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Prototype Tempest Mark V (HM595) with bubble canopy.
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Type: Single Seat Fighter Bomber Origin: Hawker Models: Mark II, V, and VI First Flight Prototype Mk. V: September 2, 1942 Prototype Mk. I: February 24, 1943 Production Mk. V: June 21, 1943 Prototype Mk. II: June 28, 1943 Production Mk. II: October 4, 1944 Prototype Mk. VI: May 9, 1944 Number Produced: Mark II: 472 (50 built by Bristol & Gloster) Mark V: 800 Mark VI: 142 Engine: Mark II Model: Bristol Centaurus 5 or 6 Type: 18 Cylinder Sleeve-valve two-row radial Number: One Horsepower: 2,596 hp Mark V Model: Napier Sabre II Type: 24 Cylinder Flat-H Sleeve-valve liquid cooled Number: One Horsepower: 2,180 hp Mark VI Model: Napier Sabre V Type: 24 Cylinder Flat-H Sleeve-valve liquid cooled Number: One Horsepower: 2,340 hp Dimensions: Wing span (All): 41 ft. (12.5m) Length: Mk. II: 34 ft. 5 in. (10.5m) Mk. V & VI: 33 ft. 8 in. (10.26m) Height: Mk. II: 15 ft. 10 in. (4.8m) Mk. V & VI: 16 ft. 1 in. (4.9m) Wing Surface Area: Mk. II: 303.7 ft² Mk. V & VI: 302 ft² Weights: Empty: Mk. II: 8,900 lb. (4037 kg) Mk. V & VI: 9,100 lb. (4128 kg) Loaded: Mk. II: 11,800 lb. Mk. V: 11,400 lb. Maximum: Mk. II: 13,250 lb. (6010 kg) Mk. V & VI: 13,500 lb. (6130 kg) |
Performance: Maximum Speed: Mk. II: 440 mph (708 km/h) Mk. V: 427 mph (688 km/h) Mk. VI: 438 mph (704 km/h) Initial Climb: Mk. II: 3,600 ft/min (1097 m/min) Mk. V & VI: 3,000 ft/min (914 m/min) Service Ceiling (All): 37,000 ft. (11,280m) Range: (with Bombs, no tanks) Mk. II: 820 miles (1319 km) Mk. V & VI: 740 miles (1191 km) Armament: All Four 20mm Hispano Cannon in outer wings Ammunition: 150 rpg. Payload: Underwing racks for Eight rockets or up to 2,000 lb. (907 kg) bombs.  Prototype Tempest Mark V (HM595) with original canopy. Image 1 Mark V 3-view illustration. Image 2 Mark V (NV768) with annular radiator. Image 3 Mark V (SN354) with 40mm cannon. Image 4 Mark VI (NV778).  Production Mark II (PR806). Image 6 Mark II prototype (LA602). Sole prototype Mark I (HM599). Image 8 Sole prototype Mark I (HM599). |
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Comments: In an effort to correct problems with compressibility encountered with the wing design of the Hawker Typhoon, extensive changes were made in the design. These included a new wing cross section that became much thinner and spitfire like. The engine was also changed and the cannon were buried within the wing. This radically altered design was used as the template for the Typhoon II specification but it was eventually decided that the design was so different that a new designation was warranted. In this manner the Tempest was born. The Tempest proved to be quite adept at downing V-1 flying bombs, accounting for over 1/3 of those shot down in 1944. Eventually the Mark II (developed after Mk. V & VI) entered service in November 1945 with production being handled by Gloster, then Bristol before reverting back to Hawker. The Mark II was redesignated the F.2 and served until 1953. 89 of these were then passed on to India and an additional 24 new airframes were manufactured for Pakistan. A few Mk V & VI (redesignatedpost-war as F.5 and F.6) continued to serve after wars end as target tugs. |
| Sources: Gunston, Bill - The Encyclodepia of the Worlds Combat aircraft, 1976, Chartwell Books, Inc., New York Green, William - War Planes Of The Second World War - Fighters - Vol. 2, 1961, Hanover House, New York |
