Classic Warplanes 5 Hawker Sea Fury

The Hawker Sea Fury was the ultimate expression of the piston-engine fighter: powerful, elegant and remarkably effective in combat. Entering service too late to participate in the Second World War, the Sea Fury nevertheless forged an impressive operational career with several air arms around the world, proving that propeller-driven fighters still had much to offer in the dawning jet age.

This bookazine explores the complete story of the Sea Fury in British, Australian and Dutch service. From its origins as a high-performance naval fighter for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, through its combat deployment during the Korean War, to its service in the Far East and Europe, every aspect of this remarkable aircraft is examined in detail. Discover how Sea Furies took on MiG-15s in combat, how Australian Sea Furies operated from aircraft carriers alongside Allied forces and how Dutch examples served during a turbulent period of post-war conflict in the East Indies.

Packed with rare photographs, detailed profiles and expert analysis, this publication charts the aircraft’s development, operational achievements and enduring legacy. Featuring accounts of the pilots who flew it and the engineers who maintained it, this is the definitive guide to one of the finest piston-engined fighters ever built and the last great naval fighter of its kind.