Spitfire & Hurricane: RAF's Finest Hour. The History Of Two Exceptional WWII Fighter Aircraft

Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane: two legendary British WWII warbirds.
This video explores the remarkable story of two iconic British fighter aircraft that played a pivotal role in World War II: the Supermarine Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane. Though often overshadowed by its more glamorous counterpart, the Hurricane was instrumental in securing victory in the Battle of Britain, sharing the skies with the Spitfire and defying the might of the Luftwaffe.  

Distinct Designs, Shared Purpose.
The Spitfire, with its sleek elliptical wings and powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, was a symbol of speed and agility. Designed by R. J. Mitchell, it was a masterpiece of aeronautical engineering, capable of outmaneuvering many enemy fighters. In contrast, the Hawker Hurricane, designed by Sydney Camm, was a robust and reliable workhorse. Its sturdy construction and fabric-covered wings made it easier to produce and maintain, crucial factors in the desperate days of 1940.  

Battle of Britain Heroes.
Both aircraft proved their worth in the skies above Britain during the summer and autumn of 1940. The Hurricane, often tasked with taking on enemy bombers, accounted for the majority of Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed. Meanwhile, the Spitfire, with its superior speed and maneuverability, engaged the formidable Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in thrilling dogfights. Together, they formed a formidable defense, preventing a German invasion and turning the tide of the war.  

Beyond 1940.
While their names are forever linked to the Battle of Britain, both the Spitfire and Hurricane served in numerous theaters throughout the war. From North Africa and the Mediterranean to the Far East, they adapted to various roles, including ground attack, reconnaissance, and even carrier-based operations with the Sea Hurricane and Seafire variants.  

A Legacy of Innovation and Courage.
The Spitfire and Hurricane represent the pinnacle of British aviation engineering and the bravery of the pilots who flew them. They symbolize resilience, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of those who fought for freedom against overwhelming odds. This video pays tribute to these legendary aircraft and the men and women who designed, built, and flew them, ensuring their place in history.

Supermarine Spitfire: general characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 29 ft 11 in (9.12 m)
Wingspan: 36 ft 10 in (11.23 m)
Height: 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)
Wing area: 242.1 sq ft (22.49 m2)
Airfoil: root: NACA 2213; tip: NACA 2209.4
Empty weight: 5,065 lb (2,297 kg)
Gross weight: 6,622 lb (3,004 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 6,700 lb (3,039 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,470 hp (1,100 kW) ]
Propellers: 3-bladed Rotol constant-speed propeller
Performance

Maximum speed: 370 mph (600 km/h, 320 kn)
Range: 479 mi (771 km, 416 nmi)
Combat range: 248 mi (399 km, 216 nmi)
Ferry range: 1,100 mi (1,800 km, 960 nmi) with fuel tank
Service ceiling: 36,500 ft (11,100 m)
Rate of climb: 2,600 ft/min (13 m/s)
Wing loading: 27.35 lb/sq ft (133.5 kg/m2)
Power/mass: 0.22 hp/lb (0.36 kW/kg)
Armament

Guns:
A wing
8 × .303 in Browning Mk II* machine guns (350 rounds per gun)
B wing
2 × 20 mm Hispano Mk II (60 rounds per gun)
4 × .303 in Browning Mk II* machine guns (350 rounds per gun)
C wing
4 × 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannon (120 rounds per gun)
C wing (Alt.)
2 × 20 mm Hispano Mk II (120 rounds per gun)
4 × .303 in Browning Mk II* machine guns (350 rounds per gun)
E wing
2 × 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannon (120 rounds per gun)
2 × .50 in M2 Browning machine guns (250 rounds per gun)
Rockets: 2 RP-3 rockets (1 under each wing)

Hawker Hurricane: General characteristics

Crew: One
Length: 32 ft 3 in (9.83 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
Height: 13 ft 1.5 in (4.001 m)
Wing area: 257.5 sq ft (23.92 m2)
Airfoil: root: Clark YH (19%); tip: Clark YH (12.2%)[177]
Empty weight: 5,745 lb (2,606 kg)
Gross weight: 7,670 lb (3,479 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 8,710 lb (3,951 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Merlin XX V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,185 hp (884 kW) at 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
Propellers: 3-bladed
Performance

Maximum speed: 340 mph (550 km/h, 300 kn) at 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
Range: 600 mi (970 km, 520 nmi)
Service ceiling: 36,000 ft (11,000 m)
Rate of climb: 2,780 ft/min (14.1 m/s)
Wing loading: 29.8 lb/sq ft (145 kg/m2)
Power/mass: 0.15 hp/lb (0.25 kW/kg)
Armament

Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Hispano Mk II cannon
Bombs: 2 × 250 or 500 lb (110 or 230 kg) bombs

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