Hawker Tempest Mk. II

This Hawker Tempest II served with the RAF in what is now Pakistan, before being transferred to the Indian Air Force. It returned to the UK in 1979.

The Hawker Tempest Mk II was developed from the Tempest Mk V, itself a development of the Hawker Typhoon. One of the fastest and most powerful aircraft of the Second World War, the Tempest excelled in the ground attack role, but also had the speed to intercept V-1 flying bombs. All Tempest Mk IIs were ‘tropicalised’, given extra dust filters for use in hot climates. Many were sent to Asia to fight against Japan, but the war ended before they could be deployed. Tempests would ultimately be replaced by newer jet-powered aircraft, such as the de Havilland Vampire. The Tempest Mk II differed from the more numerous Mk V in the presence of a radial Bristol Centaurus engine rather than the in-line Napier Sabre.