Q&A · 2:37:36-2:37:44

Why the Hurricane accepted early 20 mm cannon more readily

The Hurricane's thicker wing made early cannon installations easier to accommodate.

20 mm Cannon Aircraft Armament Hawker Hurricane Supermarine Spitfire

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Question

Did Hurricanes have more success than Spitfires with early wing-mounted 20 mm cannon?

Short answer

Yes: the Hurricane's thicker wing made the cannon installation easier to accommodate.

Notes

The Hurricane had greater success with early wing-mounted cannon because its thicker wing made the installation easier to accommodate. The comparison with the Spitfire turns on the space available within the wing.