Hawker Hurricane

The Hawker Hurricane is a fighter design from the 1930s which was used extensively by the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain.

Related Topics:
Fighter - 1930s - Royal Air Force - Battle of Britain

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By some measures the design was outdated when introduced. Following traditional Hawker construction techniques closely, it used a large measure of wood and fabric for the wings and fuselage, with the engine and cockpit area being aluminium-covered steel tubing. In contrast, the contemporary Supermarine Spitfire used monocoque construction and was thus both lighter and stronger.

Related Topics:
Hawker - Supermarine Spitfire - Monocoque

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But its simple construction was the main reason why it was ordered into production in 1936. At the time it was unclear if the much more advanced Spitfire would be able to enter production smoothly, whereas the Hurricane was a well understood problem. This was true for service squadrons as well, who were well experienced in working on and fixing wooden/metal planes like the Hurricane.

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