Hawker Hurricane G-HURI

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.IIa Variant

The Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIa burst onto the scene as a pivotal evolution of the iconic British fighter that had already carved its name into the annals of World War II history with the original Mk.I. Emerging in June 1940, just as the Battle of Britain was heating up, the Mk.IIa was a direct response to the need for a more robust and capable aircraft to counter the increasingly sophisticated German Luftwaffe. While its predecessor had valiantly held the line with its eight .303-inch Browning machine guns and rugged design, the Mk.IIa took things up a notch, powered by the beefier Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engine. This upgrade wasn’t just a tweak—it pushed out an impressive 1,280 horsepower, thanks to a two-speed supercharger that gave pilots a significant edge, especially at higher altitudes where the air war was intensifying. The Royal Air Force welcomed this new beast into service swiftly, and it soon proved its mettle in the skies over Britain and beyond.

What set the Hurricane Mk.IIa apart from the Mk.I was more than just a shiny new engine. The Merlin XX required a bit of elbow room, so the fuselage was stretched by about 4 inches, a subtle change that improved stability and gave the aircraft a slightly sleeker profile. This wasn’t just cosmetic—the extra power translated into better climb rates and speed, making the Mk.IIa a more formidable foe against the likes of the Messerschmitt Bf 109E. The armament stayed familiar, sticking with the eight .303-inch Brownings that had defined the Hurricane’s punch, but the enhanced engine and airframe stability made those guns even deadlier in a dogfight. Other tweaks included a redesigned carburetor air intake and a larger radiator to keep the Merlin XX cool under pressure, ensuring the aircraft could sustain its performance during the grueling combat of 1940 and beyond. These upgrades didn’t just keep the Hurricane relevant—they made it a reliable workhorse that could adapt to the shifting demands of war.

The Hurricane Mk.IIa didn’t waste time making its mark. Debuting in the latter stages of the Battle of Britain, it bolstered RAF squadrons at a critical moment, taking on German bombers and fighters with renewed vigor. Its low-altitude prowess, courtesy of the Merlin XX’s power, gave it an edge in the chaotic aerial brawls over southern England. But its story didn’t end there—the Mk.IIa went on to shine in other theaters, from the sun-scorched skies of North Africa to the desperate defense of Malta, where its ruggedness and versatility kept it in the fight long after flashier planes like the Spitfire began stealing the spotlight. While it might not have had the glamour of its sleeker cousin, the Mk.IIa’s contributions were immense, serving as a backbone for the RAF through the war’s early and middle years. By the time production wound down, with over 14,000 Hurricanes of all variants built, the Mk.IIa had cemented its legacy as a scrappy, dependable fighter that punched above its weight and helped turn the tide for the Allies.

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 G-HURI

Hurricane Mk XIIa 5711, now known by its registration G-HURI, is a remarkable survivor of the Second World War, with a history that spans continents and decades. Built in 1942 by the Canadian Car Foundry as part of their sixth production batch, this Hurricane was one of many produced in Canada to bolster the Allied war effort. It joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1943, where it was assigned to various squadrons for training and operational duties. Its early service life saw it stationed with 123 Squadron at Debert, Nova Scotia, before moving to 127 and 129 Squadrons at Dartmouth. Eventually, it was transferred to 1 Operational Training Unit at Bagotville, Quebec, where it played a crucial role in preparing pilots for combat.

After the war, like many military aircraft, Hurricane 5711 was retired from service and faced an uncertain future. However, its story was far from over. In the 1980s, a dedicated team of enthusiasts and restorers embarked on an ambitious project to bring this Hurricane back to life. Over the course of ten years, they scoured Canada for the best original Hurricane parts, sourcing components from various airframes to create a single, flyable aircraft. The airframe used in the rebuild came from aircraft CCF c/n 72036, and as a result, the restored Hurricane was given this identity. After meticulous work, the aircraft made its first post-restoration flight in 1989, proudly wearing the markings of a Royal Air Force (RAF) Hurricane: Z3781, coded XR-T of No 71 Eagle Squadron, a unit famously composed of American volunteers who flew for Britain before the United States entered the war.

In 2002, Hurricane 5711 found a new home with the Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC), a UK-based organization dedicated to preserving and flying historic aircraft. Under HAC’s care, the Hurricane underwent an 18-month program of extensive repairs and maintenance, ensuring it was in peak condition for the demands of display flying. When it reemerged in 2004, it sported an entirely new paint scheme, representing Z5140, coded HA-C of No 126 Squadron. This scheme was historically significant, as it mirrored that of a Gloster-built Hurricane IIB flown by 126 Squadron during the siege of Malta, one of the most intense and heroic chapters of the war in the Mediterranean.

The year 2005 marked a particularly poignant moment in the aircraft’s history. In September of that year, Hurricane Z5140 (as it was then painted) became the first Hurricane to return to the island of Malta since the end of the Second World War. Accompanied by Spitfire BM597, it took part in the Merlins Over Malta project, a commemorative event that celebrated the vital role these aircraft played in defending the island during its darkest hours. The sight of the Hurricane once again soaring over Maltese skies was a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who had fought there.

The Hurricane’s adventures didn’t stop there. In August 2012, it journeyed even farther afield, flying to Moscow to take part in Russia’s centenary airshow. This international display highlighted the global impact of the Hurricane, which had served not only with the RAF and RCAF but also with numerous other Allied air forces during the war.

In 2015, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Hurricane 5711 underwent another transformation, this time with the support of the Polish Embassy. It was repainted in the markings of P3700, a Hurricane Mk I coded RF-E of No 303 (Polish) Squadron. This squadron, composed of Polish pilots who had fled their occupied homeland, became one of the most successful units of the Battle of Britain, and their contributions were pivotal to the Allied victory. The specific aircraft represented, P3700, had a dramatic history of its own: on 9th September 1940, it was abandoned by Sergeant Kazimierz Wunsche over Poynings, West Sussex, after being damaged by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 during combat over Beachy Head. By adopting this identity, G-HURI not only honored the Polish pilots who fought with such distinction but also connected directly to a specific moment of heroism and survival from the battle.

Today, Hurricane Mk XIIa 5711 (G-HURI) continues to fly, serving as a living tribute to the men and women who designed, built, maintained, and flew these iconic aircraft. Its journey from a wartime workhorse in Canada to a meticulously restored warbird gracing the skies over Europe and beyond is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Hurricane. Whether displayed at airshows or taking part in commemorative events, it remains a powerful symbol of the courage and determination that defined the Second World War.