HAWKER TEMPEST - Evolved
under Camm's direction during 1940 as a 'second generation' Typhoon and
initially known as the Typhoon II (Hawker P. 1012). Combined Typhoon fuselage
with new thin wing incorporating leading-edge radiators. Two prototypes
ordered to Specification F. 10/41 in November 1941; name changed to Hawker Tempest
I in January 1942, with 2,500 hp Sabre IV engine. One prototype (HM599)
completed as Hawker Tempest I with wing leading-edge radiators, first flown February
24, 1943, and planned production of 400 abandoned for want of Sabre IVs.
Alternative engine installations resulted in subsequent marks, as below:
Hawker Tempest V: Essentially the Hawker Tempest I with Typhoon-type 2,180 hp Sabre
IIA engine installation and nose radiator. Prototype (HM595) first Hawker Tempest
to fly, in this guise, on September 2, 1942. Production initiated by Hawker
and first production Hawker Tempest V flown June 21, 1943. First 100 aircraft
Srs Is with four Hispano Mk II 20 mm cannon and short barrel projections;
all-round view cockpit canopies as later Typhoons and enlarged fins and
tailplanes. The 700 Srs 2s had Mk V cannon with barrels flush with leading
edge, and Sabre IIB or IIC; like Typhoon, Hawker Tempest V could carry two 1,000
Ib (454 kg) underwing bombs or eight 60 Ib (27 kg) rockets. First deliveries
to Nos 3 and 486 (RNZAF) Sqns, in April 1944, operational use began in
May and Hawker Tempest Vs served notably in the defence against V-l attacks from
June 1944 onwards. Seven squadrons operational by June 1945 and service
use continued after war's end. Data for Mk V Srs 2. Max speed, 435 mph
(700 km/h) at 17,000ft (5,182 m). Economical cruising speed, 246 mph (396
km/h). Time to 20,000 ft (6,100 m), 6.1 min. Service ceiling, 36,500ft
(11,125 m). Range, 740 mis (1,191 km) with standard fuel. Empty weight,
9,250 Ib (4,200 kg). Normal gross weight, 11,510 Ib (5,226 kg). Max overload
weight, 13,640 Ib (6,193 kg). Span, 41 ft 0 in (12.49 m). Length, 33ft
8 in (10.26 m). Wing area, 302 sqfi (28.1 m2).
Hawker Tempest VI: Prototype (HM595) flown with 2,340 hp Sabre V on May 9, 1944,
followed by two Hawker Tempest V conversions for service trials and 142 new-build
Hawker Tempest Vis with this engine. Service use post-war.
Hawker Tempest II: Six Hawker Tempest airframes ordered early 1942 for prototype development,
of which three to have Centaurus engine (initially under Typhoon II/Centaurus
appellation), but only two proceeded as Hawker Tempest II prototypes with this
engine. First flight (LA602) June 28, 1943, with Centaurus IV and (LA607)
September 18, 1943, used for development flying with Centaurus IV, V,
XII, XV and XVIII. First production Hawker Tempest II (by Bristol) flown October
4, 1944, with 2,520 hp Centaurus V or VI and Hispano Mk V cannon. Production
totalled 452 (50 by Bristol, 402 by Hawker), continuing post-war. Operational
use began after war's end.
Hawker Tempest III: Designation applicable to two prototypes with R-R Griffon
IIB engine, but not built.
Hawker Tempest IV: Designation for prototypes as alternatives to Hawker Tempest III
with Griffon 61 in self-contined powerplant installation.
Not built, but see Hawker Fury for further reference to LA610.
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