Compared to what? It was a workable aircraft when the RAF needed it, but it was a dated design on it's last legs in 1940 in terms of fighter combat, but was still workable as a fighter-bomber in secondary theaters. In the end I'd say it was a decent design for it's time, but outclassed by 1940 and due for replacement as a fighter.And was wondering, was the Hawker Hurricane a good or bad aircraft? I know the Hurricane shot down more aircraft than the Spitfire during the Battle of Britain. Anyone have an opinion on the subject?
And was wondering, was the Hawker Hurricane a good or bad aircraft? I know the Hurricane shot down more aircraft than the Spitfire during the Battle of Britain. Anyone have an opinion on the subject?
Roald Dahl gives me the impression in his book Going Solo that the Hurricane he flew in Greece could take a lot of damage. In his chapter about the Battle of Athens he reports that one of the riggers said the plane (upon Dahl's return from one mission) had so many holes in it it looked like it was made of chicken-wire, and yet it had still got Roald Dahl back to the airfield safely...My grandfather flew Hurricanes, Spitfires and Typhoons during the war and always said Hurricanes were his favourite to fly. They were stable and could take a lot of punishment. He never liked flying Spitfires.
Anecdotes aside, there were more Hurricanes available so it makes sense that they shot down more aircraft. I think they were an excellent aircraft for the begining of the war.
Also repairable in the field, which the Spit was notI would argue they were still plenty capable in 1942 and 1943 in the CBI Theater when their primary opponents were Ki-27s and Ki-43s.
IMWO it was rugged, maneuverable, a stable gun platform and not too difficult to maintain. Much like the P-40 and the Wildcat - not a thoroughbred but definitely a reliable workhorse.
The original design was actually as a biplane - design converted to monoplane long before prototype stage of course.In construction the Hurricane was the final expression of a concept that went back all the way to world war one (fabric covered frame)
The original design was actually as a biplane - design converted to monoplane long before prototype stage of course.