View source for Hawker Typhoon

{{Short description|British single-seater fighter-bomber}}
{{About|the Second World War piston-powered fighter aircraft|the later jet-powered fighter aircraft|Eurofighter Typhoon}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{use British English|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = Typhoon
 |image= File:Typhoon rearming.jpg
 |image_caption= Typhoon Ib "Dirty Dora" of [[No. 175 Squadron RAF|175 Sqn.]] being armed with concrete practice bombs in late 1943 at [[RAF Colerne]], Wiltshire
 |aircraft_type = [[Fighter-bomber]]
 |national_origin = United Kingdom
 |manufacturer = [[Hawker Aircraft]]
 |builder= [[Gloster Aircraft Company]]
 |designer = [[Sydney Camm]]
 |first_flight = 24 February 1940
 |introduction = 11 September 1941
 |retired = October 1945
 |status =
 |primary_user = [[Royal Air Force]]
 |more_users = {{plainlist|
* [[Royal Canadian Air Force]]
* [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]]}}
 |produced = 1941–1945<!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
 |number_built = 3,317<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 165–166.</ref><ref>Thomas 2000, p. 28.</ref>
 |variants =
 |developed_into = [[Hawker Tempest]]
 |developed_from =
}}

The '''Hawker Typhoon''' was a British single-seat [[fighter-bomber]], produced by [[Hawker Aircraft]]. It was intended to be a medium-high altitude [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]], as a replacement for the [[Hawker Hurricane]], but several design problems were encountered and it never completely satisfied this requirement.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 16.">Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 16.</ref>

The Typhoon was originally designed to mount twelve [[.303 British|.303 inch (7.7 mm)]] [[M1919 Browning machine gun|Browning machine guns]] and be powered by the latest {{cvt|2,000|hp|kW}} engines. Its service introduction in mid-1941 was plagued with problems and for several months the aircraft faced a doubtful future.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 16."/> When the ''Luftwaffe'' brought the new [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]] into service in 1941, the Typhoon was the only RAF fighter capable of catching it at low altitudes; as a result it secured a new role as a low-altitude interceptor.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 35–36.</ref>

The Typhoon became established in roles such as night-time intruder and long-range fighter.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 34.</ref> From late 1942 the Typhoon was equipped with bombs, these bomb-carrying aircraft being nicknamed "Bomphoon" by the press.<ref name="typhandtemp">Reed, A and Beamont, R; ''Typhoon and Tempest at War''; (Allan, London; 1974.)</ref> From late 1943 [[RP-3]] rockets were added to its armoury. With those weapons and its four [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404|20&nbsp;mm Hispano]] autocannon, the Typhoon became one of the Second World War's most successful [[ground-attack aircraft]].<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 23–26.</ref>

==Design and development==

===Origins===
[[File:Typhoon prototype1.jpg|thumb|The unarmed first prototype Typhoon P5212 taken just before its first flight. The prototype had a small tail unit and a solid fairing behind the cockpit, which was fitted with "car door" access hatches]]
Even as Hurricane production began in March 1937, [[Sydney Camm]] embarked on designing its successor. Camm had contacted the [[Air Ministry]] and asked what projects Hawker could consider, number two on their list was a single-engined fighter.<ref name="ButtlerP14">Buttler, 2004 p14</ref> Two preliminary designs were similar and larger than the Hurricane. These later became known as the "N" and "R" (from the initial of the engine manufacturers), because they were designed for the newly developed [[Napier Sabre]] and [[Rolls-Royce Vulture]], engines respectively.<ref name="Mason 1991, p. 316">Mason 1991, p. 316.</ref> Both engines used 24 [[Cylinder (engine)|cylinder]]s and were designed for over {{convert|2,000|hp|kW|abbr=on}}; the difference between the two was primarily in the arrangement of the cylinders – an [[H engine|H-block]] in the Sabre, and an [[X engine|X-block]] in the Vulture.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 12.">Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 12.</ref> Hawker submitted these preliminary designs in July 1937, but were advised by the Director of Technical Development to wait until a formal specification for a new fighter to replace the Spitfire and Hurricane was issued. He also cautioned that while they liked the design, they did not think the wing would be stiff enough.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 12."/><ref name="ButtlerP14" />

In March 1938, Hawker received the complete [[List of Air Ministry Specifications#1930-1939|Specification F.18/37]] and invitation to tender for a fighter which would be able to achieve at least {{convert|400|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at {{convert|15000|ft|m}}, a ceiling of not less than 35,000 ft and specified a British engine with a [[Supercharger|two-speed supercharger]]. The armament fitted was to be twelve .303 inch (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns with 500 rounds per gun, with a provision for alternative combinations of weaponry.<ref>Meekcoms and Morgan 1994, p. 249.</ref> As well as Hawker, [[Gloster Aircraft Company|Gloster]], [[Supermarine]] and [[Bristol Aeroplane Company|Bristol]] submitted one or more designs each. Two prototypes of both the Type N and R were ordered on 3 March 1938<ref>Buttler 2004, pp. 13–14.</ref>   Camm and his design team started formal development of the designs and construction of prototypes.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 12." />{{refn|The "R" Tornado prototype, which flew before that of the Typhoon, could be identified by its ventral radiator unit and slightly rounder nose profile with a carburettor intake on top of the nose and two sets of exhaust stacks on either side of the engine cowling.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 12–13</ref>|group=nb}}

A contract for 500 Vulture and 500 Sabre engined fighters to F.9/37 was placed with Hawker on 10 July 1939. The official names 'Tornado' and 'Typhoon' were issued in August and December respectively.<ref name="ButtlerP15">Buttler, 2004 p15</ref>

The basic design of the Typhoon was a combination of traditional Hawker construction, as used in the earlier Hawker Hurricane, and more modern construction techniques; the front fuselage structure, from the engine mountings to the rear of the cockpit, was made up of bolted and welded [[duralumin]] or steel tubes covered with skin panels, while the rear fuselage was a flush-riveted, semi-[[monocoque]] structure.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 12."/>{{refn|The Typhoon and Tornado's forward fuselage structure was a refinement of techniques first developed by [[Fred Sigrist]] and Camm in 1925.<ref>Mason 1991, p. 15.</ref>|group=nb}} The forward fuselage and cockpit skinning was made up of large, removable duralumin panels, allowing easy external access to the engine and engine accessories and most of the important hydraulic and electrical equipment.<ref name="Bentley 1975, p. 545.">Bentley 1975, p. 545.</ref><ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 17.</ref>

The wing had a span of {{convert|41|ft|7|in|m|adj=off}}, with a wing area of {{cvt|279|sqft|m2}}.<ref>Mason 1991, p. 328.</ref> It was designed with a small amount of inverted [[gull wing]] bend; the inner sections had a 1° [[Dihedral (aircraft)#Anhedral|anhedral]], while the outer sections, attached just outboard of the undercarriage legs, had a [[Dihedral (aircraft)|dihedral]] of {{frac|5|1|2}}°.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 12."/> The airfoil was a [[NACA airfoil|NACA 22 wing section]], with a [[thickness-to-chord ratio]] of 19.5% at the root tapering to 12% at the tip.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 105.</ref>

The wing possessed great structural strength, provided plenty of room for fuel tanks and a heavy armament, while allowing the aircraft to be a steady gun platform.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 12, 15.</ref> Each of the inner wings incorporated two fuel tanks; the "main" tanks, housed in a bay outboard and to the rear of the main undercarriage bays, had a capacity of {{convert|40|impgal|L}}; while the "nose" tanks, built into the wing leading edges, forward of the main spar, had a capacity of {{convert|37|impgal|L}} each.<ref name="Bentley 1975, p. 545.">Bentley 1975, p. 545.</ref><ref>Air Ministry 1943/2004, p. 5.</ref> Also incorporated into the inner wings were inward-retracting [[landing gear]] with a wide track of 13&nbsp;ft {{frac|6|3|4}} in.<ref>Mason 1991, p. 329.</ref>

By contemporary standards, the new design's wing was very "thick", similar to the Hurricane before it. Although the Typhoon was expected to achieve over {{convert|400|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in level flight at 20,000&nbsp;ft, the thick wings created a large drag rise and prevented higher speeds than the 410&nbsp;mph at {{convert|20000|ft|m}} achieved in tests.<ref>Mason 1988, p. 13.</ref>{{refn|This was a phenomenon called [[compressibility]] and [[wave drag]].<ref>Bentley 1975, p. 540.</ref>|group=nb}} The climb rate and performance above that level was also considered disappointing.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 15.</ref> When the Typhoon was dived at speeds of over {{convert|500|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, the drag rise caused buffeting and trim changes. These [[High-speed flight|compressibility]] problems led to Camm designing the Typhoon II, later known as the [[Hawker Tempest|Tempest]], which used much thinner wings with a [[laminar flow]] airfoil.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 18, 105.</ref>

===Prototypes===
[[File:Typhoon 2nd prototype 1.jpg|thumb|The second prototype P5216 in the standard RAF camouflage of 1941, possibly with yellow undersurfaces. The retractable tailwheel and main wheels now had doors fitted. Six exhaust stubs and the later standardised four cannon armament were other changes from P5212.]]
The first flight of the first Typhoon prototype, ''P5212'', made by Hawker's Chief test Pilot [[Philip Lucas]] from [[Langley, Berkshire|Langley]], was delayed until 24 February 1940 because problems with the development of the Sabre engine meant a flight engine did not arrive until December 1939.<ref name="ButtlerP15" /> Although unarmed for its first flights, ''P5212'' later carried twelve .303 in (7.7&nbsp;mm) [[M1919 Browning machine gun|Brownings]], set in groups of six in each outer wing panel; this was the armament fitted to the first 110 Typhoons, known as the Typhoon IA.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 16."/>{{refn|Although the four cannon were the preferred armament there was a shortage of the Châtelleraut cannon feed mechanism. Some Typhoon IAs were later converted to IB standard.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 16."/>|group=nb}} ''P5212'' also had a small tail-fin, triple exhaust stubs and no wheel doors fitted to the centre-section.<ref name="Mason 1991, p. 316"/> On 9 May 1940 the prototype had a mid-air [[structural failure]], at the join between the forward fuselage and rear fuselage, just behind the pilot's seat. Philip Lucas could see daylight through the split but instead of bailing out, landed the Typhoon and was later awarded the [[George Medal]].<ref name="Thomas and Shores, p. 13">Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 13.</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=35156 |supp=y|page=2643|date=6 May 1941}}</ref>

On 15 May 1940, the [[Minister of Aircraft Production]], [[Lord Beaverbrook]], ordered that resources should be concentrated on the production of five main aircraft types: the Spitfire and Hurricane fighters and the [[Armstrong Whitworth Whitley]], [[Vickers Wellington]] and [[Bristol Blenheim]] bombers. As a result, development of the Typhoon was slowed, production plans were postponed and test flying continued at a reduced rate.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 13–14.</ref>

As a result of the delays the second prototype, ''P5216'', first flew on 3 May 1941: ''P5216'' carried an armament of four [[belt-fed]] [[20 mm caliber|20&nbsp;mm]] (0.79&nbsp;in) Hispano Mk II cannon, with 140 rounds per gun and was the prototype of the Typhoon IB series.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 16."/> Specification F.9/37 had been modified to include cannon armament as progress with the [[Westland Whirlwind (fighter)|Westland Whirlwind]] cannon fighter (to F.37/35) and [[Boulton Paul]]'s twin-engined turret fighter (F.11/37) with cannon was slow.<ref>Buttler 2004 p16</ref>

In the interim between construction of the first and second prototypes, the Air Ministry had given Hawker an instruction to proceed with the construction of 1,000 of the new fighters. It was felt that the Vulture engine was more promising, so the order covered 500 Tornadoes and 250 Typhoons, with the balance to be decided once the two had been compared.

It was also decided that because Hawker was concentrating on Hurricane production, the Tornado would be built by [[Avro]] and Gloster would build the Typhoons at [[Hucclecote]].<ref name="Thomas and Shores, p. 13" /> Avro and Gloster were aircraft companies within the [[Hawker Siddeley]] group. As a result of good progress by Gloster, the first production Typhoon ''R7576'' was first flown on 27 May 1941 by [[Michael Daunt]], just over three weeks after the second prototype.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 16." />

==Operational service==

===Low-level interceptor===
[[File:Pheloung 1.jpg|thumb|A Mark IB Typhoon ''US-A'' in April 1943. It was flown by [[Squadron Leader]] T.H.V Pheloung (New Zealand).<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988"/>{{refn|On 20 June 1943, Sqn Ldr Pheloung flying ''EK184'', ''US-C'', was hit by [[flak]] and crashed into the sea while attacking shipping.|group=nb}} An {{convert|18|in|mm|adj=mid|-wide}} yellow recognition stripe is visible on the upper wing.]]
In 1941, the [[Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin-powered variants)|Spitfire Mk Vs]], which equipped the bulk of Fighter Command squadrons, were outclassed by the new [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]] and suffered many losses. The Typhoon was rushed into service with Nos. [[No. 56 Squadron RAF|56]] and [[No. 609 Squadron RAF|609]] Squadrons in late 1941, to counter the Fw 190. This decision proved to be a disaster, as several Typhoons were lost for unknown reasons and the Air Ministry began to consider halting production of the type.{{Cn|date=March 2024}}

In August 1942, Hawker's second test pilot, Ken Seth-Smith, while deputising for Lucas, carried out a straight and level speed test from Hawker's test centre at Langley, and the aircraft broke up over Thorpe, killing the pilot. Sydney Camm and the design team immediately ruled out pilot error, which had been suspected in earlier crashes. Investigation revealed that the elevator mass-balance had torn away from the fuselage structure. Intense flutter developed, the structure failed and the tail broke away. Modification 286 to the structure and the control runs partially solved the structural problem. (The 1940 Philip Lucas test flight incident had been due to an unrelated failing.) Mod 286, which involved fastening external fishplates, or reinforcing plates, around the tail of the aircraft, and eventually internal strengthening, was only a partial remedy, and there were still failures right up to the end of the Typhoon's service life. The Sabre engine was also a constant source of problems, notably in colder weather, when it was very difficult to start, and it suffered problems with wear of its [[sleeve valve]]s, with consequently high oil consumption. The 24-cylinder engine also produced a very high-pitched engine note, which pilots found very fatiguing.{{Cn|date=March 2024}}

The Typhoon did not begin to mature as a reliable aircraft until the end of 1942, when its excellent qualities – seen from the start by S/L [[Roland Beamont]] of 609 Squadron – became apparent. Beamont had worked as a Hawker production test pilot while resting from operations, and had stayed with Seth-Smith, having his first flight in the aircraft at that time. During late 1942 and early 1943, the Typhoon squadrons were based on airfields near the south and south-east coasts of England and, alongside two squadrons with the [[Supermarine Spitfire (Griffon-powered variants)|Griffon-engined Spitfire XII]], countered the ''Luftwaffe''{{'}}s "tip and run" low-level nuisance raids, shooting down a score or more bomb-carrying Fw 190s. Typhoon squadrons kept at least one pair of aircraft on standing patrols over the south coast, with another pair kept at "readiness" (ready to take off within two minutes) throughout daylight hours. These sections of Typhoons flew at {{convert|500|ft}} or lower, with enough height to spot and then intercept the incoming enemy [[fighter-bomber]]s. The Typhoon finally proved itself in this role; for example, while flying patrols against these low-level raids, [[No. 486 Squadron RNZAF|486 (NZ) Squadron]] claimed 20 fighter-bombers, plus three bombers shot down, between mid-October 1942 and mid-July 1943.<ref>Sortehaug 1998, pp. 339–340.</ref>{{refn|486(NZ)Squadron started re-equipping with Typhoons in July 1942, initially using them as night fighters paired with [[Turbinlite]] searchlight equipped [[Douglas Havoc]] aircraft with radar. However, the Typhoon proved to be too fast for Turbinlite duties and 486 Sqn was quickly reassigned to the day fighter role.<ref>Sortehaug 1998, pp. 23, 30.</ref>|group=nb}}

The first two [[Messerschmitt Me 210]] fighter-bombers to be destroyed over the British Isles were shot down by Typhoons in August 1942.<ref>Ramsay 1990, 165.</ref> During a daylight raid by the ''Luftwaffe'' on London on 20 January 1943, four [[Messerschmitt Bf 109|Messerschmitt Bf 109G-4]]s and one Fw 190A-4 of [[JG 26]] were destroyed by Typhoons.<ref>Caldwell 2012, pp. 15–17.</ref> As soon as the aircraft entered service, it was apparent the profile of the Typhoon resembled a Fw 190 from some angles, which caused more than one [[friendly fire]] incident involving Allied anti-aircraft units and other fighters. This led to Typhoons first being marked up with all-white noses, and later with high visibility [[Invasion stripes#Hawker Typhoon|black and white stripes]] under the wings, a precursor of the markings applied to all Allied aircraft on D-Day.

===Switch to ground attack===
[[File:Hawker Typhoon.jpg|thumb|Typhoon JP736 of No 175 Squadron with black and white [[invasion stripes#Hawker Typhoon|identification stripes]] under the wings]]
By 1943, the RAF needed a [[Attack aircraft|ground attack]] fighter more than a "pure" fighter and the Typhoon was suited to the role (and less-suited to the pure fighter role than competing aircraft such as the Spitfire Mk IX). The powerful engine allowed the aircraft to carry a load of up to two {{convert|1,000|lb|kg}} bombs, equal to the [[light bomber]]s of only a few years earlier. The bomb-equipped aircraft were nicknamed "Bombphoons" and entered service with No. 181 Squadron, formed in September 1942.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 9.</ref>{{refn|The Typhoon's original bomb load of {{cvt|500|lb|kg}} was doubled and then doubled again.<ref>Gunston 1980, p. 102.</ref>|group=nb}}

From September 1943, Typhoons were also armed with four "60 lb" [[RP-3]] rockets under each wing.{{refn|A {{convert|6|in|mm|adj=mid|-diameter}}, {{convert|60|lb|kg|abbr=on}} [[high explosive]] warhead was the main version used on Typhoons. Also used was solid {{convert|25|lb|kg|abbr=on|adj=on}}, [[armour piercing]] warhead against ships|group=nb}} In October 1943, No. 181 Squadron made the first Typhoon rocket attacks. Although the rocket projectiles were inaccurate and took considerable skill to aim and allow for [[External_ballistics#Projectile/bullet_drop|ballistic drop]] after firing, "the sheer firepower of just one Typhoon was equivalent to a destroyer's broadside".{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} By the end of 1943, eighteen rocket-equipped Typhoon squadrons formed the basis of the RAF [[Second Tactical Air Force]] (2nd TAF) ground attack arm in Europe. In theory, the rocket rails and bomb-racks were interchangeable; in practice, to simplify supply, some 2nd TAF Typhoon squadrons (such as 198 Squadron) used the rockets only, while other squadrons were armed exclusively with bombs (this also allowed individual units to more finely hone their skills with their assigned weapons).<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 16.</ref>

By the [[Normandy landings]] in June 1944, 2 TAF had eighteen operational squadrons of Typhoon IBs, while [[RAF Fighter Command]] had a further nine.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 58.</ref> The aircraft proved itself to be the most effective RAF tactical strike aircraft, on interdiction raids against communications and transport targets deep in North Western Europe prior to the invasion and in direct support of the Allied ground forces after D-Day. A system of close liaison with the ground troops was set up by the RAF and army: RAF radio operators in vehicles equipped with [[VHF]] [[radio telegraphy]] (R/T) travelled with the troops close to the front line and called up Typhoons operating in a "[[Forward air control operations during World War II#Normandy landings|cab rank]]", which attacked the targets, marked for them by smoke shells fired by mortar or artillery, until they were destroyed.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 64.</ref>

[[File:Typhoon IBs 198 Sqn RAF at Plumetot July 1944.jpg|thumb|left|[[No. 198 Squadron RAF|198 Sqn.]] Typhoons on [[Advanced Landing Ground]] airfield B10/Plumetot, France, in July 1944. ''MN526'' TP-V has the larger Tempest tailplane and a four-bladed propeller.]]
Analysis of destroyed tanks after the Normandy battle showed a hit-rate for the air-fired rockets of only 4%.<ref name="Shores and Thomas 2005">Shores and Thomas 2005, pp. 240–250.</ref> In [[Operation Goodwood]] (18–21 July), the 2nd Tactical Air Force claimed 257 tanks destroyed.<ref group="nb">The 9th USAAF claimed a further 134 tanks</ref> A total of 222 were claimed by Typhoon pilots using rocket projectiles.<ref name="Mo07171">Moore 2007, p. 171.</ref> Once the area was secured, the British "Operational Research Section 2" analysts could confirm only ten out of the 456 knocked out German AFVs found in the area were attributable to Typhoons using rocket projectiles.<ref name="Mo07171"/><ref>Copp 2000, pp. 399–406.</ref>

At [[Mortain]], in the [[Falaise pocket]], a German counter-attack ([[Operation Luttich]]) that started on 7 August threatened [[Patton]]'s break-out from the beachhead; this counter-attack was repulsed by 2nd Tactical Air Force Typhoons and the 9th USAAF. During the course of the battle, pilots of the 2nd Tactical Air Force and 9th USAAF claimed to have destroyed a combined total of 252 tanks.<ref>Zetterling 2000, p. 38.</ref> Only 177 German tanks and assault guns participated in the battle and only 46 were lost – of which nine were verified as destroyed by Typhoons, four percent of the total claimed.<ref>Zetterling 2000, pp. 38, 52.</ref>

However, after-action studies at the time were based on random sampling of wrecks rather than exhaustive surveys,<ref>Operational Research in Northwest Europe, the Work of No. 2 Operational Research Section with 21 Army Group</ref>{{page needed|date=August 2022}} and the degree of overclaim attributed to Typhoon pilots as a result was statistically improbable in view of the far lower known level of overclaim by Allied pilots in air-to-air combat, where claims were if anything more likely to be mistaken.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} Allied and German witness accounts of Typhoon attacks on German armour indicate that RPs did kill tanks with fair probability. Horst Weber, an SS ''[[panzergrenadier]]'' serving with [[Kampfgruppe]] Knaust south of [[Arnhem]] in the later stages of [[Operation Market Garden]], recalled that, during a battle with British [[43rd Wessex Division]] on 23 September 1944, "We had four Tiger tanks and three Panther tanks&nbsp;... We were convinced that we would gain another victory here, that we would smash the enemy forces. But then Typhoons dropped these rockets on our tanks and shot all seven to bits. And we cried... We would see two black dots in the sky and that always meant rockets. Then the rockets would hit the tanks which would burn. The soldiers would come out all burnt and screaming with pain."<ref>Beevor 2019, p.302</ref> Stuart Hills, a tank commander, was in an armoured column that was ambushed by a Tiger tank on 2 August 1944. The air officer accompanying them called up four Typhoons off the cab-rank to attack the Tiger and Hills recorded “…the [Typhoons] came in, very low and with a tremendous roar. The second plane scored a direct hit and, when the smoke cleared, we could see the Tiger lying on its side minus its turret and with no sign of any survivors. It was an awesome display of firepower…”<ref>Hills 2003, p.121</ref>

The effect on the morale of German troops caught up in a Typhoon RP and cannon attack was decisive, with many tanks and vehicles being abandoned, in spite of superficial damage, such that, at Mortain, a signal from the German Army's Chief of Staff stated that the attack had been brought to a standstill by 13:00 "due to the employment of fighter-bombers by the enemy, and the absence of our own air-support".<ref>Thomas 2010, pp. 68–69.</ref> The 20&nbsp;mm cannon also destroyed a large number of (unarmoured) support vehicles, laden with fuel and ammunition for the armoured vehicles.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 68.</ref> On 10 July at Mortain, flying in support of the US 30th Infantry Division, Typhoons flew 294 sorties in the afternoon that day.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hallion |first1=Richard P. |title=The U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. Air Power Over the Normandy Beaches and Beyond |publisher=Air Force History and Museums Program |date=1994 |page=32 |isbn=9780160432057 |url=https://archive.org/details/D-Day1944/page/n33/mode/2up?q=mortain}}</ref> They engaged the German formations while the US 9th Air Force prevented German fighters from intervening. [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], the Supreme Allied Commander, said of the Typhoons; "The chief credit in smashing the enemy's spearhead, however, must go to the rocket-firing Typhoon aircraft of the Second Tactical Air Force&nbsp;... The result of the strafing was that the enemy attack was effectively brought to a halt, and a threat was turned into a great victory."<ref>Grey and Cox 2002, p. 105.</ref>

Another form of attack carried out by Typhoons was "Cloak and Dagger" operations, using intelligence sources to target German HQs. With medium bombers, 42 Typhoons [[RAF raid on La Caine (1944)|carried out an attack on 10 June]] against the headquarters of [[5th Panzer Army#Normandy|''Panzergruppe West'']] wounding the general, killing several staff officers and disrupting a planned counterattack against the Allied forces. One of the most effective of these was carried out on 24 October 1944, when 146 Typhoon Wing attacked a building in [[Dordrecht]], where senior members of the [[German 15th Army]] staff were meeting; 17 [[staff officer]]s and 36 other officers were killed and the operations of the 15th Army were adversely affected for some time afterwards.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 74.</ref>

[[File:3 in RP 60 pdr Loading On Typhoon.jpg|thumb|Armourers loading RP-3 rockets with 60 lb High Explosive heads onto steel Mk. I rails. The large hinged gun bay doors are open. The weathered Invasion stripes are on upper and lower wing surfaces, indicating this photo was taken some time in June 1944.]]
On 24 March 1945, over 400 Typhoons were sent on several sorties each, to suppress German [[anti-aircraft guns]] and Wehrmacht resistance to [[Operation Varsity]], the Allied airborne crossing of the Rhine that involved two full divisions of 16,600 troops and 1,770 gliders sent across the river. On 3 May 1945, the ''[[Cap Arcona]]'', the {{SS|Thielbek|1940|6}}, and the ''[[Deutschland IV|Deutschland]]'', large passenger ships in peacetime now in military service, were sunk in four attacks by RAF Hawker Typhoon 1Bs of [[No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group#No. 83 (Composite) Group|No. 83 Group RAF]], [[2nd Tactical Air Force]]: the first by [[No. 184 Squadron RAF|184 Squadron]], second by [[No. 198 Squadron RAF|198 Squadron]] led by [[Wing Commander]] [[John Robert Baldwin]], the third by [[No. 263 Squadron RAF|263 Squadron]] led by [[Squadron Leader]] Martin T. S. Rumbold and the fourth by [[No. 197 Squadron RAF|197 Squadron]] led by Squadron Leader K. J. Harding.<ref>[http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?30712 "Cap Arcona"]. ''wrecksite.eu.'' Retrieved 5 August 2008.</ref>

The top-scoring Typhoon [[Flying ace|ace]] was [[Group Captain]] J. R. Baldwin (609 Squadron and Commanding Officer 198 Squadron, 146 (Typhoon) Wing and 123 (Typhoon) Wing), who claimed 15 aircraft shot down from 1942 to 1944. Some 246 Axis aircraft were claimed by Typhoon pilots during the war.<ref>Thomas 1999</ref>

3,317 Typhoons were built, almost all by Gloster. Hawker developed what was originally an improved '''Typhoon II''', but the differences between it and the Mk I were so great that it was effectively a different aircraft, and was renamed the [[Hawker Tempest]]. Once the war in Europe was over Typhoons were quickly removed from front-line squadrons; by October 1945 the Typhoon was no longer in operational use, with many of the wartime Typhoon units such as 198 Squadron being either disbanded or renumbered.<ref>Thomas 2000, p. 24.</ref><ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 181.</ref>

===Captured Typhoons===
By 1943, with its change of role to ground attack, the Typhoon was constantly operating over enemy territory: inevitably some flyable examples fell into German hands. The first Typhoon to be flown by the ''Luftwaffe'' was ''EJ956'' SA-I of 486 (NZ) Sqn. On 23 March 1943, two aircraft flown by [[Flying officer|F/O]] Smith and [[Flight sergeant|F/S]] Mawson were on a "Rhubarb" over France.{{refn|A "Rhubarb" was a small scale attack on enemy ground targets of opportunity. Usually, these were undertaken by a section of two aircraft. Ideally, there would be a heavy cloud base at {{convert|2,000|–|3,000|ft|m|abbr=on}}; should fighter opposition be too heavy it would be possible to pull up into the cloud.|group=nb}} Just as they were crossing the coast at low altitude, Mawson's Typhoon was hit by light flak. He managed to belly-land in a field near Cany-Barville but the aircraft was captured before he could destroy it. The Typhoon was repaired and test flown at [[Rechlin]] a German equivalent to [[RAE Farnborough]], and later served as T9+GK with "[[Zirkus Rosarius]]". EJ956 overturned and was written off during a forced landing near Meckelfeld, on 10 August 1944.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988">Thomas and Shores 1988</ref><ref name="Sortehaug"/> On 14 February 1944, another Typhoon was captured and later flown in Zirkus Rosarius. JP548 of [[No. 174 Squadron RAF|174 Squadron]] force landed after engine failure near Blois, France; the pilot, F/O Proddow, evaded capture. This Typhoon crashed at Reinsehlen on 29 July 1944, killing Feldwebel Gold.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988"/>

==Modifications 1941–1945==
[[File:Typhoonnew.jpg|thumb|''EK286'', "Fiji V" a brand-new aircraft, at [[Hucclecote]] airfield, April 1943 with the cockpit "car-door" open. The construction of the aircraft was sponsored by the Morris Hedstrom Fiji company]]
As was usual with many front line Second World War RAF aircraft, the Typhoon was modified and updated regularly, so that a 1945 production example looked quite different from one built in 1941. In the last months of the war, a number of older aircraft were taken out of storage and overhauled, sometimes seeing active service for the first time; for example, R7771 was from one of the first production batches, built in 1942 with the car-door canopy and other early production features. This Typhoon was delivered to, and served on the [[Fighter Interception Unit]] in 1942.<ref>Mason 1991, p. 558.</ref> In February 1945 ''R7771'' was listed as being in front line service on [[No. 182 Squadron RAF|182 Sqn.]]; by then it was fitted with a clear-view "bubble" hood, rocket rails and other late series features.{{refn|''R7771'' is listed as being shot down by [[flak]] on 28 February 1945. [[Warrant Officer|W/O]] F. W. Cuthbertson was killed.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 209.</ref>|group=nb}}

===Carbon monoxide seepage===
The first problem encountered with the Typhoon after its entry into service was the seepage of [[carbon monoxide]] fumes into the cockpit. In an attempt to alleviate this, longer exhaust stubs were fitted in November 1941 ("Mod [modification] 239"), and at about the same time the port (left) cockpit doors were sealed. The Pilot's Notes for the Typhoon recommended that "Unless Mod. No. 239 has been embodied it is most important that oxygen be used ''at all times'' as a precaution against [[carbon monoxide poisoning]]."<ref>''Air Ministry'' 1943, p. 13.</ref> Despite the modifications, the problem was never entirely solved, and the standard procedure throughout the war was for Typhoon pilots to use oxygen from engine start-up to engine shut down.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 30.</ref> In addition to carbon monoxide seepage, pilots were experiencing unpleasantly high cockpit temperatures; eventually a ventilation tube helped alleviate, but did not solve the problem. In addition two small, rear opening vents were added below the port side radio hatch, just below the canopy.{{refn| In April 1943, [[F/L]] A. O. Moffet of the [[RAE Farnborough]] was attached to 486(NZ) Sqn in response to complaints about the overheated cockpits of the Typhoons. For a fortnight, "Moff" flew operationally with the unit. His tests showed that the cockpit temperatures could reach {{convert|135|F|C}}.<ref name ="Wheeler 1963">Wheeler 1963, pp. 80–86.</ref>|group=nb}}<ref name = "Sortehaug">Sortehaug 1998</ref>

===Tail===
A major problem, afflicting early production Typhoons in particular, was a series of structural failures leading to loss of the entire tail sections of some aircraft, mainly during high-speed dives. Eventually a combination of factors was identified, including harmonic vibration, which could quickly lead to metal fatigue, and a weak transport joint just forward of the horizontal tail unit. The loss of the tailplane of R7692 (having only 11 hours of flight recorded) on 11 August 1942, in the hands of an experienced test pilot (Seth-Smith), caused a major reassessment which concluded that the failure of the bracket holding the elevator mass balance [[bell crank]] linkage had allowed unrestrained flutter which led to structural failure of the fuselage at the transport joint.{{Cn|date=March 2024}}

Starting in September 1942, a steel strap was fitted internally across the rear fuselage transport joint, although this was soon superseded by Mod 286 (modification number 286), in which 20 alloy "fishplates" were riveted externally across the rear fuselage transport joint, while internally some of the rear fuselage frames were strengthened. This was a permanent measure designed to stop rear fuselage structural failures and was introduced on the production line from the 820th aircraft; between December 1942 and March 1943, all Typhoons without Mod 286 were taken out of service and modified. Modified balance weight assemblies were fitted from May 1943. Finally the entire unit was replaced with a redesigned assembly from August 1944.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 20.">Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 20.</ref>

Although these modifications reduced the numbers of Typhoons being lost due to tail assembly failure, towards the end of the Typhoon's life there were more tail failures, this time caused by a change to the undercarriage latch mechanism in late 1944; in high-speed flight the undercarriage fairings were pulled into the slipstream, creating an uneven airflow over the elevators and rudder resulting in tailplane and then rear fuselage structural failure.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 20."/> In total 25 aircraft were lost and 23 pilots killed due to tail failures.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 20."/>

===Canopy===
[[File:Hawker Typhoon 4 ExCC.jpg|thumb|Late model Typhoon of [[No. 440 Squadron RCAF|440 (RCAF) Squadron]]. Rows of five-gallon [[jerrycan]]s dominate the foreground]]
The Typhoon was first produced with forward-opening "car door" style<ref group=nb>Another aircraft with this sort of door was the [[Bell P-39 Airacobra]]</ref> cockpit doors (complete with wind-down windows), with a transparent "roof" hinged to open to the left. The first 162 Typhoons featured a built-up metal-skinned dorsal fairing behind the pilot's armoured headrest; the mast for the radio aerial protruded through the fairing.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 16, 29.</ref> From mid- to late 1941 the solid metal aft dorsal fairing was replaced with a transparent structure (later nicknamed "The Coffin Hood"),<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 20."/> the pilot's head armour plate was modified to a triangular shape and the side cut-outs were fitted with armoured glass; the first production Typhoon to be fitted with this new structure was ''R7803''. All earlier aircraft were quickly withdrawn and modified. From early 1942 a rear-view mirror was mounted in a perspex blister moulded into the later "car-door" canopy roofs. This modification was not very successful, because the mirror was subject to vibration.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 21.">Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 21.</ref> Despite the new canopy structure, the pilot's visibility was still restricted by the heavy frames and the clutter of equipment under the rear canopy; from August 1943, as an interim measure, pending the introduction of the new [[Bubble canopy|"bubble" canopy]] and cut-down dorsal fairing, the aerial mast and its associated bracing was removed and replaced with a whip aerial further back on the rear fuselage.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 10.</ref>

Starting in January 1943, ''R8809'' was used to test a new, clear, one piece sliding "bubble" canopy and its associated new windscreen structure which had slimmer frames which, together with the "cut-down" rear dorsal fairing, provided a far superior all-around field of view to the car-door type. From November 1943 all production aircraft, starting with ''JR333'', were to be so fitted.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 21."/><ref name="Bentley 1975, p. 542."/> However, the complex modifications required to the fuselage and a long lead time for new components to reach the production line meant that it took some time before the new canopy became standard. In order to have as many Typhoons of 2nd TAF fitted before "[[Operation Overlord]]" as possible, conversion kits were produced and used by Gloster, Hawker and Cunliffe-Owen to modify older Typhoons still fitted with the car-door canopy.<ref>Thomas 2009, pp. 10–11.</ref>{{refn|It is believed that the first modified Typhoon was ''R8843'' ''DJ-S'', flown by New Zealander [[Wing Commander]] [[Desmond J. Scott]], C/O of the [[Tangmere]] Wing from September 1943.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 52.</ref>|group=nb}}

===Long-range fighter and fighter-bomber===
[[File:Hawker Typhoon 3 ExCC.jpg|thumb|Early production Typhoon with 45-gallon drop tanks and unfaired cannon; the shallow gull shape of the wing can be seen in this view.]]
From early 1943 the wings were plumbed and adapted to carry cylindrical {{convert|45|impgal|adj=on|abbr=on}} [[drop tank]]s,{{refn|These same drop tanks used by the Hurricane from 1940.|group=nb}} increasing the Typhoon's range from {{convert|690|nmi|km}} to up to {{convert|1,090|nmi|km}}. This enabled Typhoons to range deep into France, the Netherlands and Belgium. Some units, such as 609 Squadron and [[No. 198 Squadron RAF|198 Squadron]], were able to achieve notable success in air combat and ground attack operations using these long-range Typhoons.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 25.">Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 25.</ref>

As production continued, the Typhoon's role changed from a low-level interceptor fighter to a fighter bomber. Racks capable of carrying {{convert|500|lb|adj=on}} bombs were fitted to the wings from October 1942 and were first used operationally by [[No. 181 Squadron RAF|181 Squadron]]. By mid-1943, all Typhoons off the production line were capable of carrying bombs. Bigger, solid rubber, grooved "anti-shimmy" tail wheel tyres were introduced in March 1943 on all Typhoons from the 1,001st production aircraft, ''EK238''. The new tyres helped to make heavier, bomb-laden Typhoons more manageable during ground manoeuvres. With the introduction of the bomb racks, small extensions were added to the cannon shell case ejector slots. These allowed the casings to drop clear of bombs or drop tanks suspended from the wing racks.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 23">Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 23.</ref> Because of the vulnerability of the Typhoon's [[Water cooling|liquid-cooled engine]] cooling system to ground fire, some {{convert|780|lb}} of armour was added, lining the sides and bottom of the cockpit and engine compartments, as well as the [[radiator (engine cooling)|radiator]] bath.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 11.</ref>

With the added weight of the bombs and armour, bigger [[brake discs]] were fitted to the main wheels. At first this only applied to "Bombphoons", but eventually all Typhoons used these brakes. After tests conducted in 1943, it was determined that the Typhoon was capable of carrying a {{convert|1000|lb|adj=on}} bomb under each wing. With the increased load, it was decided that the extra take-off performance conferred by a four-bladed propeller was an advantage. This led to the adoption of a four-bladed propeller unit (de Havilland or [[Rotol]]) from early 1944. Coinciding with the new propeller, it was also decided that the larger tailplanes of the [[Hawker Tempest]] were to be fitted when tests showed that they improved the handling characteristics of the Typhoon when carrying {{convert|1000|lb|adj=on}} bombs.<ref name="Bentley 1975, p. 542.">Bentley 1975, p. 542.</ref><ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 23, 24.</ref> Problems were experienced with oil seal leaks from the new propeller unit and a growing number of Typhoons were held in Maintenance Units (MUs) awaiting the arrival of new seals from the U.S. Some 200 Typhoons were manufactured with the new Tempest tails and the three-bladed propeller. A modification programme was inaugurated but it took several months before a majority of operational Typhoons had the four-bladed propeller and enlarged tailplane.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 15.</ref>{{refn|Early in its service life, the Typhoon airframe was prone to a high-frequency vibration while in flight, such that pilots reported that touching the cockpit walls was akin to receiving a mild electric shock.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 21, 23.</ref> Although not dangerous, it was uncomfortable, and a specially sprung seat was designed and fitted. With the introduction of the four-bladed propeller and larger tailplane it was found that not only was the performance and handling of the Typhoon enhanced, the vibration was much reduced.<ref name="Thos0912">Thomas 2010, p. 12.</ref>|group=nb}}

In June 1943, Hawker fitted a Typhoon with four steel "Mark I" rocket rails under each wing. Trials at the [[Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment]] (A & AEE) and [[Air Fighting Development Unit]] (AFDU) showed that the combination of the [[RP-3]] rocket and the stable, high-speed platform of the Typhoon was promising. Carrying the eight rails and rockets, it was found that the top speed was reduced by {{convert|38|mph|abbr=on}}, with no adverse handling effects. As a result, the Mk I rails and RP-3s were first fitted to production aircraft of [[No. 181 Squadron RAF|181 Squadron]] in October 1943.<ref>Thomas 2010, pp. 13, 46.</ref> At first attempts were made to arm Typhoons with either bombs or rockets depending on requirements but it was soon decided that squadrons would specialise. By [[D-Day]], the 2nd TAF was able to field 11 RP ("Rockphoon") Typhoon squadrons and seven "Bombphoon" squadrons.<ref>Thomas 2010, pp. 16, 58, 88–90.</ref>

Later in 1944, attempts were made to increase the firepower by "double banking" rockets on each rail, enabling the Typhoon to carry 16 rockets. The problems involved in operating Typhoons from 2nd TAF airstrips meant that this was not much used, although some Typhoons did fly operationally with 12 rockets, using double-banked rockets on the inner rails.<ref>Thomas 2000, p. 25.</ref> When extra range was required, Typhoons could also operate carrying a drop tank and two rockets outboard of the tank under each wing. From December 1944, aluminium "Mark III" rails, which weighed {{convert|240|lb}} per set, replaced the steel Mk Is, which weighed {{convert|480|lb}}.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 25-26.">Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 25–26.</ref>{{refn|Starting in June 1944, new production Typhoons had the landing light in the leading edge of the port wing, although most units of 2 TAF omitted this feature and faired over the opening with a metal panel, giving the appearance that all production Typhoons were manufactured without the lights.<ref>Thomas 2010, p. 20.</ref>|group=nb}}

In late 1943, Mk III IFF replaced the Mk I and the tailplane tip to fuselage [[Identification friend or foe]] (IFF) aerials were replaced by a "[[bayonet]]" aerial under the wing's centre section. A [[Beam Approach Beacon System]] (''Rebecca'') transponder unit was fitted in 1944, with the associated aerial appearing under the centre section.{{Cn|date=March 2024}}

Once Typhoons started operating from forward landing grounds in Normandy, it was found that the dust clouds stirred up by propeller wash consisted of over 80 percent of hard, abrasive material which was damaging the Sabre engines. The [[sleeve valve]]s in particular were subject to excessive wear and it was calculated that engines would last for three take-offs. As a result, a "dome deflector" was designed and manufactured at great speed by Napier, and within a week most Typhoons had been fitted with it. In operational service these mushroom-shaped [[air filter]]s, which became red hot, had a propensity for being blown off the air intake at high speed whenever a Sabre engine backfired. They were soon replaced by drum-shaped filters designed by the [[Royal Aircraft Establishment|RAE]] and Vokes. These had "[[cuckoo clock]]" doors in front, which swung open with the pressure changes caused by engine backfires. This standardised filter became Typhoon Mod.420.<ref name="Shores and Thomas 2008, p.602.">Shores and Thomas 2008, p. 602.</ref>

At the end of June 1944, a decision was taken to fit tropical air filters as standard, similar to those fitted to the three Typhoons which had been sent to North Africa in 1943. One thousand sets of the filters were to be manufactured and fitted to front line Typhoons as Mod. 421. It was estimated that these could be fitted to all Typhoons on the production lines by the end of September. Research shows that late Typhoons starting in the ''RB---'' series were fitted with the filters, as were some rebuilt aircraft from earlier production batches. Mod. 421 appeared as a streamlined rectangular "hump", just behind the main radiator fairing and between the inner wheel doors, where the [[carburetor|updraught carburettor]] intake was located.<ref name="Shores and Thomas 2008, p.602."/>

A small, elongated oval [[static port]] appeared on the rear starboard fuselage in late 1944. This was apparently used to more accurately measure the aircraft's altitude.

[[File:Hawker Typhoon ExCC.jpg|thumb|A late production Typhoon with full RP-3 armament, a mix of SAP/HE 60 lb warheads and HE fragmentation head.<ref>Thomas 2010, pp. 13–14.</ref>]]

One Typhoon, ''R8694'', was used by [[D. Napier & Son|Napier]] for trials with the more powerful Sabre IV, cooled using an annular radiator and driving a four-bladed propeller. The new engine and radiator arrangement required substantial modifications to the forward fuselage and engine bearer structures. Although a maximum speed of {{convert|452|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was claimed by Napier, it was decided that the modifications would not be worthwhile, mainly because of the promising development of the Tempest, and because the disruption to Typhoon production would not be sufficiently outweighed by any benefit achieved.<ref>Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 20–21.</ref><ref>[http://www.napierheritage.org.uk/spip.php?article100438 "Napier Power Heritage."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212123126/http://www.napierheritage.org.uk/spip.php?article100438 |date=12 February 2009 }} ''napierheritage.org.'' Retrieved: 31 July 2011.</ref>

===Sub-variants===
In 1943, one Typhoon, ''R7881'' was converted to a prototype night fighter (N.F. Mk. IB), fitted with [[aircraft interception radar]]  (A.I.) equipment, a special night-flying cockpit and other modifications.
Also in 1943, five Typhoons<ref group="nb">''R8889'', ''R8891'', ''R8925'', ''DN323'' and ''EJ906''</ref> were modified to "Tropical" standard by fitting of an air filter in a fairing behind the main radiator housing. Three<ref group="nb">''R8891'', ''DN323'' and ''EJ906''</ref> underwent trials in Egypt with [[No. 451 Squadron RAAF]], during 1943.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988"/>

The Typhoon FR IB was developed in early 1944 and was used as a tactical reconnaissance fighter. In this version the port inner cannon was removed and three (one forward-facing {{convert|14|in|mm|adj=on}} and two vertical five-inch) [[F24 camera]]s were carried in its place.{{refn|Pilots soon discovered that the aircraft yawed to the left when the cannon were fired because the recoil of the two cannon on the starboard wing was not properly balanced by the single cannon to port; as a result the starboard inner cannon was also removed from some aircraft.|group=nb}} Few FR IBs were built, and most served with [[No. 268 Squadron RAF|268 Squadron]], starting in July 1944. The aircraft was never popular with the pilots, who preferred the older [[North American P-51 Mustang|Mustang Is and IAs]], and the inherent engine and airframe vibrations meant that photos were invariably blurred. As a consequence of these problems, the FR IB was phased out in January 1945..{{Cn|date=March 2024}}

===Naval designs===
In 1941, as Blackburn's [[List of Air Ministry Specifications#1930-1939|specification N.11/40]] high performance base defence fighter (that was carrier transportable) was delayed, the Admiralty looked at navalised version of the Typhoon as an alternative. The Hawker P.1009 design modified for the purpose had a new centre section, extending the wingspan to over {{convert|45|ft|m|abbr=on}}, and thus increasing the wing area; the wings themselves were to be [[Folding wing|folding units]], which swung and folded parallel to the fuselage, with the leading edges pointing upwards, much as did the [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]. The rear fuselage was to be longer and a v-style [[arrestor hook]] and associated [[Aircraft catapult|catapult-launching]] gear was to be fitted. However it was not thought that the redesign and production would be any faster than proceeding with the N.11/40 and the Hawker "Sea Typhoon" submission was not taken up. The N.11/40, after changes to its role and Centaurus engine replacing the Sabre entered service postwar as the [[Blackburn Firebrand]].<ref>Buttler 2004 p. 173-175.</ref>

A Typhoon (''DW419'') was later allocated for carrier trials when the idea for using Typhoons (or Tempests) as carrier aircraft due to their stronger construction over the Seafires then in use came up in November 1942. ''DW419'' crashed in February 1943; by December the view was that the Typhoon was not suited to carrier use due to long take-off run and high stall speed.<ref>Buttler 2004 p. 175.</ref>

==Flight characteristics==
[[File:A Hawker Typhoon Mk IB of No. 486 Squadron RAF, 27 October 1943. CH11578.jpg|thumbnail|Hawker Typhoon Mk IB of No. 486 (NZ) Squadron in flight, in 1943]]
Flight Lieutenant Ken Trott flew Typhoons with 197 Squadron and recalled:

{{blockquote|Rather a large aircraft shall we say, for a single-engine fighter. Terrific power. Quite something to control. I liked it from the point of view of speed and being a very stable gun platform. You could come in on a target at 400 mph [{{cvt|400|mph|km/h|disp=out}}] and the thing was as steady as a rock.<ref name= "Darlow p. 49.">Darlow 2005, p. 49.</ref>}}

In early March 1943, at [[RAF Tangmere|Tangmere]], the then new Squadron Leader of 486 (NZ) Squadron, Des Scott, flew a Typhoon for the first time:

{{blockquote|She roared, screamed, groaned and whined, but apart from being rather heavy on the controls at high speeds she came through her tests with flying colours ... Applying a few degrees of flap we swung on down into the airfield approach, levelled out above the runway and softly eased down on to her two wheels, leaving her tail up until she dropped it of her own accord.

We were soon back in her bay by the dispersal hut, where I turned off the petrol supply cock. After a few moments she ran herself out and with a spit, sob and weary sigh, her great three-bladed propeller came to a stop. So that was it: I was drenched in perspiration and tired out...<ref name ="Scott 1983.">Scott 1983, pp. 15–17.</ref>}}

The performance limitations for speed were noted on the pilot's notes, published by the Air Ministry. [[Indicated airspeed]] for diving was set at {{convert|525|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. The Typhoon could, if needed, be flown at {{convert|300|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} with the cockpit "hood" open. Flight with undercarriage and flaps down could be made without incident, at the respective speeds of {{convert|210|and|155|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Owing to stability problems, when the aircraft was carrying bombs, the speed could not exceed {{cvt|400|mph|km/h}}.<ref>Air Ministry 1945, p. 26 (I A and I B notes).</ref>

Notes for the management of the fuel system stated that indicated airspeeds (IAS) in excess of {{convert|380|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} were not advisable when fitted with auxiliary drop tanks. Tanks were jettisoned at about {{convert|200|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, but in an emergency, a release at {{convert|350|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} was permitted. Tanks were to be ejected in straight and level flight only.<ref>Air Ministry 1945, p. 12 (I A and I B notes).</ref> General flying ability was positive. The maximum climbing rate was {{convert|185|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} up to {{convert|16000|ft|m|abbr=on}} reducing speed by {{convert|3|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} per {{convert|1000|ft|m|abbr=on}} above this mark. In stability terms, the aircraft was stable "directionally" and "laterally" but slightly unstable longitudinally, except at high speed, when it was just stable. [[Aileron]] control was light and effective up to maximum speed, but at very low speed response was sluggish, particularly when carrying ordnance. The elevator control was rather light and should not be used harshly. There was a tendency to "tighten up" in a looping aircraft. If "black out" conditions were accidentally induced in steep turns or aerobatics, the control column was to be pushed forward "firmly".<ref>''Air Ministry'' 1945, p. 18 (I A and I B notes).</ref>

Stalling speeds were quite low. The typical Typhoon trait, as with most aircraft at the time, was to drop a wing sharply with flaps either up or down. The stalling speeds varied. The various loads depended on external fittings. All-up weight plus two {{convert|500|lb|abbr=on}} bombs ({{cvt|12,155|lb|kg|disp=or}} in total) with flaps up could induce a stall at {{cvt|90|–|100|mph|km/h}}. With flaps down, stall was initiated at {{cvt|70|–|75|mph|km/h}}. Normal all-up weight ({{cvt|11,120|lb|kg|disp=or}}) would see stall at {{cvt|80–90|mph|km/h|abbr=values}} and {{cvt|65–70|mph|km/h}} respectively. With all ammunition and nearly all fuel expended ({{cvt|9,600|lb|kg|disp=or}}) stall occurred at {{cvt|75–80|mph|km/h|abbr=values}} and {{cvt|65–70|mph|km/h}}.<ref>''Air Ministry'' 1945, p. 19 (I A and I B notes).</ref>

==Operators==
{{Main|List of Hawker Typhoon operators}}
* {{Flag icon|AUS}} [[Australia]]
* {{Flag icon|Canada|1921}} [[Canada]]
* {{Flag icon|NZL}} [[New Zealand]]
* {{Flag icon|UK}} [[United Kingdom]]

==Surviving aircraft==
[[File:Hawker Typhoon at RAF Museum.jpg|thumb|upright=1.36|Hawker Typhoon ''MN235'' at the [[Royal Air Force Museum London]]; the only surviving Typhoon]]

Only one complete Hawker Typhoon still survives: [[United Kingdom military aircraft serials|serial number]] ''MN235''. Originally on display at the [[National Air and Space Museum]] (part of the [[Smithsonian Institution]]) in the United States, it was presented to the [[Royal Air Force Museum London]] in [[Hendon]], North London in commemoration of the RAF's 50th Anniversary in exchange for a Hawker Hurricane. The aircraft was on loan to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://casmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/whats-on/exhibition-hawker-typhoon.php |title=Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Exhibitions - Hawker Typhoon IB |access-date=18 December 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220181813/http://casmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/whats-on/exhibition-hawker-typhoon.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was briefly on show in the [[Battle of Britain Memorial Flight]] hangar at [[RAF Coningsby]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-coningsby/news/hawker-typhoon-arrives-at-raf-coningsby/|title=Hawker Typhoon arrives at RAF Coningsby {{!}} Royal Air Force|website=www.raf.mod.uk|language=en-gb|access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> but returned to the [[Royal Air Force Museum London]] in November 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/news/the-reconstruction-of-hawker-typhoon-mk-ib-mn235/|title=The Reconstruction of Hawker Typhoon Mk. IB MN235 {{!}} Royal Air Force Museum|newspaper=Raf Museum|language=en-gb|access-date=29 November 2018}}</ref>

Several other partial airframes are extant:
* Typhoon Ib ''EJ922'', previously privately owned,  bought by [[Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group]], UK, for incorporation into ''RB396''.<ref name="hawkertyphoon.com">{{cite web |url=https://hawkertyphoon.com/ |title=Home |website=hawkertyphoon.com}}</ref>
* Typhoon Ib ''JP843'', Typhoon Legacy Co. Ltd., Canada, undergoing long term airworthy restoration; formerly of the Roger Marley Collection<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.typhoonlegacy.com/ |title=Home |website=typhoonlegacy.com}}</ref>
* Typhoon Ia ''JR505'', Brian Barnes Collection, UK
* Typhoon Ib ''RB396''/G-TIFY, Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group, undergoing airworthy restoration by Airframe Assemblies on the [[Isle of Wight]] and the [[Aircraft Restoration Company]] at [[Duxford]]<ref name="hawkertyphoon.com"/>

An unidentified cockpit section is on display at the [[Imperial War Museum Duxford]], and another – the only known original "car door" example – is subject to a static restoration by the [[Jet Age Museum]] in [[Gloucester]].

[[File:Memorial Avion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.36|Hawker Typhoon replica on show at the [[Mémorial de Caen]], Normandy]]

A Hawker Typhoon replica on display at the [[Mémorial de Caen|''Mémorial de la Paix'']] at [[Caen]], France, was constructed using some original components.

===Memorial===
On 9 June 1994, in recognition of the aircraft and crew's role in the [[Invasion of Normandy|liberation of Normandy]], a Typhoon memorial was dedicated by Major M. Roland Heudier at [[Noyers-Bocage]], France. Also present at the ceremony were General Yves Paul Ezanno [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|DFC]] and bar and Squadron Leader Denis Sweeting, both former Squadron Leaders of [[No. 198 Squadron RAF]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090213034529/http://www.napierheritage.org.uk/spip.php?article100443 "Typhoon Memorial"]. ''napierheritage.org.'' Retrieved: 31 July 2011.</ref>

==Specifications (Typhoon Mk Ib)==
[[File:Hawker Typhoon.svg|thumb|3-view drawing of Hawker Typhoon]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Mason 1991 unless otherwise stated<ref>Mason 1991, pp. 328–329.</ref>
|prime units?=imp
<!--
General characteristics
-->
|crew=One
|length ft=31|length in=11.5
|length note={{refn|Late with 4-blade propeller. Early Typhoons were {{cvt|1.5|in}} shorter|group=nb}}
|span ft=41|span in=7
|height ft=15|height in=4
|height note={{refn|Late production; early Typhoons were {{cvt|14|ft|10|in}} high|group=nb}}
|wing area sqft=279
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 2219]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 2213]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=8840
|gross weight lb=11400
|max takeoff weight lb=13250
|max takeoff weight note=with two {{cvt|1000|lb}} bombs
<!--Powerplant-->
|eng1 number=1|eng1 name=[[Napier Sabre IIA]], IIB or IIC|eng1 type=H-24 liquid-cooled sleeve-valve piston engine|eng1 hp=2180
|eng1 note=<br />
::'''Sabre IIB:''' {{cvt|2200|hp}}
::'''Sabre IIC:''' {{cvt|2260|hp}}
|prop blade number=3 or 4
|prop name=[[de Havilland]] or [[Rotol]] constant-speed propeller
|prop dia ft=|prop dia in=
<!--Performance-->
|max speed mph=422
|max speed note=at {{cvt|12500|ft}} with Sabre IIA & 4-bladed propeller{{refn|The top speed of the Typhoon was reduced by some {{cvt|15|mph}} by the non-jettisonable rocket rails. Rockets and rails reduced the speed by {{cvt|38|mph}}.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 25-26."/>|group=nb}}
|stall speed mph=88
|range miles=510
|range note=with two {{cvt|500|lb}} bombs; {{cvt|690|mi}} "clean"; {{cvt|1090|mi}} with two {{cvt|45|impgal|l usgal}} drop tanks.<ref name="Thomas and Shores 1988, p. 25."/>
|ceiling ft=31800
|climb rate ftmin=2740
|climb rate note=F.S supercharger at 3,700 rpm and {{cvt|14300|ft}}
|wing loading lb/sqft=40.9
|power/mass={{cvt|0.20|hp/lb|kW/kg}}
<!--Armament-->
|guns=4 × {{cvt|20|mm|3}} [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404|Hispano Mk II cannon]]
|bombs=2 × {{cvt|500|lb}} or 2 × {{cvt|1000|lb}} bombs
|rockets= 8 × [[RP-3]] unguided air-to-ground rockets.
}}

==See also==
{{Aircontent
|related=
* [[Hawker Hurricane]]
* [[Hawker Tornado]]
* [[Hawker Tempest]]
* [[Hawker Sea Fury]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]]
* [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt]]
* [[Vought F4U Corsair]]
|lists=
* [[List of aircraft of the Royal Air Force]]
* [[List of aircraft of the United Kingdom in World War II]]
* [[List of aircraft of World War II]]
}}
* ''[[De Typhoon]]'', a Dutch newspaper (1944–1992) named for the plane

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=nb|35em}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|20em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|35em}}
* Air Ministry. ''Pilot's Notes for Typhoon Marks IA and IB; Sabre II or IIA engine'' (2nd edition). London: Crecy Publications, 2004. {{ISBN|0-85979-033-9}}.
* Beevor, Antony. ''Arnhem: The Battle for the Bridges, 1944''. London: Penguin Books, 2019. {{ISBN|978-0-670-91867-6}}
* Bentley, Arthur L. "Typhoon (article and drawings)." ''Scale Models Magazine'' Vol. 6, No. 74, November 1975.
* {{cite book |last= Buttler |first= Tony |series=British Secret Projects 3 |title= Fighters & Bombers 1935–1950 |location= Hinckley, UK |publisher= Midland Publishing |date=2004 |isbn=1-85780-179-2}}.
* Caldwell, Donald. ''JG26 Luftwaffe Fighter Wing War Diary: Volume Two: 1943–45''. Mechanicsburg, PA, USA: Stackpole Books, 2012. {{ISBN|978-0-8117-1147-0}}
* Copp, T. ''Montgomery's Scientists: Operational Research in Northwest Europe: The Work of No. 2 Operational Research Section with 21 Amy Group June 1944 to July 1945 ''. Ontario, Canada: The Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies, 2000. {{ISBN|0-9697955-9-9}}
* Darlow, Stephen. ''Victory Fighters: The Veterans' Story''. London: Bounty Books, 2005. {{ISBN|978-0-7537-1559-8}}.
* Grey, Peter and Sebastian Cox. ''Air Power: Turning Points from Kittyhawk to Kosovo''. London: Frank Class Publishers, 2002. {{ISBN|0-7146-8257-8}}.
* Hills, Stuart. ''By Tank Into Normandy''. London: Orion Books, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0-3043-6640-8}}.
* Mason, Francis K. ''Hawker Aircraft Since 1920'' (3rd revised edition). London: Putnam, 1991. {{ISBN|0-85177-839-9}}.
* Mason, Francis K. ''The Hawker Typhoon and Tempest''. London: Aston Publications, 1988. {{ISBN|0-946627-19-3}}.
* Meekcoms, K. J and E. B Morgan. ''The British Aircraft Specifications File''. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd., 1994. {{ISBN|0-85130-220-3}}
* Moore, Perry. ''Operation Goodwood, July 1944: A Corridor of Death''. Solihull, UK: Helion & Company Ltd, 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-87462-273-4}}.
* Ramsay, Winston G. (ed). ''The Blitz Then and Now Volume 3: May 1941 – May 1945''. London: Battle of Britain Prints International Limited, 1990. {{ISBN|0-900913-58-4}}
* Scott, Desmond. ''Typhoon Pilot''. London: Leo Cooper, 1992. {{ISBN|0-436-44428-3}}.
* Shores, Christopher and Chris Thomas. ''Second Tactical Air Force Volume One. Spartan to Normandy, June 1943 to June 1944''. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Publishing Ltd., 2004. {{ISBN|1-903223-40-7}}.
* Shores, Christopher and Chris Thomas. ''Second Tactical Air Force Volume Two. Breakout to Bodenplatte, July 1944 to January 1945''. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Publishing Ltd., 2005. {{ISBN|1-903223-41-5}}.
* Shores, Christopher and Chris Thomas. ''Second Tactical Air Force Volume Three. From the Rhine to Victory, January to May 1945''. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Publishing Ltd., 2006. {{ISBN|1-903223-60-1}}.
* Shores, Christopher and Chris Thomas. ''Second Tactical Air Force Volume Four. Squadrons, Camouflage and Markings, Weapons and Tactics.'' Hersham, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan Publishing Ltd., 2008. {{ISBN|1-906537-01-1}}
* Sortehaug, Paul. ''The Wild Winds, The History of Number 486 RNZAF Fighter Squadron with the RAF''. Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago University Press, 1998. {{ISBN|1-877139-09-2}}.
* Thomas, Chris. ''Hawker Typhoon'' (Warpaint Series No. 5). Husborne Crawley, Bedfordshire, UK: Hall Park Books Ltd., 2000. No ISBN
* Thomas, Chris. ''Typhoon Wings of 2nd TAF 1943–45'' (Combat Aircraft No. 86). Botley, Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2010. {{ISBN|978-1-84603-973-7}}.
* Thomas, Chris. ''Typhoon and Tempest Aces of World War 2'' (Aircraft of the Aces No. 27). Botley, Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85532-779-1}}.
* Thomas, Chris and Christopher Shores. ''The Typhoon and Tempest Story''. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1988. {{ISBN|0-85368-878-8}}.
* Zetterling, Niklas. ''Normandy 1944: German Military Organization, Military Power and Organizational Effectiveness''. Canada: J.J. Fedorwicz Publishing Inc., 2000. {{ISBN|978-0-92199-156-4}}.
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* Badsey, Stephen. ''Normandy 1944: Allied Landings and Breakout'' (Campaign). London: Osprey Military, 1990. {{ISBN|978-0-85045-921-0}}.
* {{cite journal |last1=Bone |first1=Matt |title=Hell's Teeth: The Hawker Typhoon & the RP-3 Rocket Projectile|journal=The Aviation Historian |date=October 2022 |issue=41 |pages=38–47 |issn=2051-1930}}
* Clarke, R.M. ''Hawker Typhoon Portfolio''. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books Ltd., 1987. {{ISBN|1-869826-17-5}}.
* Darling, Kev. ''Hawker Typhoon, Tempest and Sea Fury''. Ramsgate, Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK: The Crowood Press Ltd., 2003. {{ISBN|1-86126-620-0}}.
* Franks, Norman L.R.'' Royal Air Force Losses of the Second World War. Volume 2. Operational Losses: Aircraft and crews 1942–1943''. Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK: Midland Publishing Limited, 1998. {{ISBN|1-85780-075-3}}.
* Franks, Norman L.R. ''Royal Air Force Losses of the Second World War. Volume 3. Operational Losses: Aircraft and crews 1944–1945 (Incorporating Air Defence Great Britain and 2nd TAF)''. Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK: Midland Publishing Limited, 1998. {{ISBN|1-85780-093-1}}.
* Halliday, Hugh A. ''Typhoon and Tempest: the Canadian Story''. Charlottesville, Virginia: Howell Press, 2000. {{ISBN|0-921022-06-9}}.
* Hannah, Donald. ''Hawker FlyPast Reference Library''. Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK: Key Publishing Ltd., 1982. {{ISBN|0-946219-01-X}}.
* James, Derek N. ''Hawker, an Aircraft Album No. 5''. New York: Arco Publishing Company, 1973. {{ISBN|0-668-02699-5}}. (First published in the UK by Ian Allan in 1972.)
* Mason, Francis K. "The Hawker Typhoon." ''Aircraft in Profile, Volume 4''. Windsor, Berkshire, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1966. {{ISBN|978-0-85383-013-9}}.
* Rawlings, John D.R. ''Fighter Squadrons of the RAF and their Aircraft''. Somerton, UK: Crecy Books, 1993. {{ISBN|0-947554-24-6}}.
* Reed, Arthur and Roland Beamont. ''Typhoon and Tempest at War''. Shepperton, Surrey, UK: Ian Allan, 1974. {{ISBN|0-7110-0542-7}}.
* Rimell, Ken. ''Through the Lens: The Typhoon at War, A Pictorial Tribute''. Storrington, West Sussex, UK: Historic Military Press, 2002. {{ISBN|1-901313-14-X}}.
* Scutts, Jerry. ''Typhoon/Tempest in Action'' (Aircraft in Action series, No. 102). Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1990. {{ISBN|978-0-89747-232-6}}.
* Shores, Christopher. ''Ground Attack Aircraft of World War Two''. London: Macdonald and Jane's, 1977. {{ISBN|0-356-08338-1}}.
* Thomas, Chris and Mister Kit. ''Hawker Typhoon''(in French). Paris, France: Éditions Atlas, 1980. No ISBN.
* Townshend Bickers, Richard. ''Hawker Typhoon: The Combat History''. Ramsgate, Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK: The Crowood Press Ltd., 1999. {{ISBN|1-85310-908-8}}.
* [http://www.dukevideo.com/General-Interest/DVD/Aviation/Plane-Profiles/Typhoon-at-War--WW2--the-Raf-Collection--DVD.aspx ''Typhoon at War'' DVD, IWM footage.]
* Wilbeck, C.W. ''Sledgehammers: Strengths and Flaws of Tiger Tank Battalions in World War II.'' Bedford, Pennsylvania: The Aberjona Press, 2004. {{ISBN|978-0-97176-502-3}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160328190739/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/137squadron.cfm Official 137 Squadron Detail]
* [http://www.197typhoon.org.uk/index.htm 197 Typhoon Squadron Homepage]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233739/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/198squadron.cfm 198 Squadron Official]
* [http://www.thisisme.ca/439squadron/Toocon.htm The Unofficial Homepage of 439 Tiger Squadron]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110509001433/http://www.flightglobal.com/imagearchive/Gallery.aspx?GalleryName=Photo%20Archive%2F1939-1945&pagenumber=24 Photo archive of Typhoons]
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1944/1944%20-%200121.html "The Hawker Typhoon"] a 1944 ''Flight'' article
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1944/1944%20-%200748.html Flying the Typhoon Flight 13 April 1944]
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1944/1944%20-%200121.html The Hawker Typhoon Poulsen, C. M., 20 January 1944 Flight]
* [http://www.hawker-typhoon.com Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group website regarding RB396 restoration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114065143/http://hawker-typhoon.com/ |date=14 November 2020 }}

{{Hawker Aircraft aircraft}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1940s British fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Hawker aircraft|Typhoon]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1940]]
[[Category:1940s British attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]