13/11/2025
The term "Hurribomber" was an unofficial nickname for the Hawker Hurricane Mk II fighter aircraft (specifically the Mk IIB and IIC variants) when it was used in the ground attack, or fighter-bomber, role. This role change came after the Hurricane was outclassed as a pure air-superiority fighter by newer German aircraft like the Bf 109F following the Battle of Britain.
While initially designed as a fighter, the Mk II Hurricane was adapted for ground attack missions, particularly in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Far East, where its robust design and stable gun platform made it effective for close air support.
The Mk II series was powered by the more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engine, which improved performance over the Mk I but did not make it a match for the fastest enemy fighters at altitude. The key to the "Hurribomber" role was the introduction of a "universal wing" that could carry a variety of underwing stores.
The main "Hurribomber" variants were:
Hurricane Mk IIB: This version featured a wing armed with twelve 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns and could carry two 250 lb (113 kg) bombs, later increased to two 500 lb (227 kg) bombs, on underwing racks. It was effective against "soft" targets like trucks and infantry.
Hurricane Mk IIC: This widely produced variant was armed with four 20 mm Hispano cannons mounted in the wings and could also carry two 250 lb or 500 lb bombs, or later, eight 3-inch rocket projectiles. The cannons gave it significant firepower against a wider range of targets.
Hurricane Mk IID: This was a dedicated anti-tank variant, often referred to as the "tank buster" or "flying can opener". It carried two massive 40 mm Vickers Type S cannons in underwing pods, along with two .303 in machine guns used for aiming with tracer rounds.
The "Hurribomber" proved highly successful in its new role, especially in theaters where ground attack was a priority and enemy fighter opposition was less intense or could be countered by accompanying fighters (like the more nimble Spitfire, which took over the air superiority role). Its sturdy construction meant it could withstand significant damage and still return to base, making it a reliable workhorse for close air support operations throughout the middle and later stages of World War II.
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