The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that played a crucial role during World War II, particularly in the Battle of Britain. Designed and built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd., the Hurricane was the first British monoplane fighter and the RAF's first monoplane aircraft with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the Hurricane was capable of reaching speeds of up to 547 km/h and was armed with eight .303 Browning machine guns. Its rugged construction and stable gun platform made it effective in air-to-air combat, and it was credited with destroying more enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain than any other British aircraft. Over 14,000 Hurricanes were built, making it one of the most-produced aircraft of the war. The Hurricane's contribution to the war effort was significant, and it remains a symbol of British resilience and ingenuity.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 9.81 m (32.15 ft)
- Wingspan: 12.19 m (40 ft)
- Height: 4 m (13.1 ft)
- Empty weight: 2,608 kg (5,750 lb)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 3,465 kg (7,650 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin liquid-cooled V12 engine, 1,185 hp
Performance
- Maximum speed: 547 km/h (295 kts)
- Range: 1,127 km (608 kts)
- Service ceiling: 10,668 m (35,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 11.1 m/s (2,180 ft/min)
Armament
- Guns: 8 × .303 Browning machine guns
- Bombs: Up to 500 lb (230 kg) of bombs