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.

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 sq ft (28.1 m²).

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.

Photo	Description
	Drawing Tempest Mk.II
	Tempest Mk.II in flight

Bibliography

• "Encyclopedia of military engineering" /Aerospace Publising/
• "American warplanes of World War II" /under cor. David Donald/