The first Hawker Fury I flight took place in March 1931 but its high cost at the time of the Great Depression resulted in only 118 being produced for the RAF. It was the first RAF operational aircraft to exceed 200 mph in level flight and in May 1931 No. 43 was the first to receive it. By 1936 RAF squadrons were receiving the improved Fury II. Seven foreign air forces ordered the Fury II. Replaced by Hurricanes in 1939 the type was used in the training role.