Hawker Typhoon

Background
Originally envisioned as a replacement for the aging Hawker Hurricane, the Typhoon combined its predecessor design elements with more modern construction techniques, in an attempt to create an effective medium to high altitude interceptor. When the Battle of Britain began, the RAF pressed it into service in September 1941, less than two years after its first flight. The rush resulted in a slew of mechanical problems. Combined with the sub par performance against enemy fighters, the Typhoon was almost cancelled. However, after it proved to be fast enough to catch Fw 190s at low-altitudes, it was retained, and then transferred to long-range fighter and night-time intruder duties.

However, it began to shine when its original armament of twelve .303 Browning machine guns was modified by adding bombs, RP-3 ground attack rockets, and four 20mm Hispano cannons. The resulting ground attack aircraft was one of the most effective designs of the war. Over 3,300 units were produced before the plane was retired in late 1945.

Rocket variants

 * Typhoon AT Rocket (UK) (SD2)
 * Typhoon AT Rocket (Can)
 * Typhoon Medium Rockets (UK) (SD2)
 * Typhoon Medium Rockets (Can)

Bomber variants

 * Typhoon Mk.IB Light Bomber 110kg
 * Typhoon Medium Bomber (Can) (SD2)

Aircraft with similar roles

 * Republic P-47 Thunderbolt