It participated in the competition to meet Specification F9/26, together with other aircraft manufacturers, that included nine different designs, of which five were built.

The contract was finally awarded to the Bristol Bulldog, because of its slightly higher maximum speed as well as being easier to maintain.

[3] After the completion of the competition, the prototype Hawfinch was used for experimental purposes, being tested with single-bay wings and with a twin-float undercarriage.

The structure was the patented Hawker metal tube & "fishplate" system, with fabric covering.

The armament consisted of two Vickers machine guns synchronised to fire through the propeller.