The world’s only airworthy Hawker Demon – K8203 (G-BTVE) – has been listed for sale by Platinum Fighters
The gleaming 1937-built biplane is based in the UK and is currently the only flying example of its type. Featured prominently in the June 2023 edition of FlyPast, the Rolls-Royce Kestrel-powered aircraft – registered to Hitchin-based Demon Displays – is now for sale, with an asking price of £1.5m.
The vendor, US-based specialist Platinum Fighters, records the following information about this charismatic craft:
The privately owned and operated Demon K8203 is the only Demon currently flying and is a regular performer on the British airshow circuit. The only other example is on static display with the RAAF Museum, Point Cook, Australia.
Demon K8203 was among the last 37 built by Boulton Paul Aircraft Ltd of Wolverhampton and was delivered to No.1 Aircraft Servicing Unit on October 27, 1937. Initially assigned to 64 Squadron at RAF Church Fenton, it was transferred to 25 Squadron at RAF Hawkinge in mid-1938.
Replaced by the Gloster Gladiator, the Demon was assigned to No.9 Maintenance Unit at RAF Cosford and No.9 Air Observers School (later renamed No.9 Bombing & Gunnery School) at RAF Penrhos in Wales. That was K8203’s last operational station until it was struck off inventory on September 28, 1940, and became a ground training aid for No.1 Service Flying Training School at RAF Netheravon.
K8023 was finally disposed of while with 413 (Aldershot) Squadron of the Air Training Corps, during 1943. Luckily, the Demon’s rear fuselage survived in storage at the RAF Museum depot at Cardington, and was sold to civilian hands in 1991. SkySport Engineering Ltd restored it to flying condition, and after more than 35,000 ‘man hours’ and 18 long years, Demon K8023 returned to the sky on June 23, 2009 piloted by Stu Goldspink. It was painted in the colour scheme it wore while serving with 64 Squadron at RAF Church Fenton in 1937.
This iconic Hawker Demon is possibly the most original and authentic, privately owned inter-war biplane available for purchase. It is based in the UK and available for Inspection by appointment only.
More information can be found on Platinum Fighters website
