The Tempest Mk V prototype flew for the first time on 2 September 1942. Flight trials highlighted the need to restore lateral stability lost because of the extended nose and the prototype was modified with a fin fillet and increased span horizontal stabilizers.
It was realized that, although the Tempest Vīs performance was less spectacular than anticipated from the other prototypes with there more advanced engines, all of these other aircraft would take far longer to develop to a point where they would be ready for production. A decision was made to concentrate Hawkerīs efforts on the Sabre II powered aircraft in order to get the new fighter into operational service as soon as possible. The first production aircraft (JN729) made its maiden flight on 21 June 1943.

Tempest Mk V were build in Series I and II. The later with several modifications. These are the differences:

Tempest Mk V Series I:
The Series I had its Hispano Mk. II cannon protecting ahead of the wings leading edge. The joint between the rear fuselage and tail unit was reinforced as a measure, by riveting over with fish plates thus rendering the tail unit nondetachable. The rear spar pick-up end fitting was cranked in order to pick up the fuselage lugs. This was because the fuselage structure of thes early aircraft were converted Typhoon assemblies whose rear spar pick up lugs were too high to allow direct attachment. The top wing root fillet fairing had to have a bulge in it to clear this fitting.

Tempest Mk V Series II:
The Mk V were with fitted with the new short-barrelled Hispano Mk. V cannon which was completely enclosed. The built-up tubular steel fuselage rear spar pick-up structure was replaced by a one-piece casting which gave a direct pick up making a much simpler structural joint. On the Series II the reinforcement of the rear fuselage was not necessary allowing a detachable tail unit.

The first Tempest V prototype HM595.

Wing span: Wing area: Length: Height (tail down): Weight (empty): Weight (loaded): Maximum speed: Time to height: Powerplant: Max power: Propeller diameter:

41ft 0in 302 sq ft 33ft 8in 16ft 1in 9,000lb 11,400lb 435 mph at 17,500ft 5 mins to 15,000ft Napier Sabre Mk IIB 2,180hp 4-blade 14ft 0in

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TEMPEST MK VI

Tempest VI (NX135).

The Tempest Mk VI was basically a Tempest V airframe modified to accept the 2,340hp Sabre V engine. Externally similar to the Tempest V, the Mk VI featured wing root air intakes similar to those installed on the Tempest II. The use of wing air intakes, for the oil cooler and carburetor, left the nose area free to house a larger engine coolant radiator.
The Sabre Vīs higher power output made it necessary to have this extra cooling which was especially important since the Tempest VI had been selected to be the standard RAF fighter for service in the Middle East.
The Tempest VI prototype (HM595, which had earlier served as the Mk V prototype) was initially tested during February of 1945.

The Tempest rapidly disappeared in England after the war. But a number of aircraft were employed in second line roles. The most numerous were the Tempest Mk Vs target tugs. 80 aircraft were refurbished for target towing roles between February 1950 and May 1952. The tugs towed a standard RAF sleeve target suspended from pick up points under the fuselage. This method required the target to be laid out on the ground prior the take off.