The Hawker Hurricane was the first monoplane to join the Royal Air Force as a fighter aircraft, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 300-mph in level flight. Often compared with the sleek-looking Supermarine Spitfire, the Hurricane, in actuality, shouldered the brunt of the fighting during the "Battle of Britain", equipping more than three-fifths of the RAF's Fighter Command squadrons. When it lost its edge as a dogfighter in 1941, the Hurricane took on a number of other roles, including ground attack missions and maritime combat air patrols.

The Mark I was the first production version of the Hurricane and was fitted with fabric-covered wings, a wooden two-bladed, fixed-pitch propeller (first 435) or three blade two -pitch propeller, and powered by the 1,030 hp (770 kW) Rolls-Royce Merlin Mk II (first 364) or III engines and armed with eight .303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns. Produced between 1937 and 1939.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Hawker Hurricane Mk. I fighter that was piloted by Flying Officer William W. McConnell, who was attached to No.245 Squadron, then deployed to Hawkinge, England, during June 1940. Pre-order! Ship Date: October 2026.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 6-inches
Length: 5-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Rhubarb" - The Hawker Hurricane earned its legendary status during the Battle of Britain, destroying more enemy aircraft than all of Britain's other defenses combined. By the summer of 1940, even as Hurricanes fought to stem the Luftwaffe tide, engineers were developing a major upgrade. The Hurricane Mk.II arrived with an up-rated Merlin engine, but its thick, straight wing design meant it would find its true calling beyond traditional dogfighting roles.

The Hurricane IIc variant, armed with four devastating 20mm Hispano cannons, proved highly effective in coastal anti-shipping raids and low-altitude 'Rhubarb' strikes into occupied Europe. Its powerful armament excelled against ground targets, whilst the aircraft also found success as a nightfighter and 'Hurribomber' in North Africa's desert campaigns.

This particular aircraft, Z3897, gained fame through a Pathe newsreel featuring mock combat against a captured Junkers Ju88, showcasing the Hurricane's impressive maneuverability. The aircraft was the personal mount of Belfast-born William W. McConnell, who served with RAF No.1 Squadron from May 1941 through March 1942, becoming a noted ground attack specialist.

His Hurricane wore distinctive nose artwork that made it instantly recognizable, a testament to the personal connection between pilot and machine during those crucial wartime years.