Photograph North African Hurricane (?) with Pilot

[CaptainDarling]

Below is a photo of a friend of mines Father with his aircraft, picture is said to have been taken during his service in North Africa, the uniform certainly fits the bill for that.

He asked me to identify the aircraft and it looks like a Hurricane Mk II to me with the air filter for North African deployment but stand to be corrected, I’m not an expert on all aircraft types.

What I find interesting is the undercarriage, I can not find a picture of one with such a set up, notice the ‘brace’ arching over the tyre, I’m wondering if it is a ‘balloon’ tyre for desert use and top part is there because of its width?

What are others thoughts on the aircraft and the undercarriage tyre arrangement? I thank you for your opinions.

Cheers!

[John(txic)]

Defiant TTIII, I believe - several units in Egypt had these former turret-fighters re-roled and converted to target tugs.

[CaptainDarling]

Thanks John, that’s it and explains the undercarriage (looked online) I didn’t even think of the Defiant as an option for the North African theatre, knew it was best to check here before telling my mate, cheers!

[CogCalgary]

Tires certainly look right.