81 Hawker Typhoon

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
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Synopsis: The Hawker Typhoon stands as one of World War II's most controversial yet ultimately successful fighter-bombers, evolving from a disappointing interceptor into the RAF's premier ground-attack aircraft during the liberation of Western Europe. This detailed profile examines the tumultuous development history beginning with Sydney Camm's design incorporating the powerful but troublesome Napier Sabre H-24 engine, which promised exceptional performance but delivered years of technical difficulties and pilot safety concerns. The book chronicles the aircraft's problematic introduction in 1941, marked by structural failures, engine reliability issues, and performance shortcomings that nearly led to program cancellation. Technical analysis reveals the Typhoon's massive proportions necessitated by the 2,180-horsepower Sabre engine: weighing over 13,000 pounds loaded, achieving maximum speed of 412 mph at 19,000 feet, but suffering from poor high-altitude performance that limited its effectiveness as an interceptor. The profile details the critical structural modifications required after several aircraft broke up in flight, including rear fuselage strengthening and improved joining techniques that solved the catastrophic failures. Armament evolution covers the progression from twelve .303 Browning machine guns to four 20mm Hispano cannons, plus the addition of rocket projectile capability that transformed the aircraft into a devastating ground-attack weapon. Operational history examines the Typhoon's redemption beginning in 1943 when its low-level performance and heavy armament proved ideal for attacking German positions in occupied Europe. The book covers major operations including anti-shipping strikes along the Norwegian coast, where Typhoons engaged heavily armed merchant vessels and destroyers with considerable success despite intense flak defenses. Close-support operations during the Normandy invasion receive extensive coverage, analyzing the aircraft's crucial role in Operation Overlord where Typhoon squadrons provided tactical air support for advancing Allied forces. The profile details the infamous "Falaise Pocket" operations where rocket-armed Typhoons devastated retreating German armor and transport, contributing significantly to the Wehrmacht's collapse in Normandy. Combat accounts from RAF pilots reveal the aircraft's exceptional durability and firepower effectiveness, with many returning from missions despite severe battle damage that would have destroyed lighter fighters. The book examines the development of rocket projectile tactics, analyzing the effectiveness of 60-pound RP-3 rockets against various targets including tanks, locomotives, and fortified positions. Technical sections cover the Sabre engine's eventual reliability improvements, maintenance procedures, and pilot training programs specific to the aircraft's unique handling characteristics. Production details reveal that 3,317 Typhoons were manufactured before production ended in 1945, serving exclusively with the RAF and representing a unique success story of technical redemption through operational adaptation.

81 Hawker Typhoon, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.