Hawker Henley what-if

Let's make the Henley a success as a combat aircraft, 1939-45.

Make it a single seater, get rid of the silly little bomb bay, cut the wingspan down a bit, fit a wing mounted armament. Fit bomb racks under the wings and rename it something like Hurricane.

fastmongrel said:

Make it a single seater, get rid of the silly little bomb bay, cut the wingspan down a bit, fit a wing mounted armament. Fit bomb racks under the wings and rename it something like Hurricane.

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My favourite part of the Henley is the bomb bay. Could a squat torpedo fit in there? Like on the Grumman Avenger.

Admiral Beez said:

My favourite part of the Henley is the bomb bay. Could a squat torpedo fit in there? Like on the Grumman Avenger.

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No it was only about 6 feet (1.8m) long, 18 inches (0.45m) wide and 12 inches (0.30m) deep. It could only fit 2 x 250lb GP bombs. Thats why I said a silly little bomb bay it wouldnt have even been able to squeeze in a single 500lb GP bomb let alone any of the larger diameter Medium Capacity bombs that came along later.

Apparently it was a really nice aircraft to fly and was quite quick, it might have made a nice replacement for the Fulmar but by the time Naval equipment had been fitted I doubt it would have been dramatically better. If you want a Ground attack/Dive bomber (Henley didnt have dive brakes) aircraft then fit a Hurricane with a low altitude supercharger, dive brakes and armour it will be as good or better bomber and it will be much better able to look after itself.

Sea Henley for the RN.
Henley NF/intruder - radar, better engine than the classic Merlin III, dedicated radar operator, 8 LMGs/12 LMGs/cannons.
Henley TB - removed bomb bay doors, bomb bay extended back, higher tail wheel, alternatively a 2000 LB bomb.
Henley with a 2-stage Merlin; with Hercules.
For ASV job.

fastmongrel said:

No it was only about 6 feet (1.8m) long, 18 inches (0.45m) wide and 12 inches (0.30m) deep. It could only fit 2 x 250lb GP bombs.

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Hmmm..... that space could be used for fuel...or a synchronized 57mm Molins gun pod? But yes, I see your point on its lack of utility.