Various Dates
IWM Duxford
Adults
£20
Hear the story of the RAF's unsung fighter
Join IWM's expert guides for an hour-long guided tour taking you up close to the Hawker Hurricane. You will explore the storied history of the Hurricane, from its design and development to its pivotal role in the Battle of Britain, and its extensive use across various theatres of war, including the deserts of North Africa, Russia, and South Asia.
Developed by the brilliant Sir Sydney Camm, the Hurricane featured a traditional design inspired by earlier biplanes, particularly the Hawker Fury. Often overshadowed by the more glamorous Spitfire, the Hawker Hurricane was the unsung hero of the Battle of Britain, accounting for over 60% of the RAF's aerial victories.
While more contemporary fighters like the RAF's Supermarine Spitfire and the Luftwaffe's Bf109 could outperform the Hurricane in dogfights, the Hurricane's stability and ruggedness made it a reliable workhorse that was easy to maintain and repair. These attributes ensured the Hurricane's service in almost every theatre of the war, and it continued to be a vital asset until its retirement from the RAF in 1947.
