The Hero Of The Battle Of Britain
The Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 is an iconic fighter aircraft that played an integral role in the Royal Air Force’s victory in the Battle of Britain. This aircraft was one of the greatest fighters of its time, and its success paved the way for the aircraft industry as it is today.
If you are interested in owning a piece of World War II history, call us at 800-210-1951 or reach out to us on our Contact Page. We can help facilitate all of your needs when looking to own this piece of history.
In this blog post, we will explore the history of the 1940 Hawker Hurricane Mk 1.
Development & Manufacturing Begins
The Hawker Hurricane was designed and built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. in the 1930s. It was initially designed to be used as a “day fighter” and was created to counteract the latest generation of German fighters of its time. The Hurricane prototype first flew on November 6, 1935, and after a series of rigorous tests, the aircraft entered production in 1937.
The Hurricane Mk 1 was the first operational type of the Hurricane and was powered by a 1,030-horsepower Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine. Unlike its contemporaries, the Spitfire Mk 1, the Hurricane Mk 1 was fitted with fabric-covered wings which allowed for easier and more cost-effective production. However, these fabric-covered wings were eventually replaced with metal ones in later variants.
Despite its unconventional wing method, the Hurricane was a formidable fighter. Its Rolls-Royce Merlin engine allowed for quicker diving speeds and higher maximum speeds than the German Bf 109E fighters it fought against. Moreover, the Hurricane was the first aircraft ever to shoot down an enemy aircraft using rockets, which allowed for a more effective firepower platform.
The Battle of Britain
During the Battle of Britain in 1940, when the British faced the German Luftwaffe, the Hurricane Mk 1 proved its worth with its pilots downing more than half of the total German aircraft. The ability of the Hurricane to absorb damage helped to increase the aircraft’s survival rate, as its rugged airframe could survive damages caused by anti-air or dogfights and still be flyable.
The Hurricane Mk 1 provided the backbone of the RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, a decisive factor in the defense of the United Kingdom. The aircraft complemented the Spitfire in terms of air superiority, and together, they successfully pushed back the German attacks.
Own a Piece of History Today
The Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 is a historic aircraft that has played an essential role in the development and success of the British aircraft industry. The aircraft’s historical significance, reliability, and bravery ensured that it remains one of the most well-respected and celebrated fighter aircraft ever built. The Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 remains a cherished aircraft with aviation enthusiasts and is undoubtedly a British aviation icon.
Platinum Fighter Sales | The #1 Warbird and Vintage Aircraft Broker