Tempest Mk V
| World War II aircraft | |
| Tempest Mk V | |
| |
| Type | Fighter/attacker |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Britain |
| Manufacturer | Hawker |
| Crew | Single-seat |
| Dimensions | Wing span 41 ft 0 in (12.49 m) Length 33 ft 8 in (10.26 m) Height 16 ft 1 in (4.90 m) |
| how to edit | |
The Tempest Mk V in World War II[edit]
Development[edit]
The Hawker Tempest was a development of the Hawker Typhoon, in which the poor high altitude performance of the latter was hoped to be remedied. It was originally to have been named "Hawker Typhoon II", but it was thought that a new name would help to distance it from the somewhat tarnished record of the original aircraft. The Tempest was developed in five versions or "marks" simultaneously, each with a different powerplant; the most capable was then to be put into production. The Mk I was fitted with a Napier Sabre IV and wing-mounted radiators, the Mk II with a Bristol Centaurus IV, the Mk III with a Rolls-Royce Griffon IIB, the Mk IV with a Rolls-Royce Griffon 61, and the Mk V (the type featured in the game) with a Napier Sabre II - the same engine fitted to production Typhoons. Official distrust of wing-mounted radiators saw the Mk I cancelled; the Mk III and IV were cancelled due to a lack of sufficient engines to fit both Tempests and Spitfires. The Mk II and Mk V were then left as the only possible candidates. Development of the Mk II's engine was slower than anticipated and the Mk V entered service first, since its engine was already in production. The Mk V scored over 718 kills against V-1 "buzz bombs" due to its low altitude speed and also proved quite capable in air combat against the Luftwaffe, downing more than 250 aircraft.
The Mk II finished development too late to enter the war and was later modified into the Hawker Sea Fury which can be seen as a spectacular performer at many air races.
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(Hawker Tempest Mk I)
Unit Deployment[edit]
External Links[edit]
Historical documents
| Aces High II aircraft | |
| Tempest Mk V | |
| Type | Fighter/attacker |
|---|---|
| Crew | Single-seat |
| Aces High II loadout options | |
| Package 1 | 4x 20mm cannons, 150 rpg |
| Options | 2x 45 gallon drop tanks, or |
| 2x 1000lb bombs, or | |
| 2x 500lb bombs | |
| Aces High II Main Arenas | |
| Earliest MA | Late War |
| Typical perk cost | 50 (Late War) |
| ENY value | 5 (Late War) |
| Available on carrier | no |
| how to edit | |
The Tempest Mk V in Aces High II[edit]
The Tempest is perhaps the strongest propeller driven perk plane in the game. Some may argue that statement but when you look at performance and package, the keys to a great ride, the Tempest sure brings a lot to the table. Not many rides are faster at any altitude, not many pack the firepower, not many have the pretty gentle handling yet good turn-response. As a package it's pretty hard to argue that the Tempest isn't an excellent ride.
A lot of people mis-judge the Tempest is many ways or simply don't appreciate it. That's understandable because you aren't very likely to see a Tempest that often and very few people actually fly it in the Main Arenas. The Tempest only accounts for less than 1/3 of 1 percent of kills in most tours, often ranking right down at the bottom with planes like the C202 and Spit I. That said, it also often seems to hold K/D ratios in the 4:1 range, similar to Me262 numbers, so it is a plane that certainly has some strengths with the people who fly it. Because of its similar appearance to the much more popular Typhoon, some people think the Tempest is similar, and in some ways that is true, but in others ways that's a vast understatement.
Engine Power[edit]
The engine is very strong and can pull the Tempest to 386mph (WEP)/ 372 mph (no WEP) at sea-level. That's about the fastest you can get in a propeller aircraft although there are a couple of awfully close contenders if you are without WEP. Performance only gets better when at 6.5K the Tempest cruises at 410mph. Climb rate is also good, though not quite as spectacular only briefly flirting with 4,500ft/minute, while maintaining something more between 3,500ft and 4,000ft/minute up to 17K. That leaves a bit of a problem with the likes of the 109K4, or Spitfire Mk XIV. Range is somewhat short at 29 minutes with internal plus an additional 13 minutes if you opt for drop tanks. Remember that you never want to run a Tempest out of fuel so ensure you pack enough gas to get you home. Travel times at full throttle are pretty quick though when you can cruise over 400mph.
Aces High II Performance Charts[edit]
Firepower[edit]
Firepower consists of 2 banks of twin Hispano 20mm cannons mounted in the wings. This is a premium weapons package and is very deadly under all conditions. Each cannon has 150 rounds of ammunition which is a little more than average. External options include single bombs under each wings, though the Tempest is absolutely mis-used as a jabo plane. Deflection shots, snap-shots, almost anything is going to be very effective if you can take one. Head-Ons are not recommended because of the perk price of the plane, but the cannons are up to the task if you just feel like you want to throw caution to the wind.
Maneuverability[edit]
Maneuverability is good but the Tempest is a heavy plane at over 11,400 pounds. Wingspan is large (41 ft) but the plane still maneuvers pretty well. It is not a great sustained, or low speed, turner, but at high speeds it handles very well. Of note, the energy retention during very aggressive maneuvers tends to be a lot better than other planes. Turning really isn't the game to play in the Tempest though as eventually it will wear you down to the point that you are easy prey for others.
Fighting in the Tempest Mk V[edit]
The Tempest is best used in the BnZ or slashing attack style. I prefer a slashing style because it tends to keep your position moving around better incase someone arrives above you and wants to try and get into position for an attack. Dive in to pick up speed, make small corrections in heading to take shots as you pass by enemy planes, then zoom up in extension on the other side. Reverse, and repeat. Just be careful to not accept Head-On's from anyone who might try to knock you down that way. The Tempest really doesn't draw half the attention of most other perk rides like and Me262 or Spit XIV though, so sometimes people will treat you just like another Typhoon.
Defensively, you want to always keep your speeds very high, at around you max speed if possible. Few planes can give much challenge in a pursuit so if you are already at top speed you should be able to extend from almost anything. Diving isn't a bad idea but try and level out before 6.5K so you can use the very good speed zone you have around that altitude. Dives to the deck against the likes of an La7 make for a very tight race. Your engine also turns opposite to most other planes so make your turns to the right where they are most effective. This makes any pursuer have to turn to his weak side. At the first sign of trouble though you should be putting on full power and sprinting away.
The Tempest is a great plane, but make sure you spend some time in it in the training or dueling arena so you know how to handle it. It isn't a magic bullet but sure places a lot of control in your hands.
Fighting against the Tempest Mk V[edit]
The Tempest is not a very popular plane and most of the times when you bump into someone who is flying one they are likely a very good pilot. They can appreciate how the combination of attributes makes the Tempest a tough plane to beat. With a good pilot who knows his stuff he isn't going to let many/any weaknesses show.
The Tempest is fast, but not uncatchable. You really do need to slow him down though so you can have a reasonable chance of winning position for a shot. An altitude advantage is going to be best since you can turn that into excess speed long enough to close in to force him to maneuver. The Tempest is maneuverable, but not like a Spit if extended maneuvering is required. Always be very careful of his firepower as the Hispanos have a nasty habit of removing aircraft parts in single hits. The Tempest is good in climb too, but something like the La7 can match it down low and probably slightly out-maneuver it. Once slow, the Tempest also doesn't accelerate very effectively so several planes might be able to close up and get a shot before the Tempest builds up a full head of steam.
Defensively, you are going to be in real trouble in most cases. The Tempest is unlikely to allow you to leave and has the firepower to snapshot you in half if you make any mistakes. Attempt to slow the fight down and make it a turning duel if you have a reasonable turner. Climbing away is likely not an option, nor is diving away. The Tempest is very good down low and has a particularly strong performance peak around 6.5K. You want to be either over or under this point. If the Tempest doesn't fall for a bad fight or make a bad maneuver that gives you a shot you are unlikely to be able to touch it. If you do get a shot though, spray at it at distance if necessary. The Tempest has the same vulnerable parts as the Typhoon and seems to lose the engine easily. It also glides very poorly (again like a Typhoon) so if you manage to knock the engine out it will be like fighting a brick. Some other planes (P-51 and La7 come to mind) have great glide ratios, but not the Tempest. The Tempest also isn't the greatest of rollers, so if you can out-roll it do so. Finally, the Tempest engine turns the opposite direction, so try and make most maneuvers to the left where it is weakest in turn rate.
