British WWII's fighters

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de Havilland D.H.103 Hornet

High-performance twin-engined fighter, based on Mosquito experience. The Hornet was a single-seater, and smaller than the Mosquito. The contruction incorporated metal underwing surfaces, and it had handed engines to elminate torque. Hornets remained in service until 1955 because the Hornet had a better range than jet fighters. 60 RAF aircraft ordered (F.1), 77 RN Sea Hornet F.Mk 20s and 78 NF.Mk 21. None saw action in WW2.

General characteristics Hornet F Mk.3
Primary function	Long range fighter/bomber
Power plant	Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 130/131 inline piston engines
Thrust	2,070 HP		1,544 kW
Wingspan	45 ft		13.72 m
Length	36.7 ft		11.18 m
Height	14.2 ft		4.32 m
Wingarea	361 sq ft		33.54 sq m
Weight	empty	12,880 lb	5,842 kg
	max.	20,900 lb	9,480 kg
Speed	472 mph		759 km/h
Ceiling	35,000 ft		10,670 m
Range	2,503 mi		4,028 km
Armament	4x 20 mm cannon, 907 kg bomb
Crew	One
First flight	28.7.1944
Date deployed	1944
Number built	215

Jirka Wagner