Operational Service
The Tempest F.Mk V model was the first of the three Tempest variants to go airborne with this occurring in September of 1942. This model was, in fact, the only Tempest to retain the Typhoon's identifiable chin-mounted radiator protrusion under the engine in the form of a large open-mount scoop. By 1944, the Tempest V was used in anger against German ground targets to much success, following in the steps of the preceding Typhoons which operated with distinction in a similar role. The Tempest V was then used to even greater success in intercepting the lethal German V-1 flying bombs terrorizing southern England. Between June and September of 1944 alone, Tempest V's were credited with the interception and downing of some 638 V-1 terror rockets. The most notable V-1 interception squadrons became No. 3 and No. 486 with 258 and 223 destroyed V-1's respectively. In addition to this, Tempest V's were also credited with the destruction of no fewer than 20 of the new jet-powered Messerschmitt 262 Schwalbe (translated to "Swallow") twin-engine fighters. Tempest V's would later form a strong part of the RAF presence in the Middle East until about 1949. Production eventually numbered some 805 examples and made up eleven squadrons. The Tempest F.Mk V was split into a "Series I" long-barreled cannon production batch and a "Series II" short-barreled cannon production batch.
The Tempest F.Mk II (or "Tempest II") - with its chin-mounted radiator scoop now relocated to the wing leading edges - allowed for fuel stores to be moved into the longer fuselage. This assisted in creating the thinner wings and improved endurance. The Tempest II model series was actually intended for use in the Far East with the projected "Tiger Force" assigned to contend with Japanese elements there but the end of the war in the Pacific negated their usage in this way. With the war all but over by the end of August in 1945, the Tempest II's nevertheless entered operational service in November and served in quantity in the post-war world. Tempest Mk.II's were split in production between a batch of 136 F.Mk II fighters and 338 FB.Mk II's as dedicated fighter-bombers. From there, Tempest II's were showcased in force throughout post-war Germany from 1946 to 1949. Additional systems operated in Malaysia from 1950 to 1951 in attacks against Malaysian terrorists.
Tempest F.Mk VI variant (based on the Rolls-Royce Griffon-powered F.Mk III prototype) numbered some 142 total production examples and were fitted with the Napier Sabre V series engines producing an impressive 2,340 horsepower output. These models went on to form no fewer than five full squadrons themselves.
Tempest F.Mk V and F.Mk VI fighter examples went on to see additional service as target tugs in TT.Mk V and TT.Mk VI designations (based on their respective fighter models).
Conclusion
By all accounts, Hawker engineers appeared to have succeeded in creating a better Typhoon interceptor, achieving their goals in promoting longer endurance thanks to the new fuselage and wing design, improved high-altitude performance (again, thanks to the new wing) and better vision out of the cockpit while still retaining the elements that made the Typhoon such a success in the fighter-bomber role. Its limited involvement in World War 2 was not diminished in any respect, for the type served the British mainland quite well especially when called to save it from the terror rockets being launched daily from German held territories. In the end, the Tempest proved to be one of the finer designs to stem from the conflict - though oft-overlooked when discussing the fine birds of the war - but its accomplishments for the sake of those on the ground will long be remembered.
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