Hawker Hurricane Mk IV
Hawker · GB · first flew 1943 · fighter
The Mk IV was the final major Hurricane variant, introducing a universal wing capable of accepting guns, rockets, bombs or drop tanks in any combination, optimised for ground attack in all theatres.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.83 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Universal armament wing with 'low attack' slipper fairings on the leading edge — designed to carry any combination of guns, rockets, bombs or drop tanks
- Merlin 24 or 27 with increased power; additional belly and engine armour
- Eight rocket projectile (RP) stubs under each wing are the most common field configuration seen in photos
The universal wing fairings are shallower and more tapered than the IID's angular 40 mm gondolas. With rockets fitted, the eight RP rails under the wings are the dominant visual element. Without stores the Mk IV is difficult to distinguish from IIC at distance — look for the armour plating under the nose and the different leading-edge fairings.
Specifications
- The Hawker Hurricane Mk IV has a length of 9.83 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.19 m (40 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 531 km/h (330 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
About 524 built from 1943. The universal wing was the key innovation — field units could rearm the aircraft for different missions without structural changes. Used heavily in Burma and Italy for close support.
Variants
No distinct production sub-variants, but field-configured with a wide range of weapons. The Mk IV effectively replaced the IID and IIE in the ground-attack role.
Where you'll see it
RAF India and Burma, Middle East, Italy 1943-45. No airworthy Mk IVs survive; the type appears rarely in museums as distinct from the more common IIC.
Related aircraft
- Tempest
- Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC
- Hawker Hurricane Mk IID
- Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk IB
- Arado Ar 440
- Brewster F3A-1 Corsair
- Brewster XA-32
- Curtiss P-40 N Warhawk
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