Spitfire why so popular??

[haitch40]

but u have to admit the spitfire is 1 of the things what makes us true brits
the spitfire mkV is my fave british fighter and in my personal opinion the hurricane was only used as a fighter because of desperation and not enough spitfire's
the late dive bomber hurricane variants were brilliant though

[FOZ_1983]

Originally Posted by haitch40

but u have to admit the spitfire is 1 of the things what makes us true brits
the spitfire mkV is my fave british fighter and in my personal opinion the hurricane was only used as a fighter because of desperation and not enough spitfire's
the late dive bomber hurricane variants were brilliant though

The Hurricane wasnt used as a fighter out of desperation, it was concieved as a fighter to start off with.

And in the Battle of Britain the hurricane could dogfight with the 109 as well as the spitfire.

During the battle of britain is was said that hurricanes were to engage the bombers and spitfires to deal with the fighter escort. It didnt quite work out this way and in the end spitfires and hurricanes were both attacking bombers and fighters.

Point being the hurricane could tangle with a 109E quite well. The spitfire just caught the publics eye and imagination, much like the B17 caught the american pulbics eye, leaving the B24 out in the cold.


I will defend the hurricane to the hilt lol, its an incredible aircraft.

Also...

the only VC (victoria cross) awared during the whole battle of britain went to a hurricane pilot

And on a side note...i think the nicest spitfire was the MkIX (9) but thats just me. I will always prefer the hurricane

[haitch40]

the hurricane was outdated at the start of the war the tempest 2 planes down the line was brilliant though

[FOZ_1983]

Originally Posted by haitch40

the hurricane was outdated at the start of the war the tempest 2 planes down the line was brilliant though

I beg to differ. By the end of 1940 it was out dated as a fighter, but prior to this it did an adequate job.

It then went on to be an excellent night intruder (flying over france at night attacking airfields, causing alot of trouble)

superb anti tank platform in africa

carrier and catapult launched fighter, boosting moral superbly of the merchant shipping crews.

Recon (early parts of war, but most notably in africa)

bomber


truth is the hurricane was built until wars end, served in every theatre, was the most versatile aircraft in our arsenal and did a sterling job.

[haitch40]

Originally Posted by FOZ_1983

I beg to differ. By the end of 1940 it was out dated as a fighter, but prior to this it did an adequate job.

It then went on to be an excellent night intruder (flying over france at night attacking airfields, causing alot of trouble)

superb anti tank platform in africa

carrier and catapult launched fighter, boosting moral superbly of the merchant shipping crews.

Recon (early parts of war, but most notably in africa)

bomber


truth is the hurricane was built until wars end, served in every theatre, was the most versatile aircraft in our arsenal and did a sterling job.

outdated as a fighter i ment

[FOZ_1983]

Ah right ok, no worries. Will agree with you then.

Though i do believe the first 109F or G to be shot down was by a hurricane piloted by a polish pilot.

Though... it was a hit and run job lol. Basically the 109's were flying over england on patrol or on an intruder mission, they were low..... the hurricanes were high, and un noticed. So they dived down on the unsuspecting 109's and got a single kill. Only one to be shot down by a hurricane, though hardly a fair fight!!!

Im not here to say the hurricane is the best fighter, im just here to make sure she gets some of the credot she deserves

[haitch40]

Originally Posted by FOZ_1983

Ah right ok, no worries. Will agree with you then.

Though i do believe the first 109F or G to be shot down was by a hurricane piloted by a polish pilot.

Though... it was a hit and run job lol. Basically the 109's were flying over england on patrol or on an intruder mission, they were low..... the hurricanes were high, and un noticed. So they dived down on the unsuspecting 109's and got a single kill. Only one to be shot down by a hurricane, though hardly a fair fight!!!

Im not here to say the hurricane is the best fighter, im just here to make sure she gets some of the credot she deserves

if only the hurricane was made of metal it could of been like the p47

[The Doctor B]

Originally Posted by FOZ_1983

truth is the hurricane was the most versatile aircraft in our arsenal and did a sterling job.

I agree it did a very good job and was quite versatile. However, I think the Mosquito takes the prize for most versatile.

P.S. I do love the look of them and do feel privelliged everytime I see one.

[FOZ_1983]

Originally Posted by The Doctor B

I agree it did a very good job and was quite versatile. However, I think the Mosquito takes the prize for most versatile.

P.S. I do love the look of them and do feel privelliged everytime I see one.

Close call, as both did the job needed rather well. But what makes the hurricane "the most versatile" is the fact it can be launched from a carrier and also from a catapult on board merchant ships

The wooden wonder (mossie) is without a doubt the nicest, most amazing twin engined aircraft ever designed or created. I fell in love with the mossie when i saw her displaying at an air show many many years ago. Sadly our (UK) only flight worthy mossie was lost in a crash a few years back.

[FOZ_1983]