The Hawker Hurricane was a British single-seat fighter aircraft flown by the Royal Air Force in World War II. During the Battle of Britain in 1940, the Hurricane accounted for 60% of the RAF's air victories in the battle. Several versions and adaptations evolved, where the aircraft appeared as not only a fighter but also as a bomber-interceptor, a fighter-bomber ("Hurribomber") and a ground support aircraft. Sea Hurricanes had modifications which enabled operation from ships and some became catapult-launched convoy escorts ("Hurricats"). More than 14,583 Hurricanes were built by the end of 1944.