Hurricane R4118: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration of a Great Battle of Britain Survivor
A fascinating account of the only airworthy Hawker Hurricane, “now regarded as the most historic British aircraft to survive in flying condition from WW2” (FLYER).

In 1982 when he was traveling in India, Peter Vacher stumbled on the remains of a British plane—a Hurricane Mark I, a veteran of the Battle of Britain. It was in a dreadful state. Could he restore it? Would it fly again?

Not until 14 years later did he decide to act and after six years of wrangling he got the icon home. Then the truly difficult process of restoration began—a worldwide search for parts, careful reconstruction, flight testing—-until in 2005 it flew again to the delight of thousands of enthusiasts.

Along the way Peter reunited three auspicious veterans—Peter Thompson, Bunny Currant, and Bob Foster—with R4118, men who had flown her during the war. To this day, the aircraft’s grace and splendor in flight is enjoyed by crowds across the UK.

“The amazing story of how this only surviving Hurricane from the Battle of Britain was discovered and lovingly restored.” —The Mail on Sunday
1115144634
Hurricane R4118: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration of a Great Battle of Britain Survivor
A fascinating account of the only airworthy Hawker Hurricane, “now regarded as the most historic British aircraft to survive in flying condition from WW2” (FLYER).

In 1982 when he was traveling in India, Peter Vacher stumbled on the remains of a British plane—a Hurricane Mark I, a veteran of the Battle of Britain. It was in a dreadful state. Could he restore it? Would it fly again?

Not until 14 years later did he decide to act and after six years of wrangling he got the icon home. Then the truly difficult process of restoration began—a worldwide search for parts, careful reconstruction, flight testing—-until in 2005 it flew again to the delight of thousands of enthusiasts.

Along the way Peter reunited three auspicious veterans—Peter Thompson, Bunny Currant, and Bob Foster—with R4118, men who had flown her during the war. To this day, the aircraft’s grace and splendor in flight is enjoyed by crowds across the UK.

“The amazing story of how this only surviving Hurricane from the Battle of Britain was discovered and lovingly restored.” —The Mail on Sunday
13.49 In Stock
Hurricane R4118: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration of a Great Battle of Britain Survivor

Hurricane R4118: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration of a Great Battle of Britain Survivor

by Peter Vacher, Bob Foster
Hurricane R4118: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration of a Great Battle of Britain Survivor

Hurricane R4118: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration of a Great Battle of Britain Survivor

by Peter Vacher, Bob Foster

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Overview

A fascinating account of the only airworthy Hawker Hurricane, “now regarded as the most historic British aircraft to survive in flying condition from WW2” (FLYER).

In 1982 when he was traveling in India, Peter Vacher stumbled on the remains of a British plane—a Hurricane Mark I, a veteran of the Battle of Britain. It was in a dreadful state. Could he restore it? Would it fly again?

Not until 14 years later did he decide to act and after six years of wrangling he got the icon home. Then the truly difficult process of restoration began—a worldwide search for parts, careful reconstruction, flight testing—-until in 2005 it flew again to the delight of thousands of enthusiasts.

Along the way Peter reunited three auspicious veterans—Peter Thompson, Bunny Currant, and Bob Foster—with R4118, men who had flown her during the war. To this day, the aircraft’s grace and splendor in flight is enjoyed by crowds across the UK.

“The amazing story of how this only surviving Hurricane from the Battle of Britain was discovered and lovingly restored.” —The Mail on Sunday

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781909166394
Publisher: Grub Street
Publication date: 02/12/2021
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 160
File size: 21 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Peter Vacher is the noted author of Hurricane R4118. He was born in London during the Blitz and was educated at Marlborough College.

Table of Contents

Foreword 6

An Appreciation 7

Acknowledgements 8

A Twinkle in the Eye 11

Part I Rescuing a Hero

Chapter 1 That's not a Spit, that's a Hurricane! 15

Chapter 2 Negotiations Start 20

Chapter 3 Unwelcome Publicity 24

Chapter 4 Monsoon 31

Chapter 5 Frustration 36

Chapter 6 Home at Last 41

Chapter 7 The Battle of Britain 45

Chapter 8 Accident Prone 69

Chapter 9 A Passage to India 79

Part II Restoration and Flight

Chapter 10 The Strip 86

Chapter 11 The Search 95

Chapter 12 Reconstruction 102

Chapter 13 The Rolls-Royce Merlin III 115

Chapter 14 Into the Air 123

Epilogue 132

The Great Day 134

Appendix I Camouflage and Markings 137

Appendix II Movement Card Form 78 143

Appendix III Operational Records with 605 and 111 Squadrons 145

Appendix IV Engine History 152

Appendix V Hawker Modifications 155

Appendix VI Operational Aircraft during the Battle of Britain 157

Index 159

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