Tempest V series 1 JN766 SA-N of No. 486 Squadron RNZAF, Castle Camps 1944
Hawker Tempest Mk V Specifications:
- Length: 33 ft 8 in (10.26 m)
- Wingspan: 41 ft 0 in (12.50 m)
- Wing Area: 302 sq ft (28.1 m²)
- Fuel Capacity:
- 160 imperial gallons (190 US gallons; 730 liters) internal
- Optional: 90 imperial gallons (110 US gallons; 410 liters) or 180 imperial gallons (220 US gallons; 820 liters) in two drop tanks under wings
- Powerplant: 1 × Napier Sabre IIB H-24 liquid-cooled sleeve-valve piston engine, producing 2,420 hp (1,800 kW)
- Propellers: Four-bladed de Havilland Hydromatic or Rotol constant-speed propeller, 14 ft (4.3 m) diameter
- Maximum Speed: 435 mph (700 km/h) at 17,000 ft (5,200 m)
- Combat Range: 420 miles (680 km)
- Service Ceiling: 36,500 ft (11,100 m)
- Rate of Climb: 4,700 ft/min (24 m/s)
- Time to Altitude: Reached 20,000 ft (6,100 m) in six minutes at combat power
Armament:
- Guns: Four 20 mm (0.787 in) Mark II Hispano cannons, with 200 rounds per gun. Later models used the Mark V Hispano cannon.
- Bombs: Two × 500 lb (230 kg) or 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs
- Rockets: Eight × 3 in (76.20 mm) RP-3 rockets
- Drop Tanks: Provision for two × 45 imp gal (54 US gal/200 liters) or two × 90 imp gal (110 US gal/410 liters) drop tanks
The Hawker Tempest Mk V was a highly regarded British fighter aircraft during World War II, excelling at high-speed interception and ground attack roles. Its powerful Napier Sabre engine, coupled with impressive firepower, made it one of the fastest piston-engine fighters of the war.