#hurricat

Battle No. 280, dated 13 September 1980. After Johnny was shot down over the Barents Sea a few weeks ago who could possibly be flying this blood-red Hurricane? Johnny Red cover by John Cooper. Treasury of British Comics.

'Fighters of the Fleet' from Warlord No. 284, 1 March 1980. The catapult launched Hawker Sea Hurricane or 'Hurricat' as they became known. Art by Ian Kennedy.

These fighters played starring roles in Convoy Pilot from Warlord's earlier years (see Warlord No. 23 posted earlier today) and also Battle's longest running strip Johnny Red.

Warlord No. 23, dated 1 March 1975. 'Convoy Pilot' cover by Jeff Bevan. This was a continuing strip featuring the catapult mounted Hurricanes (nicknamed Hurricats or Catafighters) of the Fleet Air Arm with art by Jim Watson.

Once launched the Hurricane couldn't land back on the ship and so the plane was often lost at sea when the pilot had to bale out. This also formed the basis of the long running strip Johnny Red, from a rival publisher. In that strip former RAF pilot Johnny Redburn takes the Hurricane after its pilot is killed when the ship is attacked.