The story
The Sea Fury was Hawker's last and fastest piston fighter, a 460 mph thoroughbred with a Bristol Centaurus radial and a five-blade propeller. It fought in Korea, where in August 1952 a flight of Sea Furies was credited with shooting down a MiG-15 jet. Several are still airworthy because they make superb air racers, and Sea Furies are regulars at the Reno Air Races.
On 8 August 1952 a Sea Fury flight from HMS Ocean was credited with downing a MiG-15 over Korea, one of very few piston-fighter victories over a jet. Who fired the decisive shots is still debated.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Sea Fury?
A huge five-blade propeller on a tightly cowled radial, a bubble canopy and a tall fin. Many are polished racers in bright colours rather than Navy grey.
What does a Sea Fury sound like?
An 18-cylinder sleeve-valve Centaurus: smoother and deeper than an American radial, with a five-blade prop whistle.
How fast is the Sea Fury?
Top speed is 400 kts.
How many people does the Sea Fury carry?
Typical configuration: Single pilot.
How far can the Sea Fury fly?
Range is about 678 nmi.
How big is the Sea Fury?
It is 34 ft 8 in long and 38 ft 5 in across the wings.
When did the Sea Fury first fly?
Its first flight was in 1945.
How many Sea Furys have been built?
864 built.
How rare is a Sea Fury in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Sea Fury catch is worth 250 points.
