The Hawker Hurricane was the most common and most widely used fighter of the British Royal Air Force at the start of the Second World War. It contributed significantly to the ultimate victory of the R.A.F. during the Battle of Britain, but over the course of the war it was progressively superseded in its front-line fighter role by the much more modern Spitfire. However, the Hurricanes role was gradually changed by the provision of awfully specific versions and armaments. The Hurricane Mk. IIC for example was equipped with 4 powerful 20 mm Hispano-Suiza cannons mounted in the wings with nearly 400 rounds of ammunition. The adoption of 20 mm cannons, instead of the traditional 7.7 mm machine guns, made the Hurricane extremely effective in ground attack and close support missions. Additionally, the Hurricane Mk. IIC was effectively deployed in a night fighter role.