~ Wooden Skybirds Model of a WW2 Era British Hawker Hurricane Airplane ~
The Hawker Hurricane was a British fighter aircraft that played a critical role during World War II, particularly during the early stages of the conflict, including the Battle of Britain. Here is a brief history of the Hawker Hurricane:
Development:
Origins: The Hawker Hurricane was designed by Sydney Camm, the chief designer at Hawker Aircraft Limited. The development of the Hurricane began in the mid-1930s as a response to an Air Ministry specification for a monoplane fighter aircraft.
Design: The Hurricane was a single-seat, monoplane fighter with a fabric-covered fuselage and metal wings. It featured a distinctive and innovative structure known as the “Camm Effect,” which allowed for efficient mass production. The aircraft was initially powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.
Performance:
Engine: The Hurricane was initially equipped with the Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine, but it was later upgraded to more powerful versions of the Merlin engine, enhancing its performance.
Armament: The standard armament of the Hurricane included eight .303-inch Browning machine guns, four in each wing, which provided a significant amount of firepower for its time.
Operational Service:
Role: The Hawker Hurricane primarily served as a fighter aircraft in the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was versatile and capable of various roles, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
Battle of Britain: The Hurricane played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain, which took place from July to October 1940. It was responsible for the majority of the RAF’s victories during the battle and was highly effective in intercepting and engaging German bombers and fighters.
Global Service: Besides the Battle of Britain, Hurricanes served in various theaters of the war, including North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Eastern Front. They were used by Allied air forces in different parts of the world.
Notable Variants:
Sea Hurricane: A navalized version of the Hurricane designed for carrier-based operations. It played a crucial role in protecting convoys and naval vessels in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Hurricane IID: This variant was equipped with a 40mm Vickers S gun and was used for ground attack missions.
Legacy: The Hawker Hurricane is often overshadowed by the Supermarine Spitfire, but it played a crucial role in the defense of Britain during the early years of World War II. Its robust construction, firepower, and versatility made it a workhorse of the RAF. The Hurricane remained in service until the end of the war, and many other countries used surplus Hurricanes post-war.
The aircraft’s contribution to the war effort and its place in aviation history are celebrated, particularly for its role in the Battle of Britain. It served as a symbol of British resilience and determination during a critical period in the war.
~ Dimensions ~
The wingspan is 6.5 cm and the length is 13.5
