The Hawker Hurricane

Author: Francis Masson
Publisher: Doubleday NY
Edition: First
Cover:
Published: 1962
British

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Synopsis: This comprehensive examination chronicles the development and operational history of the Hawker Hurricane, the unsung hero of the Battle of Britain that actually achieved more aerial victories than its more famous Spitfire counterpart. The book provides detailed coverage of the Hurricane's design evolution from its origins as a monoplane development of earlier Hawker biplanes through its extensive wartime service in every theater of World War II operations. The narrative documents the innovative design decisions that made the Hurricane Britain's first modern fighter, including its stressed-skin construction, retractable landing gear, and powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine that provided exceptional performance for its era. Through extensive technical analysis, the work explains the Hurricane's superior gun platform characteristics and structural strength that made it particularly effective against bomber formations during the Battle of Britain. The book chronicles the aircraft's crucial role in Britain's air defense, providing detailed analysis of combat operations that demonstrates how Hurricane squadrons bore the brunt of fighting during the critical summer of 1940. Combat narratives reveal the tactical flexibility that made the Hurricane effective in diverse roles, from pure fighter missions to ground attack operations that extended its usefulness throughout the war. The work documents the Hurricane's extensive international service, including operations in North Africa, the Far East, and the Soviet Union that proved the aircraft's adaptability to different operational environments and climatic conditions. Technical discussions explain the numerous variants developed for specialized missions, including tank-busting versions armed with anti-tank guns and tropical modifications that enabled effective operation in harsh environments. The narrative includes comprehensive coverage of Hurricane production, showing how dispersed manufacturing enabled continued aircraft delivery despite enemy bombing of British factories. Personal accounts from Hurricane pilots provide insight into the aircraft's flying characteristics and combat effectiveness, revealing why many pilots preferred it to more advanced fighters for certain mission types. The book examines the Hurricane's contribution to pilot training, documenting how its forgiving flight characteristics and robust construction made it an ideal aircraft for converting pilots to modern fighter operations. Post-war service is thoroughly covered, including continued operation by numerous air forces that extended the Hurricane's operational life well into the 1950s. Through detailed specifications, performance comparisons, and extensive photographic documentation, this work provides complete technical and operational reference for one of World War II's most important aircraft, ensuring that the Hurricane receives appropriate recognition for its crucial contribution to Allied victory and its foundational role in modern fighter development.

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