The Sea Fury traces its heritage to the Hawker Fury which itself, was an evolutionary successor to the successful Hawker Typhoon and Tempest fighters and fighter-bombers. The Fury was designed in 1942 by Sydney Camm (Hawker famous designer), to meet the RAF’s requirement for a lightweight Tempest II replacement. Developed as the "Tempest Light Fighter", it sufficiently impressed the Air Ministry such that it wrote Specification F.2/43 around the concept. Six prototypes were ordered; two were to be powered by Rolls Royce Griffon engines, two with Centaurus XXIIs, one with a Centaurus XII and one as a test structure. The first Fury flew on 1 September 1944 with a Centaurus XII powering a Rotol four-blade propeller. The second, on 27 November 1944, had a Griffon 85 and Rotol six-blade contra-rotating propeller. In 1943, the design was modified to meet a Royal Navy request (N.7/43) for a carrier-based fighter. Again, paralleling what US industry was doing, Boulton-Paul Aircraft would make the conversion for the FAA while Hawker continued work on the RAF design. The first Sea Fury prototype, SR661, flew on 21 February 1945, was powered by a Bristol Centaurus XII engine. This prototype had a "stinger"-type tailhook for arrested carrier landings and lacked folding wings. The second prototype, which flew on 12 October 1945, was powered by a Centaurus XV turning a new, five-bladed Rotol propeller and had folding wings.
The war ended as the Sea Fury was undergoing carrier trials. However, as the aircraft showed significant promise over the Seafire, work continued albeit at a reduced inventory. Boulton-Paul’s work was rtansfered back to Hawker and following further trials and modifications (especially to the tailhook – away from the "stinger" and to a swivel), the aircraft, now designated F.X (Fighter, Mark X) was cleared for carrier service in spring 1947. The Sea Fury began replacing the Seafire, eventually being assigned to Squadrons 736, 738, 759 and 778 of the FAA. Not long afterwards, the final, or definitive variant of the Sea Fury, the FB.11 (Fighter Bomber, Mark XI) was built. A total of 650 would be built and remain the FAA’s primary fighter-bomber until 1953 when it was replaced by the Hawker Sea Hawk and Supermarine Attacker.
General characteristics
• Crew: One • Length: 34 ft 8 in (10.6 m) • Wingspan: 38 ft 4¾ in (11.7 m) • Height: 16 ft 1 in (4.9 m) • Wing area: 280 ft² (26 m²) • Empty weight: 9,240 lb (4,190 kg) • Max takeoff weight: 12,500 lb (5,670 kg) • Powerplant: 1× Bristol Centaurus XVIIC 18-cylinder twin-row radial engine, 2,480 hp (1,850 kW)
Performance
• Maximum speed: 460 mph (740 km/h) at 18,000 ft (5,500 m) • Cruise speed: 390 mph (625 km/h) • Range: 700 mi (1,127 km) with internal fuel; 1,040 mi (1,675 km) with two drop tanks • Service ceiling: 35,800 ft (10,900 m) • Rate of climb: 30,000 ft (9,200 m) in 10.8 minutes • Wing loading: 44.6 lb/ft² (161.2 kg/m²) • Power/mass: 0.198 hp/lb (441 W/kg)
Armament
• Guns: 4 × 20 mm (.79 in) Hispano Mk V cannon • Rockets: 12× 3 in (76.2 mm) rockets or • Bombs: 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs
And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
It was also the fastest piston-engined fighter ever built. It is slick.
And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
miamiair wrote:It was also the fastest piston-engined fighter ever built. It is slick.
I always thought that honour went to the P-51?
Not a stock GI P-51. One of the racers held the record for a while, but for "combat", the Sea Fury was king.
And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
The Hawker Sea Fury Carrier borne fighter-bomber was the British Fleet Air Arm's last piston-engined fighter, developed during WWII it did not see service with the Fleet Air Arm until after the war. It was arguably the fastest piston powered aircraft ever manufactured.
And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
AndesSMF wrote:It looks a little more aerodynamic than the P-51.
The radial engine is a huge drag compared to the Mustang's inline engine sleekness. Not to mention the Mustang's lines are "narrower" and sleeker.
I am guessing they are so fast because of sheer power mixed with very good aerodynamics?
I've seen a CAF Sea Fury that used to come into OAK all the time. Although I give props to the extra prop and looks, the P51 is definitely more aerodynamic.
I don't have great pictures, but I'll post my Sea Fury photos. Its a beautiful bird.
