included Indian Airlines, Austral Líneas Aéreas, LANSA, and numerous military and government operators worldwide, with HAL-built examples serving Indian Air Force.

Notable facts

›First flew on 24 June 1960 at Woodford Aerodrome, England.
›License-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the HAL 748.
›Over 380 aircraft were built in total across UK and Indian production lines.
›Used extensively by the British Royal Flight (Queen's Flight) as a VIP transport.
›Production ran from 1961 to 1988 under Avro, Hawker Siddeley, and British Aerospace branding.