Hawker Hurricane Mk I

The Hawker Hurricane Mk I was one of the key Royal Air Force fighters at the outset of World War II and the first of the RAF’s modern designs to feature a retractable undercarriage and enclosed cockpit. Although it was based on a largely traditional structure — a welded steel-tube frame covered with fabric — the aircraft successfully combined proven construction methods with contemporary aerodynamics. Early production variants were fitted with fabric-covered wings and a fixed-pitch two-blade wooden propeller, but these were soon replaced by metal wings, three-blade variable-pitch propellers (such as de Havilland and Rotol types), and minor equipment updates, including an additional access panel on the starboard side of the fuselage.

Power came from a Rolls-Royce Merlin II or III engine producing around 1,030–1,300 hp, giving the Hurricane a top speed of over 500 km/h (310 mph). The aircraft was simpler and cheaper to build and maintain than the Spitfire, which allowed the RAF to field large numbers quickly — a decisive advantage during the Battle of Britain in 1940. While the Spitfire took on the German fighters, it was the Hurricane that destroyed the majority of Luftwaffe bombers, forming the backbone of Britain’s air defence.

After the Battle of Britain, the Hurricane Mk I was gradually replaced by the improved Mk II version equipped with the more powerful Merlin XX engine, a longer fuselage, and heavier armament. Earlier Mk I aircraft were reassigned to fighter-bomber, coastal defence, and training duties. Despite being overshadowed by newer designs, the Hurricane Mk I remains an enduring symbol of RAF resilience and effectiveness during one of the most critical periods of the war.

This kit depicts three late-production Hurricane Mk I aircraft fitted with metal wings and a Rotol propeller (from Spitfire), manufactured by Gloster Aircraft between May and October 1940. The models are presented in camouflage schemes representing different periods of their service.

Arma Hobby proudly presents an all-new 1/48 scale model of the legendary Hawker Hurricane Mk I, the fighter aircraft that played a decisive role in the Battle of Britain and subsequent RAF campaigns worldwide.

Designed with completely new tooling for 2025, this kit delivers an unprecedented level of surface detail, accuracy, and build quality. The fuselage, wings, radiator, and propellers have been newly developed, while the finely detailed cockpit and clear parts – proven in the acclaimed Hurricane Mk IIb kit – ensure the highest standards of realism and precision.
Key features:

brand new tooling (2025) – fuselage, wings, radiator, and propellers,

highly detailed cockpit and canopy parts from the award-winning Hurricane Mk IIb,

finely rendered surface detail with panel lines and riveting,

historically accurate RAF markings included on high-quality decals,

engineering optimized for precise fit and enjoyable assembly,

quality equal to or exceeding the acclaimed Hurricane Mk IIb kit.

What’s in the box?

four plastic sprues (two entirely new)

detailed instruction in Polish and English – link

masks for canopy and wheels

code to download a 3D file with accessories – pilot’s seat with belts and exhaust pipes (maybe we’ll add more later)

Techmod decal sheet with four scheme options

Markings options:

Hurricane Mk I V6864/DT-A – S/Ldr Robert Stanford Tuck, No. 257 Squadron RAF, December 1940
Hurricane Mk I R4175 RF-R – Sgt Josef František, No. 303 Squadron RAF/PAF, August–October 1940

Hurricane Mk I P3090/W-8E – 760 Squadron FAA, RNAS Yeovilton, Summer 1942
Hurricane Mk I V6864/DT-A – S/Ldr Robert Stanford Tuck, No. 257 Squadron RAF, October 1940