MarkG
November 22, 2012 at 2:04 pm

Help from Hurricane experts?

Forgive me if this is a daft question but I’m not familiar enough with the finer details of Hurricanes to work it out for myself.

Can anyone tell me if it’s possible to tell from these photos whether the aircraft pictured are Mk.I or Mk.IIs? All the differences I know about are not visible but maybe someone more expert than me can spot something.

If it helps they are from 316 Squadron at Pembrey in early 1941. 316 was certainly flying Mk.IIs late in 1941 but I’m not sure what they started with when formed at Pembrey in the February.

http://www.polishsquadronsremembered.com/316/41/316_4.jpg
http://www.polishsquadronsremembered.com/316/41/SZ1good.jpg

Thanks,
Mark

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By: MarkG - 22nd November 2012 at 14:53

Thanks chaps. Hurricane Mk.I it is then.

I’d always assumed they would be Mk.Is but the seed of doubt was sown recently when I read something on RAF Pembrey which described 316 Squadron as flying Mk.IIs from there. The author of that has clearly got the chronology confused.

Cheers,
Mark

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By: Rocketeer - 22nd November 2012 at 14:37

The bead (part of a ring and bead sight) gives it away too

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By: Graham Boak - 22nd November 2012 at 14:26

Look at the row of fasteners running forward of the cockpit. Those are Mk.Is. Mk.IIs have an extra fastener. Just don’t ask me just where at the moment…..

Besides, 316 had Mk.Is until August 1941.

I think the exhausts may be a hint, but am not sure. The props appear to be the Rotol. Like other late production Mk.Is in this period, they may have the bullet spinner normally associated with the Mk.II.

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By: TempestV - 22nd November 2012 at 14:14

I’d say the first image shows a mk I judging by the thin prop.

tu ôl