Mackay, Ron Hawker Hurricane. The RAF's Battle of Britain Stalwart

The book ist part of the "Legends of Warfare. Aviation" series. The Hawker "Hurricane" has rightly earned its place in military aviation annals. Although only preceding the "Spitfire" by four months in its prototypic launch, the Hawker machine was available in measurably greater numbers by the Battle of Britain, a very critical stage of WWII for Britain and its Empire. Its rugged qualities saw use in the Mediterranean and Far East Theaters, and on the Russia Front. It adapted equally well to naval operations as a CAM-ship "protector" for Allied convoys and then as the first truly modern British fighter design to operate off the Fleet Air Arm's aircraft carriers. The solid wing structure lent itself naturally to the carriage of bombs and heavier-scale weaponry such as the 40 mm cannon that dealt out a fair measure of punishment. The few airworthy examples are a poignant reminder of Britain's WWII aviation prowess.

The robustness of the "Hurricane" benefited the aircraft in the theatres of war in the Mediterranean, the Far East and on the Russian front. The "Hurricane" was also suitable for use by the British Naval Air Forces, where it was the first truly modern fighter to operate from the flight decks of British aircraft carriers. The solid wing structure was of course also suitable for carrying bombs and heavier weapons, such as the 40 mm cannon, which gave the Hawker "Hurricane" an exceptionally high level of firepower. The few remaining airworthy examples are a poignant reminder of Britain's aviation history during the Second World War.