" The Hurricane was Britain's first truly modern fighter since the first World War, but its fabric covered fuselage was a step back instead of forward. It flew a year earlier than its more glamorous Battle of Britain stablemate, the Spitfire. The Hurricane entered service earlier, was in greater supply during the Battle, and shot down far more German aircraft. Easy to fly, solid, and forgiving, it was a stable (and well armed) gun platform, giving inexperienced pilots the confidence to go into battle. "

Specs

• Empty/Max Weight & Dimensions:
• Weight: 4,670 / 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg) Span: 40 ft (12.19m) Length: 32 ft (9.75m)
• Engine: Rolls-Royce Merlin III 12-cyl V liquid cooled, 1,030 hp
• Armament: Eight Browning .303 machine guns w/334 r.p.g
• Max Speed @ Altitude: 318 mph (512 km/h) @20,000 ft (6,100 m)
• Ceiling: 36,000 ft (10,980 m)
• Climb Rate: 2,520 ft (770 m)/min
• Range: 460 mi (740 km)

V-speeds

• Takeoff 90-95 mph
• Best climb 155 mph
• Stall* (gear/flaps up) 80-90 mph
• Stall* (gear/flaps down) 60-75 mph
• Extend flaps (max.) 120 mph
• Extend gear (max.) 120 mph
• Best glide 100 mph
• Touchdown 90 mph
• Flaps (takeoff) 0 (or 28 degrees for short field)
• Flaps (landing) 0 to full down
• * Stall speeds shown are for straight and level flight in aircraft without optional fuel tanks or armament upgrades. Remember: you can stall at any speed, depending on the maneuver and aircraft attitude.

MiGMan's Combat Diary

Gauges - actual size

The regular cockpit gauges are large and clear, and the virtual cockpit has working gauges.

Some regarded the fabric covered fuselage as an asset as it was less likely to fall apart after a few hits. Also, unlike in the Spitfire, the pilot wasn't sitting directly above the gas tank.