Hawker Hurricane Mk I–V

A definitive technical guide to the Hawker Hurricane variants.



At the outbreak of World War II, only 111 Squadron and a handful of others were equipped with the Hurricane. Thanks to sudden massive orders and a well-organized Hawker sub-contracting production to Gloster and General Aircraft, more squadrons rapidly became operational. Cutting their teeth during the Battle of France, it was during the Battle of Britain that the type excelled and came to form the backbone of Fighter Command.



Featuring specially-commissioned artwork and diagrams, this is a compact, easy-reference guide to this notable aircraft, covering technical specifications, design and development and operational history. While the Hurricane was steadily overtaken by the Spitfire in the fighter defence role, it remained the fighter of choice in North Africa and the Far East.



The Hurricane may not have been the prettiest or, the best-performing aircraft but, as Francis Mason stated: 'The Royal Air Force was glad to get the Spitfire…it had to have the Hurricane!'