Hawker Hurricane PZ865

About the Hawker Hurricane

The Hawker Hurricane, a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1930s and 1940s, was a cornerstone of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, though it often lived in the shadow of the more glamorous Supermarine Spitfire. Designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd., the Hurricane was a rugged and versatile aircraft that played a pivotal role in all major theaters of the war. Its most iconic contribution came during the Battle of Britain in 1940, where it inflicted 60% of the losses sustained by the German Luftwaffe, proving its effectiveness against enemy aircraft. Despite being slower than the Spitfire and the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Hurricane's tight turning ability, robust construction, and ease of maintenance made it a formidable opponent and a reliable workhorse for the RAF.

The Hurricane's story began in the early 1930s, stemming from discussions between RAF officials and aircraft designer Sir Sydney Camm about creating a monoplane derivative of the Hawker Fury biplane. At the time, the Air Ministry was reluctant to embrace monoplanes, favoring traditional biplanes, but Hawker persisted with the design. The Hurricane incorporated several innovations crucial to wartime fighters, including retractable landing gear and the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The prototype, K5083, took its maiden flight on 6 November 1935, and after successful trials, the aircraft entered squadron service in December 1937. Its conventional construction methods made it easier to produce and repair, a significant advantage as war loomed. By September 1939, the RAF had 18 Hurricane-equipped squadrons, and over 14,000 units were eventually built, including versions produced in Canada, Belgium, and Yugoslavia.

Throughout World War II, the Hurricane was adapted into various roles, showcasing its versatility. It served as a bomber-interceptor, fighter-bomber, and ground support aircraft, with variants like the Sea Hurricane designed for naval operations featuring modifications such as an arrestor hook for ship-based use. The Hurricane saw extensive action in the Phoney War, the Battle of France, and the defense of Malta, where it faced intense Luftwaffe attacks. In the Soviet Union, under the Lend-Lease program, the Hurricane was the first Allied aircraft delivered, though Soviet pilots had mixed opinions about its performance compared to German and Soviet fighters. In the Battle of Britain, it was often tasked with engaging German bombers while Spitfires tackled fighters, leveraging its strengths as a stable gun platform. Its simplicity also allowed it to be flown by less experienced pilots, a critical factor as the RAF expanded rapidly during the war.

The Hurricane's operational history is marked by its reliability and adaptability, but also by its challenges. Despite being slower than the Spitfire and the Bf 109, its rugged construction and tight turning ability made it effective, especially at lower altitudes. However, it had vulnerabilities, such as fuel tanks susceptible to catching fire, which led to serious pilot injuries. To address this, Air Vice Marshal Hugh Dowding ordered the retrofitting of Linatex, a self-expanding rubber coating, to seal punctured tanks. By the end of the war, the Hurricane had been largely replaced by more advanced fighters like the Hawker Typhoon, but its legacy remained significant. It played a key role in the Allied victory, particularly in the early years when the outcome of the war was uncertain, and saw action in diverse theaters, from North Africa to the Soviet Union and Southeast Asia.

The Hawker Hurricane's story is one of innovation, resilience, and quiet heroism, embodying the spirit of the RAF during one of history's most challenging conflicts. Often overshadowed by the Spitfire, its impact on the war effort was undeniable, with its contributions during the Battle of Britain and beyond cementing its place in history. From its early development in the face of institutional skepticism to its widespread production and deployment, the Hurricane proved that simplicity and reliability could triumph in the face of adversity. Its legacy endures as a testament to the ingenuity of its designers and the bravery of the pilots who flew it, making it a true unsung hero of World War II.

Specifications

Hurricane Mk.IIc Variant

The Hurricane Mk.IIc was a pivotal variant in the evolution of the Hawker Hurricane, marking a significant upgrade in firepower and operational capability. Introduced during the critical days of the Battle of Britain in September 1940, the Mk.IIc was distinguished by its armament of four 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannons, a substantial improvement over the earlier machine gun configurations. This change was driven by the need to counter increasingly armored enemy aircraft, particularly the Luftwaffe's bombers and fighters. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engine, which featured a two-speed supercharger, the Mk.IIc offered enhanced performance at various altitudes, making it more versatile in combat scenarios. The Merlin XX engine, with its improved supercharger, allowed the Hurricane to maintain competitiveness against newer German aircraft, especially at medium and high altitudes.

Beyond its role as a day fighter, the Hurricane Mk.IIc proved adaptable to multiple combat roles, including night fighting and intruder missions. Its cannons made it particularly effective against bombers, and it was often employed in ground-attack roles, where its firepower could be directed against enemy vehicles and installations. The variant's versatility was further demonstrated in its deployment across various theaters of war, from the defense of Malta to the deserts of North Africa. In Malta, the Hurricane Mk.IIc played a crucial role in fending off Axis air raids, while in North Africa, it was used extensively for ground support, attacking enemy armor and supply lines. The aircraft's rugged design and ease of maintenance made it well-suited for these demanding environments, where operational readiness was critical.

Production of the Hurricane Mk.IIc was substantial, with 4,751 units built by Hawker between February 1941 and July 1944, underscoring its importance to the Allied war effort. Despite being gradually overshadowed by more advanced fighters like the Supermarine Spitfire and the Hawker Typhoon, the Mk.IIc remained in service until the later stages of the war, particularly in secondary theaters and in roles where its specific capabilities were still valuable. Its legacy is one of adaptability and reliability, embodying the Hurricane's reputation as a workhorse of the Royal Air Force. The Mk.IIc's contributions, from the skies over Britain to the battlefields of Africa and beyond, cemented its place in aviation history as a key player in the Allied victory.

Did You Know?

• The Hawker Hurricane's design originated from discussions about creating a monoplane derivative of the Hawker Fury biplane in the early 1930s. Despite initial resistance from the Air Ministry, which preferred biplanes, Hawker persisted, incorporating innovations like retractable landing gear and the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, making it a significant leap forward in fighter design.
• The Hurricane was significantly easier and quicker to produce than its contemporary, the Supermarine Spitfire, requiring 10,300 man-hours per airframe compared to 15,200 for the Spitfire. Its conventional construction methods, using steel-tube structures and fabric covering, allowed squadrons to perform major repairs without external support, enhancing its wartime utility.
• The Hurricane was adapted into numerous variants, including bomber-interceptors, fighter-bombers, ground support aircraft, and the Sea Hurricane for naval operations. The Sea Hurricane, equipped with an arrestor hook, was crucial for carrier-based missions, while the Mk IID variant, armed with 40mm cannons, was nicknamed "Flying Can Openers" for its anti-tank capabilities.
• Beyond Britain, the Hurricane was manufactured in Canada, Belgium, and Yugoslavia. Notably, Canadian Car and Foundry produced 1,451 Hurricanes, with their chief engineer Elsie MacGill earning the nickname "Queen of the Hurricanes" for her contributions. This international production expanded the aircraft's global reach during World War II.
• The Hurricane saw action in multiple theaters, including the Battle of France, defense of Malta, North Africa, the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program, and the Pacific theater in Singapore and Java. It inflicted 60% of the Luftwaffe's losses during the Battle of Britain, proving its critical role despite being overshadowed by the Spitfire in public perception.

Hurricane PZ865

Hawker Hurricane PZ865, affectionately dubbed "The Last of the Many," boasts a storied legacy that sets it apart in aviation lore. As one of the final Hurricanes to emerge from the production line, this aircraft skipped the battlefield entirely, carving out a distinctive path through trials, races, and cinematic fame before settling into its role as a treasured relic with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Born at Langley, Buckinghamshire, PZ865 spread its wings for the first time on July 22, 1944. While its Hurricane kin were dispatched to wage war in the skies for the RAF, this particular bird stayed home with its maker, Hawker Aircraft. It became a workhorse for experimental trials, tinkering away at the cutting edge of aviation tech as World War II drew to its fiery close.

Fast forward to 1950, and PZ865 packed its bags for a new chapter at the Hawker factory in Dunsfold Aerodrome. On May 1, it traded its military stripes for a civilian identity, earning the registration G-AMAU. Decked out in Hawker’s snazzy dark blue livery with gold lettering and lining, it looked more like a show pony than a warhorse. That year, it strutted its stuff in the King's Cup Air Race, piloted by the debonair Group Captain Peter Townsend. The Hurricane roared through the competition, clinching a dazzling second place and proving it could still kick up a storm in peacetime skies. Beyond racing glory, PZ865 moonlighted as a chase plane during the flight trials of the P.1127, the quirky prototype that birthed the legendary Harrier jump jet. Then, in 1968, it swapped the test fields for the spotlight, soaring onto the silver screen in the epic Battle of Britain film, reliving the aerial clashes of yesteryear for a new audience.

After years of multitasking, PZ865’s tale took a preservationist twist in 1972. Hawker Siddeley, the company that had inherited Hawker Aircraft’s mantle, gave the old girl a spruce-up and handed her over to the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, then stationed at RAF Coltishall. Reclaiming its original RAF serial, PZ865 joined a noble fleet dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Battle of Britain aloft.

Freshly minted for the Memorial Flight, PZ865 donned the guise of "Night Reaper," coded JX-E, a tribute to Flt Lt Karel Kuttelwascher DFC of 1 Squadron. This Czech ace had terrorized enemy skies during night intruder ops from RAF Tangmere, and PZ865’s paint job honored his nocturnal heroics. But the Hurricane’s wardrobe wasn’t done evolving. In 2010, the Memorial Flight crew rolled up their sleeves for a meticulous rebuild, unveiling a revamped PZ865 in a new skin. This time, it mirrored Hurricane Mk IIC HW840, coded ‘EG-S’, the trusty steed of Canadian ace Flight Lieutenant Jimmy Whalen DFC from 34 Squadron in South East Asia Command during 1944—a nod to the Hurricane’s unsung exploits in the Far East. Today, PZ865 sports yet another look, channeling Hurricane BE634 of 247 Squadron, a night-fighter and night-intruder from 1942, saluting the brave souls who ruled the darkened wartime skies.