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Hawker Hurricane, Warbirds 2000

The Hawker Hurricane isn't as well known as the famous Spitfire, but during the early part of World War II when Spitfires weren't available the Hurricane had to do most of the work for the RAF. They fought against the German Bltzkrieg invasion in the Battle of France, provided air support during the evacuation of Dunkirk, and scored more kills during the Battle of Britain than any other aircraft.

Hurricane P3351C was flown at the show for the first time, and is the result of six years of restoration work. It was built in 1940 and was used in many areas including France and Russia. Several new engines and upgrades were fitted, largely as a result of a series of accidents. Airworthy Hurricanes are very rare and only about 6 remain in the world.

The Mark XVI Supermarine Spitfire is powered by the Packard Merlin 266 engine developing 1580 hp which drives a 4 blade wooden laminate propellor. The wing span is 36' 10", the length 31' 1" and the height approx 12" 8". The aircraft weighs 7,500 pounds. Maximum speed is 416 mph, ceiling 43,000 feet and range is 430 miles.|The Supermarine Spitfire, powered by the Packard Merlin engine, rumbles overhead during its flying display with the Hurricane. The Spitfire served throughout World War II and was used in many theaters, and with many nations, including the USA and the Soviet Union as well as Britain. Over 20,000 Spitfires were produced and about 50 remain airworthy today (which is a reasonably high number by World War II warbird standards).

There were many variants of the Spitfire produced over its lifetime (which was about 20 years) including: Mk IB: Four 7.7-mm (0.303-inch) guns and two 20-mm cannon, the Mk V with more powerful Merlin engine, the Mk VII: High-altitude interceptor with pressurized cockpit and retractable tailwheel, the Mk XIV with Griffon 65/66 engine with five-bladed propeller, strengthened fuselage, broad tail, the Seafire Mk IIC with a catapult hook and strengthened landing gear, and the Seafire Mk III with double folding wings and a 1,585-hp Merlin 55 engine.

Use the controller above to watch the Spitfire fly past (this requires Quicktime, and is a moderately large movie). I apologise for the poor quality of this movie but it was originally encoded in the "early days" of internet video!

The Hurricane was produced from 1937 to 1944 and has a wing span of 40 feet, length of 32 feet and a loaded weight of 8250 lbs. The V12 Rolls Royce Merlin engine produces 1280 hp for a maximum speed of 335 mph (these specs are for the IIc variant). Wing span is 40ft, length is 32 ft 3 inches, height is 13 feet 1 inch and empty weight is 5,500 lbs (Mk IIB variant).|Design began in 1933 to create a fighter to use the new 990 hp Rolls Royce engine. First flight was 1935 and the performance exceeded expectations so an initial order for 600 was made in June 1936. An improved engine, the 1030 hp Merlin II was then used. The first production Hurricane flew on 12 October 1937. Early upgrades included an all metal wing to replace the fabric covered one, and the Merlin III engine.

The Hurricane's greatest time was during the Battle of Britain where it accounted for more enemy aircraft than all other fighters and ground defenses combined. It was also widely used by the RAF in Africa and other areas. In total, about 14,000 were produced but only 6 remain airworthy today.

Use the controller above to watch the Hurricane and Spitfire fly past together (this requires Quicktime, and is a moderately large movie). I apologise for the poor quality of this movie but it was originally encoded in the "early days" of internet video!