The Sea Hurricane Mk. IB was a standard Hawker Hurricane modified for carrier operations. These modifications included an A-frame type arrester hook, catapult spools and some strengthening to withstand carrier operations. Folding wings were considered, but the additional weight, design time required and delivery time delays that would be incurred resulted in them not being provided. As a result only the older carriers could operate Sea Hurricanes and store them below deck. Consequently when operated from HMS Illustrious, Formidable or Victorious they were let on deck, exposed to the weather.
A total of 340 were converted, with the first delivered in January 1941, and the first operational squadron 880NAS embarking on HMS Furious in July 1941.
Silhouette of a Sea Hurricane going up by lift to the flight deck from inside the hangar on board HMS Argus Aug 1943Silhouette of a Sea Hurricane going up by lift to the flight deck from inside the hangar on board HMS Argus Aug 1943Silhouette of a Sea Hurricane going up by lift to the flight deck from inside the hangar on board HMS Argus Aug 1943Mechanics working on the planes inside the hangar aboard HMS Argus. Aug 43HMS Argus a Hawker Sea Hurricane fighter landing with the batsman seen on the right Aug 43HMS Argus a Hawker Sea Hurricane fighter landing with the batsman seen on the left Aug 43HMS Argus an aircraft handling party pushing back a Hawker Sea Hurricane which had just landed Aug 43A Hawker Sea Hurricane taking off from HMMS Argus. Aug 43A Hawker Sea Hurricane landing on, note the arrester hook HMS Argus Aug 1943Hawker Sea Hurricane seen caught in the nets by one wheel. (Note the rescue launch in the background). Aug 43Sea Hurricane Mk.IB landing aboard HMS Argus 15-17th Aug 1943Hawker Sea Hurricane IB about to land on HMS Argus.
Sea Hurricane on the Lift of HMS AvengerThe Flight Deck party ranging a Hawker Sea Hurricane on the flight deck of HMS Avenger 27 June 1940The Flight Deck party ranging a Hawker Sea Hurricane on the flight deck of HMS Avenger 27 June 1940Sea Hurricanes being refuelled on the flight deck of HMS Avenger A Hawker Sea Hurricane landing on HMS Avenger 27 June 1942A Hawker Sea Hurricane landing on HMS Avenger 27 June 1942A Hawker Sea Hurricane flying off HMS Avenger 27 June 1942A Hawker Sea Hurricane flying off HMS Avenger 27 June 1942
HMS Indomitable
Number 800 Naval Air Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm was equipped with Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk. IB fighters while operating from HMS Indomitable from June 1942.
Hawker Sea hurricane fighters on HMS IndomitableHawker Sea Hurricanes and Fairey Albacores on the flight deck of HMS Indomitable during a Malta convoyArming a Hawker Sea Hurricane fighter on board HMS Indomitable 12 August 1942A Hawker Sea Hurricane fighter taking off from HMS Indomitable 12 August 1942Sea Hurricanes return to the flight deck of HMS Indomitable after a patrolSea Hurricane Mk.IB 6J P5206 of 800 NAS HMS Indomitable Mediterranean 1941
HMS Victorious
885 NAS operated Hawker Sea Hurricanes from HMS Victorious from June 1942 until September 1942. During this time they provided cover for Russian Arctic convoys and supported Operation Pedestal.
Sea Hurricane Mk.IB aboard HMS Victorious prior to launch 25-27th Jun 1942Sea Hurricane Mk.IB 7T V7506 aboard HMS Victorious Malta convoy Operation Pedestal 22nd Aug 1942885NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.IB Red 7U being refueled aboard HMS Victorious885NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.IB passes over the deck of HMS Victorious885NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.IB passes over the deck of HMS Victorious885NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.IB landed aboard HMS Victorious885NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.IB aboard HMS Victorious 27th Jun 1942885 NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.IB aboard HMS Victorious 27th Jun 1942Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.IBs aboard HMS Victorious with USS Washington escorting a convoy to Russia 1-9th July 1942801 NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.IB 6G Z4550 with 885 NAS 7E aboard HMS Victorious
In North Africa
During the summer of 1941, Sea Hurricane equipped 806 NAS operated from North African bases as part of the RN Fighter Squadron in North Africa. From November they began to re-equipped with Fairey Fulmars.
806NAS Sea Hurricane Mk.I Z4932 based Aboukir-shot down by 4.JG27 Otto Schutz near Martuba 15th Jan 1942806NAS Sea Hurricane IB H-HP Z4245 Sidi-Barrani Egypt Sep 1941
Operating From Hednesford
Hawker Sea Hurricane airframes were used as teaching aids at RAF Hednesford, which was a training establishment for RAF and Fleet Air Arm mechanics.
Hawker Sea Hurricane with Fleet Air Arm Fitters at NAS Hednesford Staffordshire 16th Nov 1944
Operating From Yoeviton
Yoeviton was home to Number 1 Air Fighter Training School, which operated most FAA fighters including the Sea Hurricane.
Sea Hurricane Mk.IB N V6541 and S AE977 operating from Yeoviton UK Dec 1941Sea Hurricane Mk.IB N V6541 and S AE977 operating from Yeoviton UK Dec 1941Sea Hurricane Mk.IB N V6541 operating from Yeoviton UK Dec 1941Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.IB V7438 of 759 Sqn
