Fighter Type 10: Curtiss Hawk III (1935-1949)

The newly-formed Air Force Division, which previously operated as the Aeronautical Department, ordered 24 Curtiss Hawk III aircraft in 1935.  Reporting directly to the Minister of Defense, the Air Force Division also purchased a manufacturing license, allowing the kingdom to build the single-seat pursuit biplane locally. The first 12 planes were shipped in August 1935, with the remainder arriving later in the year. These planes were classified as Fighter Type 10. Another 50 Hawk IIIs were built locally during the period 1937-1939. According to the RTAF Museum, this Curtiss Hawk III is the only example of this aircraft left in the world.