Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk XII

The Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk XII was a naval version of the Canadian built and Packard Merlin powered Hurricane Mk XII. Different sources give different information about the exact designations used for this aircraft, although the most common view is that the Canadians designated them all as Mk XIIAs, while the Royal Navy gave the designation Mk XIIB to aircraft with the twelve gun wing and XIIC to those with four cannons.

The Sea Hurricane Mk XII first made its mark during Operation Torch, when some were operated by the Royal Navy in American markings. This was done partly to disguise the scale of the British contribution to the operation, and partly to reduce the danger from trigger happy naval gunners, always a threat during major amphibious operations. The Sea Hurricanes were used in action against Vichy French Dewoitines. The Mk XII was later used on escort carriers operating between St. John's Newfoundland and Iceland during 1943-44.

Engine: Packard Merlin 29
Power: 1,300hp
Crew: 1
Wing span: 40ft
Length: 32ft 2.25in
Height: 13ft 1in
Armament: Either twelve .303in guns or four 20mm cannon

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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (2 June 2010), Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk XII , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_hawker_sea_hurricane_XII.html

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