Tempest Mk. V

© Richard Vernon

Hawker Tempest Mk.V # JF H from 3 Sqn, RAF Coltishall, 1944

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.

References

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