The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is saddened to learn of the death of John Timberley, 95, who led the design for part of the Hawk jet – used by the Red Arrows.
He worked from the age of 16 to 63 for Hawker Siddeley, which became British Aerospace, and was the assistant chief designer, Hawk Engineering.
Mr Timberley was in charge of the design from the wings forward, including the cockpit.
He described the Hawk as the first aeroplane that he “put his blood, sweat and tears into”.
His funeral was held in Wokingham last week, at which his outstanding work on the aircraft – which is still flying and performing across the globe nearly 50 years after his original designs were made – was highlighted.
Mr Timberley is survived by his daughter, granddaughter, grandson and great-granddaughter.
