Why did the RAF put so many resources into the Hurricane?

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Gentlemen,

While I do not know of any RAF squadrons that were able to choose the aircraft they wanted to fly, the 56th FG was able to lobby to keep their P-47's, while all the other 8th AF fighter groups converted to P-51's. The 474th FG was able to keep their P-38's even though the US TAC Air Forces wanted them to convert to a different aircraft. OTH, the 367th FG was unsuccessful in trying to keep their P-38's and converted to P-47's in February of 1945.

Perhaps, the success of the 56th with the P-47's was a factor in the decision. I believe the war in Europe was clearly ending when the 474th lobbied to keep their aircraft, and that may have been a factor.

So, at least in 2 cases, USAAF pilots/commanders were able to "choose" what they wanted to fly..

My 2 cents worth.

Eagledad
 

Agreed, but also if I'm not mistaken the 354th Pioneer Mustang Group of IX AF was ordered to switch from Mustangs to Thunderbolts in late '44 or early '45 for a short time but lobbied successfully to get the the P-51 back before VE day. I could be wrong though.
 
Yes, in business, its either a "I'm not going along with this" or "You shouldn't be doing this because you're wasting my time and the customer's money". Reorganisation and redundancy usually follow.
It depends on the company and the business, customer feedback in F1 is highly valued, generally they listen to the drivers.
 
These were expierenced pilots who had always flown the hurricane and appreicatied it's qualities, durabilty, stable gun platform ect.
My understanding has always been that those squadrons engaged in the BoB that operated Hurricanes and were offered Spitfires, quite understandably didn't want to change fighters during the battle.
 
My understanding has always been that those squadrons engaged in the BoB that operated Hurricanes and were offered Spitfires, quite understandably didn't want to change fighters during the battle.

But they wouldn't change types in mid-battle. Such squadrons would be withdrawn to a "rear area" such as Scotland for re-equipment and any necessary training. Squadrons were routinely rotated in and out of 11 Group for re-equipment and to train up new pilots.
 

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