197 Hawker Tempest

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
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Synopsis: This authoritative study examines the Hawker Tempest, one of the most potent fighter aircraft of World War II and a crucial weapon in the RAF's final victory over Germany. The book traces the aircraft's development from the troubled Typhoon, documenting how Hawker Aircraft created a fighter that combined devastating firepower with exceptional performance. The Tempest emerged as a response to the need for a high-performance interceptor capable of countering new German threats including the V-1 flying bomb and advanced Luftwaffe fighters. The publication details the aircraft's distinctive features including its laminar flow wing, powerful engine installations, and heavy armament of four 20mm cannon. Technical analysis reveals the engineering challenges overcome in developing this advanced fighter, particularly the cooling and structural issues that had plagued its predecessor. The book chronicles the Tempest's operational debut and its immediate impact on air combat over Europe, where its speed and climbing ability proved superior to most enemy aircraft. Combat accounts describe the aircraft's remarkable success against V-1 flying bombs, where Tempest pilots developed innovative intercept techniques that saved countless civilian lives. The publication examines the aircraft's role in ground attack missions, where its powerful armament and robust construction made it highly effective against German armor and transportation. Performance comparisons with contemporary fighters demonstrate the Tempest's exceptional capabilities, particularly at low and medium altitudes where it dominated the battlefield. The book also covers the aircraft's post-war service and its influence on subsequent fighter designs. Production history reveals the challenges of manufacturing such an advanced aircraft during wartime conditions. Personal accounts from pilots highlight the aircraft's flying characteristics and combat effectiveness. The publication includes detailed technical specifications, variant differences, and operational procedures. Squadron histories document the units that operated the Tempest and their combat achievements. This Profile Publication provides essential reading for understanding one of Britain's most successful wartime fighters and its contribution to Allied victory.

197 Hawker Tempest, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.