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Hurricane simulator launched at Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne

Ever wondered what it was like for pilots to clamber into their Hurricane and battle the Luftwaffe in the skies above Kent?

Visitors to the Battle of Britain Memorial near Folkestone can now find out first hand after the centre launched its Hurricane simulator.

Pilots can now try their hand at intercepting and shooting down enemy aircraft inside a full-size replica cockpit of the fighter.

The challenge of flying a Hurricane in the Battle of Britain has been brought to life in a new simulator. Picture: Battle of Britain Memorial
The challenge of flying a Hurricane in the Battle of Britain has been brought to life in a new simulator. Picture: Battle of Britain Memorial

The new exhibit is in the Scramble Experience at The Wing in Capel-le-Ferne.

The computer simulation allows pilots to manoeuvre their aircraft into position using a realistic joystick before hunting down camouflaged Luftwaffe planes.

Andy Simpson, a trustee of the memorial, said the simulator demonstrates the difficulty of the daily challenged Hurricane pilots faced.

He said: "It’s tricky to control the aircraft while also looking out for the enemy and then finding and intercepting them.

"The great thing is that it’s suitable for all ages; youngsters will just see it as another kind of video game, but parents will also find it a real challenge."

But there is a difference, the simulator lasts for just three minutes compared to the much longer missions RAF fighter pilots had to battle.

It is just one of many interactive exhibits inside The Scramble Experience.

Funding for it came from a legacy left to the memorial trust by Peter Taylor in memory of his mother, Ivy, known to many as Billy.

Admission charges apply to The Scramble Experience with more information on the trust's website.

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