Airfix Hawker Tempest Mk.V 1:72 A02109

Airfix Hawker Tempest Mk.V 1:72 A02109

There is no doubt that the Hawker Tempest V was a real brute of an aeroplane, fast, heavily armed and possessing performance which could better any fighter the Luftwaffe had in service, perhaps with the exception of the Me262 at full speed.

Pilots who had experience flying both the Tempest V and its predecessor, the Typhoon, describe the difference as being like night and day - they actually said that it was like comparing a cart horse with a race horse. Although this seems a little harsh, as they flew the aircraft in combat, we should certainly bow to their judgement.

Although appearing relatively late in WWII, the Tempest V still takes its place as one of the most effective piston engine fighters of the Second World War and was perhaps the 'Super Hurricane' designer Sydney Camm had always envisaged developing.