The Hawker "Hurricane" A day fighter in the 1930s and 1940s, designed by the British aircraft manufacturer Hawker Aircraft Company, the "Hurricane" was one of the main fighters defending the British Isles during the early days of World War II. It played an important role during The Battle of Britain, mainly equipping the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and even the Soviet Air Force. Hurricanes were produced in large numbers, with over 14,000 produced from 1937 to 1944.