The Hawker Tempest evolved from the Hawker Typhoon and was initially called the Hawker Typhoon II. It was designed around the 2,500 hp Napier Sabre IV engine, with a clean installation and wing-mounted radiators. The design team, led by Sydney Camm, relocated from Kingston-on-Thames to Claremont Park, Esher, following the September 1940 bombing of Brooklands.
The first prototype of the Tempest IV (HM595) flew on 2nd September 1942 at Langley, piloted by Phillip Lucas. The prototype retained a 'Typhoon-style' cockpit and tailfin, but soon featured a dorsal fin and a clear view canopy used on all production models. It was powered by a 2,180 hp Napier Sabre IIA or IIB engine and armed with four 20mm Hispano cannons.
The prototype Hawker Tempest I (HM599) first flew on 24th February 1943, and with its powerful Napier Sabre IV engine and an exceptionally clean design, achieved some 466 mph at 24,500 ft. Despite this impressive performance, it did not proceed further due to engine production shortages.
Tempest V deliveries to operational squadrons began in April 1944. By the end of 1945, seven squadrons were equipped with the aircraft, which continued in service post-war. The Tempest V proved highly effective in intercepting German V-1 flying bombs, shooting down 638 V-1s between 13th June and 5th September 1944. Over 800 Tempest Vs were built, with some converted to target tug duties as the Tempest TT Mk5, serving until 1953.
In addition to engaging V-1s, the Tempest excelled in ground attacks with rocket projectiles and bombs. It was used against enemy airfields, radar installations, transport, railway depots, and V-1 launch sites across Northern Europe.
An experimental Tempest V (NV768) was fitted with a Napier Sabre V engine and an annular radiator, later modified with a large ducted spinner.
The second major variant was the Hawker Tempest II, powered by the Bristol Centaurus IV engine. The first Tempest II (LA602) flew on 28th June 1943, and production of some 50 aircraft were contracted to Bristol Aeroplane Company. The first Bristol-built Tempest II (MW374) flew on 4th October 1944, and many aircraft were later upgraded to the Centaurus VII engine. A total of 402 Tempest IIs were built, with additional production by Hawker at Langley.
Post-war, Tempest IIs were used by India (89 aircraft) and Pakistan (24 aircraft) until 1953.
The final production variant was the Tempest VI, a Tempest V fitted with a 2,340 hp Napier Sabre V engine and a larger chin-mounted radiator. A total of 142 Tempest VIs were built, with the first prototype being a modified Tempest V (HM595). Although the Tempest VI arrived too late to see action in the Second World War, it was used by four RAF squadrons in West Germany until replaced by the de Havilland Vampire fighter-bomber in 1949.