Can anyone recommend good sources of information, either on the web or on paper, that describe all the different marks and versions of the Hurricane? I’m putting together a project on 137 Squadron and whilst it’s relatively easy to find out most of what I want to know about Whirlwinds and Typhoons, the Hurri came in a lot of different configurations. Anyone know of any definitive sources? Thank you.
By: Charlielima5 - 20th January 2005 at 20:35
I also reccommend this inexpensive book which I believe is still in print:-
Franks, Richard A (1999, paperback) ‘The Hawker Hurricane – A Comprehensive Guide for the Modeller’ (SAM Publications, Bedford, ISBN 0 9533465 1 X).
By: Rocketeer - 20th January 2005 at 18:31
Charley where abouts are you as I have a reasonable library of all things Hurricane. The Hurricane Manual is one bible I use alot as it details all the mods applied to UK aircraft…..pm me if you wish
By: Charley - 20th January 2005 at 16:19
Gratitude
Thanks for all these replies. I’ll start looking for the sources you have recommended.
By: DazDaMan - 20th January 2005 at 08:43
A lot of model shops stock the Squadron/Signal books (at least the two that I frequent do), but you can buy the book direct from Squadron itself:
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=SS1072
Or try Hannants
By: anneorac - 20th January 2005 at 08:38
Almost forgot. The squadron signal publication is rather good (and a lot cheaper) if your just looking for something that tells you the differences between the marks.
Anne
By: anneorac - 20th January 2005 at 08:34
In the case of 137sqdn it will be the Hurricane Mk. IV you’ll be interested in.
Along with Francis Mason’s book I would also recommend the Hurricane II Manual re-published reticently by Greenhill Books on behalf of the RAF Museum. It’s not the type of book you would sit down and read cover to cover but it’s full of very good technical information and has a addendum on the Mk. IV and Sea Hurricane.
Anne
By: DazDaMan - 20th January 2005 at 08:20
Dunno how much of a help this will be (taken from http://www.warbirdalley.com/hurry.htm)
The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its life, resulting in many major variants, including the Mk IIA, with a Merlin XX engine; the Mk IIB, with interchangeable wings housing twelve 7.7mm (0.303in) guns and carrying two 500lb bombs; the Mk IID, a tankbuster with two 40mm anti-tank guns plus two 7.7mm guns; the Mk IV, with a universal, multi-purpose wing, and powered by a 1,620hp Merlin 24/27 engine; and the Canadian-built Mk XII, with a 1,300hp Packard Merlin 29 engine. During the war, Hurricanes were sold to Egypt, Finland, India, the Irish Air Corps, Persia, Turkey, and the USSR.
The Hurricane was undoubtedly one of the greatest and most versatile fighter aircraft of WWII, and it remained in service with the RAF until January 1947.
Specifications (Mk IIB):
Engine: 1,280hp Rolls-Royce Merlin XX 12-cylinder V piston engine
Weight: Empty 5,500 lbs., Max Takeoff 7,300 lbs.
Wing Span: 40ft. 0in.
Length: 32ft. 2.5in.
Height: 13ft. 1in.
Performance:
Maximum Speed at 22,000 ft: 342 mph
Cruising Speed at 20,000 ft: 296 mph
Ceiling: 36,500 ft
Range: 480 miles
Armament:
Twelve 7.7mm (0.303in.) wing-mounted machine guns
Two 250 or 500-lb bombs
By: Septic - 20th January 2005 at 00:08
Try Frank (Francis) Mason’s ‘The Hawker Hurricane’ recently re-released by Crecy, its a little long in the tooth now, but still a good starting point.
Septic.
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January 19, 2005 at 11:53 pm