RAF-in-Combat's Squadrons #43: Hawker Typhoon

The latest in RAF-in-Combat's series on WWII RAF squadrons concentrates on the use of the Hawker Typhoon by the Rhodesia Squadrons. These were among the first to operate the type. Envisioned as the next best thing in fighter aircraft and one hoped to be superior to the FW-190. The 190 was running rings around the mainstay British fighter of the time, the Spitfire V. Well, the Typhoon was a good match for the 190, but had poor high altitude performance. It was also plagued with teething troubles from its engine and the fact that it had a weak empennage which would shed itself every once in a while was not a real morale booster.

As is often the case, the type found itself to be a superb fighter bomber. It was a steady gun platform and had the wing strength needed to carry rockets and their fairly large rails. It was feared by ground troops due to its incredible firepower and was widely used by the 2nd TAF. Post war the type rapidly disappeared as it was simply not needed, the Tempest taking over its duties.

This edition covers the operation of the Typhoon by two squadrons, 245 and 266 squadrons (Rhodesia). Both had a fairly long association with the type with 266 Squadron having a better air to air record of the two due to operating the aircraft for a longer period of time.

This book follows the usual format  with a brief history of the type then the more extensive history of the units themselves. There's the usual information on victory and tables of losses as well as some great period photos and the usual number of superb full color profiles of aircraft used by these units.

Thanks to all the well done research and choice of illustrations, it makes for a superb addition to the series and its reasonable price is one that should appeal to many. These do make for great references for the fans of the RAF. I fully expect there to be more volumes on Typhoon squadrons as time goes on.

March 2021

Copyright ModelingMadness.com. All rights reserved.

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles. You can get this one at this link. These are also available on Amazon.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

Back to the Book Index

Back to the Main Page