The Hawker Typhoon was a large, robust airplane designed around the powerful but unproven 2000-horsepower Sabre engine. It was also the first RAF fighter to be able to exceed 400 MPH in level flight. Initially, the Typhoon suffered numerous teething problems with its engine and had a flaw in its tail design that caused several crashes, leading to pilot distrust of the aircraft. Compared to the well-behaved Spitfires and Hurricanes, the Typhoon was difficult to handle, having a high wing loading and stalling speed. The Typhoon was initially employed as a low-altitude air-to-air fighter but its low rate of roll and lackluster maneuverability hindered it against German fighters. However, its speed and armament of four 20mm cannon made it useful for ground attack and it quickly replaced the Hurricane in this role. Its strong, thick wings proved adaptable to various loads and it was not long before it was carrying a thousand pound bomb under each wing. Late in 1943, it was adapted for firing rockets. It could carry up to sixteen but eight was a typical load with four under each wing. Its high wing-loading, a weakness in air combat, proved a blessing for low altitude fighter-bomber work, making the Typhoon a stable and effective strafer, bomber, and rocketeer. In that role, the Typhoon would serve valiantly until the end of the war.
TACTICS: You'll generally fly ground attack missions, but when facing enemy fighters you'll find the Typhoon an adequate (though not quite impressive) dogfighter. Speed and firepower are your advantages so you should fight in high-speed "slashing" attacks, extending away at high speed before reversing for another attack.
STRENGTHS: Heavy firepower. Your maneuverability is only average but your top speed is quite good, especially at low altitude. This helps get you in and out of danger at will. The Typhoon is also built very tough and it will take a lot of German bullets to bring you down.
