The British Work Horse April 07 2016

Like the P-40, the Hawker Hurricane was another work horse that got eclipsed by its newer more capable stable mates (in this case the Spitfire).

But like the P-40 on the American side, the Hurricane held the line against more modern, more capable airplanes like the Bf-109 in the early days of WWII. It too served in all major theaters and even on carriers.

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk / Kittyhawk British RAF 1/72 Scale Diecast Metal Model by Oxford

If you do some readings you might be surprised to find out that the Hurricane could actually out turn the Bf-109...yes, only at low altitudes and low speeds, but still....That is why you got your tactics and you learn how to fight (only) the fight you know how to fight and not get pulled into proving anything that you are not sure of.

60% of the RAF air victories were scored by Hurricanes. Now, the statistics are interesting, but they don't reflect the whole story. By the Battle of Britain, there were just many more Hurricanes deployed than Spitfires. Moreover the strategy was that Hurricanes would go after the bombers and heavier/slower aircraft while the Spitfires would go after the fighters; so this would position the Hurricanes to achieve more victories.

So what is the morale of the Hurricane?

The same one as the P-40. Fight the fight you know, not the one others want you to fight.