Together with the Spitfire, the Hawker Hurricane was one of the representative RAF fighters of WWII. This low-wing monoplane with wide-track retractable landing gear and eight 7.7mm machine guns incorporated proven biplane features such as a tubular frame. Although Hurricanes were outperformed by the Luftwaffe's more advanced Messerschmitt Bf 109Es, the Battle of Britain in July 1940 saw Spitfires engage escorting Bf109s while Hurricanes went after the bombers. As a result of judicious unit management and pilot bravery, the RAF inflicted heavy losses on the Luftwaffe and were eventually able to claim a hard-fought victory.