The synthesis of many years' intimate experience of fighter biplane design translated into the modern formula; a compromise between tradition and requirements born of a new era in air warfare--such was the Hawker Hurricane. The first fighter monoplane to join the Royal Air Force and the first combat aircraft adopted by that arm capable of exceeding 300 m.p.h. in level flight, the Hurricane shouldered the lion's share of Britain's defense during the " Battle of Britain".

The Hurricane I, at 7,127 Ib. all-up weight, possessed a maximum speed of 325 m.p.h. at 17,500 feet, a range of 700 miles at 200 m.p.h. at 15,000 feet, a service ceiling of 36,000 feet, and the ability to climb to 20,000 feet in 9 minutes.

During the Battle of Britain, which began in earnest on August 8,1940, Hurricanes concentrated mainly on the destruction of the German Heinkel He 111 and Dornier Do 17 bombers. These were the aircraft that would cause the most damage if allowed to get through.