History

In 1934 Hawker began to develop a monoplane fighter using the manufacturing techniques used in building their very successful Hart/Fury biplane series. The aircraft featured a tubular steel frame with cloth covering.

The new aircraft incorporated an enclose cockpit, retractable undercarriage and used the new Rolls-Royce PV.12 engine, later named the Merlin.

The authorities were initially disinterested in the aircraft so in 1936, Hawker tooled up to produce 1000 aircraft.

In mid-36, the Air Ministry finally took notice and ordered 600 aircraft.

The first deliveries to Squadrons commenced in Dec 37. By mid 38, Hurricanes were being produced at a rate beyond which the RAF could absorb.

The British Government gave Hawker the permission to sell excess aircraft to nations likely to oppose German expansion.

Avions Fairey SA built 14 for the Belgian Air Force, some taking part in combat before Belgium was overrun.

Airfix 1/72 kit completed by Steve Pulbrook in 2019.

Data

MODEL: Hawker Hurricane I (Belgium, 1939)

ROLE: fighter

TIME PERIOD: 1935-1940s

ENGINES: one Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 Liquid cooled piston engine of 884 kW.

WING SPAN: 12.19m

LENGTH: 9.83m

MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 3951kg

MAXIMUM SPEED: 550km/h

RANGE: 970 km

CREW: 1

ARMAMENT: four .303in (7.92mm) machine guns and 230kg of bombs

SCALE: 1/72

KIT:

GALLERIES:

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