The Hurricane is one of the most renowned aircraft of the Second World War and was distinguished for its robust construction. The Hurricane started a new era of British aircraft building. The prototype made its first flight on 6th November 1936. In the spring of 1940 the RAF Hurricanes met the 40 km/h faster Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-3 for the first time over France. During the Battle of Britain in the summer and autumn of 1940, the 32 RAF Hurricane squadrons with their slower but more manoeuvrable aircraft brought down many more aircraft than the 19 Spitfire squadrons. The aircraft went into production and between 1937 and 1944 over 14,200 were built. Their reliability, stability and easy flying characteristics ensured that with better engines and armaments they remained in service successfully until the end of the war.