The dream of a passenger flight in a Hurricane has recently become reality, thanks to world-leading restorers of the type, Hawker Restorations. With its unique two-seat conversion taking to the skies earlier this year, Darren Harbar finds out more…
In 1946, Hawker Aircraft embarked on the design and production of a dedicated two-seat Hurricane trainer for the Imperial Iranian Air Force – although successful, just two were built. That said, neither machine or the associated design and production data survive, while very few photographs exist. However, nearly 75 years later a new two-seat, dual-control Hurricane graces the UK’s skies, thanks to the hard work and abilities of Suffolk-based Hawker Restorations (HR). What makes it even better is passengers will soon be able to fly in it.
Founded in 1987, Hawker Restorations has arguably become the world’s leading Hurricane expert (as well as Hawker design specialist, having returned a near dozen examples of the venerable type back to the air – including the Mk.Is R4118, V7497 and P3717. Consequently, it is easy to say HR was best placed to understand what would be needed and the challenges involved in building a modern twin-seat Hurricane. Following exte…
