Hercules Powered Hurricane
Just that. Having seen the fuselage frame of a Hurricane up close and in the nude, I don't think that bolting a radial of sufficent power to that would be something that Hawker would have considered. I know that the Tempest did something similar but the Tempest has a wider fuselage (if my memory isn't playing tricks). On a model, those differences are in the millimeter range and easily blended with putty and sanded down. It doesn't work like that on the full scale versions.
Edited to add.... I do like the tribute to the Dutch squadrons in the RAF, including the 'Princess Beatrix' name.
Edited to add.... I do like the tribute to the Dutch squadrons in the RAF, including the 'Princess Beatrix' name.
Last edited by Jhieminga; 24th Nov 2022 at 13:57.
Already discussed here: RAF Preference for in line engines vs radials in WW2
For the full range of fantasy types, see here under What-If Models: Airwar 1946
For the full range of fantasy types, see here under What-If Models: Airwar 1946
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
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Thought I had the Putnam Hawker book but it seems not...
Wiki certainly has no mention of any murmurings of a Hercules variant ever being considered. I'd agree that it's just a nicely executed kit bashing fantasy!
The one before is now flying as a two-seater from Headcorn...
Wiki certainly has no mention of any murmurings of a Hercules variant ever being considered. I'd agree that it's just a nicely executed kit bashing fantasy!
The one before is now flying as a two-seater from Headcorn...
To maintain an appropriate CG, the aft part of the cowling would have to have been slightly aft of the wing leading edge, giving an even more "pug-nosed" appearance than the DHC Beaver.
The reason for the Beaver's distinctive nose is for similar CG reasons. The originally proposed engine was the DH Gipsy Queen inline six-cylinder engine. When the Wasp Junior engine was used instead, due to its plentiful availability, it had to be mounted much closer to the cabin.
I realise it’s just a model but it’s far more pleasing to the eye than I imagined it would be.
Is it just me , or would it be P47-ish with the gear up?
Is it just me , or would it be P47-ish with the gear up?
Thread Starter
Plese fergiv th mispeling Hercules. Fast fingers, slow brain, as a near octogenarian I think I can get away with the excuse.
I was thinking perhaps the aircraft might have been a proposal if the Merlin came to be in short supply.
I was thinking perhaps the aircraft might have been a proposal if the Merlin came to be in short supply.
Like its brother in arms the Hurricane was designed around the Rolls V 12 engine that was to become the Merlin.
It worked because it combined power with low frontal drag and minimum weight for its output.
After sorting out the coolant leaks and head design it ended up as an amazing power plant and could be boosted for a huge increase in performance with the availability of high octane fuel.
However there was always the issue of its cooling system getting damaged that could put you out of the game, but as required for the Hurricane and Spitfire (home defence) its advantages outweighed the possibility of a return to base or force landing.
In the end what was required when came to matter was the ability to climb to height quickly deliver an attack and get back to base ready for another go. both our fighters could do this and only needed cannons to improve their killing ability.
It worked because it combined power with low frontal drag and minimum weight for its output.
After sorting out the coolant leaks and head design it ended up as an amazing power plant and could be boosted for a huge increase in performance with the availability of high octane fuel.
However there was always the issue of its cooling system getting damaged that could put you out of the game, but as required for the Hurricane and Spitfire (home defence) its advantages outweighed the possibility of a return to base or force landing.
In the end what was required when came to matter was the ability to climb to height quickly deliver an attack and get back to base ready for another go. both our fighters could do this and only needed cannons to improve their killing ability.
The Putnam book by Mason "HAWKER AIRCRAFT since 1920" says that they looked at putting several different engines in the Hurricane II in 1939 - the Griffon and Hercules are specifically mentioned (page 277) but the disruption to production from any mods would have been too great when there was an upgraded Merlin available
"the disruption to production from any mods would have been too great"
I hasten to add I meant MODIFICATIONS - not those wonderful, generous, far sighted folk who manage this board.....................
I hasten to add I meant MODIFICATIONS - not those wonderful, generous, far sighted folk who manage this board.....................
