Although the prototype Hawker Hurricane completed its first flight only four months before the much celebrated Spitfire it is seen by many as being from a much earlier era of British aviation and is generally not held in the same regard as its more famous stablemate. It did however prove to be a vital component in Britain s defences during the early months of WWII equipping more RAF Squadrons than any other fighter. Much easier to construct and repair than the Spitfire the Hurricane shouldered much of the combat burden during the Battle of Britain and was responsible for destroying more Luftwaffe aircraft than the combined total of Britain s other defences including the Spitfire. Rugged and reliable the Hurricane was a supremely stable gun platform which could absorb a tremendous amount of battle damage and still bring its pilot home.