Рыбин, Ю. В. Советские асы на Харрикейнах в годы Второй Мировой Войны / Юрий Рыбин . – [Б. м. ] : Osprey Publishing, 2012. – 97 с. : ил., портр. – Англ. яз.

From a flying perspective, the Hurricane II was the easiest aircraft to master for pilots with rudimentary training in 1941-42. Furthermore, it was not a demanding aircraft to service. These characteristics made it the most suitable fighter for the Soviet Air Force during the early war period To sum up this analysis of the Hurricane, it was a fighter whose combat and flying characteristics enabled it to stand above its contemporaries in the Red Army Air Force inventory during the first half of 1942. Thanks to these traits, most combat reports from Soviet fighter regiments of the period highlighted the aircraft’s positive combat characteristics. This, for example, came from 760th IAP of the air force on the Karelian Front; ‘The positive qualities of the Hurricane are its operational characteristics both on the ground and in the air. It is simple to master, and does not require lengthy training. The fighter has an advantage over enemy aircraft in its horizontal manoeuvrability in turns, it has powerful armament (following its rearmament) and can be used effectively in air defence operations. ‘However, the Hurricane’s level speed is insufficient to give pilots an opportunity to pursue enemy aircraft, and either engage them or to break off combat at will. Fuel starvation during a violent pull out from a dive causes the engine to cut out, which hinders the pilot in combat. Finally, the oil and coolant systems, with their lengthy circulation runs, are bulky, and this affects the aircraft in winter and reduces combat survivability.’ Another report, from 435th IAP, reinforced the main points made by 760th IAP, noting that ‘the Hurricane II is an obsolescent aircraft, large in terms of its dimensions, and with an insufficiently powerful engine. The level speed and rate of climb are low. Armour protection is insufficient and the aircraft has a tendency to nose-over. The wooden propeller wears out quickly, particularly when flying from sandy airfields’. This report also noted that the aircraft was easy to fly and had a low landing speed. It praised the mechanism for raising and lowering the undercarriage and flaps, the cockpit design and the ability to jettison the canopy in an emergency. The gun firing mechanism and gunsight were rated as ‘excellent’, and the operation and locating of the radio equipment was described as ‘convenient’. The engine starting mechanism was considered ‘excellent’ too. It added; ‘The armament installed consists of two ShVAK cannon, two UB machine guns and six RS-82 rocket pylons. This represents powerful armament and provides the capability to strike any airborne target. The procedures for inspecting and repairing the armament are convenient.’ The Hurricane can therefore be described as a fighter that fully met the demands of the air war being fought in the complex circumstances of the Soviet-German front in 1942. It was simple to fly, did not require special training and was able to operate from airstrips in the field. Pilots with little training not only became rapidly familiar with the aircraft but could also fly it confidently, and were able, with the improved Soviet armament installed in the Hurricane IIB, to shoot down enemy bombers. They could also successfully engage any hostile aircraft. 13 © Osprey Publishing • www.ospreypublishing.com HURRICANES IN SOV I E T SERVICE