Hawker was a great aircraft company having produced the Hawker Hurricane that shot down more German aircraft during the Battle of Britain than did the Supermarine Spitfire.  The Hawker Sea Fury began design in 1942 but did not reach production until the war in Europe was coming to an end. Most of the original orders were canceled. During it’s development stage, various engines were install that included the Centaurus and Napier Sabre engines and even a Griffon 85 with counter rotating propeller.  Designer Sydney Camm proposed a light version of the Tempest and felt that he could design an aircraft that would meet the requirements of both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Corp. Primary difference would be folding wings for the Naval version and a tail hook.

The Sea Fury enjoyed sales all over the world and did see action in Korea but as all propeller aircraft, the transition to jets cut their careers short.

In the USA, a Sea Fury was fitted with wing tip smoke and did extensive work with the FAA studying vortexes generated and the effects they had on aircraft, particularly during take off.

If you have attended the Air Races in Reno, you will see many examples of the Sea Fury and many different modifications, the engine being the most common.  Famous Sea Fury’s like Dreadnought, and September Fury have become Unlimited Champions at Reno.