Ingenious 1930s British Engineering

During the Battle of Britain, the Hawker Hurricane became the RAF’s dependable workhorse. While less glamorous than the Spitfire, it featured practical innovations that reflected smart 1930s engineering, including a simple retractable footstep.

Mounted on the port side, the spring-loaded step automatically lowered when the cockpit canopy opened and retracted when closed. This allowed pilots in heavy gear to climb aboard quickly during scramble alerts, without adding aerodynamic drag in flight.

Though small, the feature improved safety, reduced wear on the aircraft, and saved valuable seconds. The Hurricane’s footstep embodied its broader design philosophy: practical, durable, and built for real combat conditions- qualities that helped it down more enemy aircraft than any other RAF fighter in 1940.