Could Sea Hurricanes fight effectively against Japanese Zero fighters?
Short answerThey would struggle in speed and turning contests but could be dangerous with diving attacks, cooperative tactics, and Royal Navy fighter direction.
NotesA Sea Hurricane could not out-turn or outpace a Zero in the Zero's preferred fight. Diving attacks and cooperative weave-style tactics would avoid a prolonged turning engagement. Royal Navy fighter direction could place the British aircraft where those tactics would work. Radar control and formation discipline are part of fighter capability, so performance figures alone do not settle the comparison.