As part of the power plant testing, Napier had developed a unique annular radiator for use on the Tempest, in an effort to streamline the aircraft by doing away the big scoop radiator.
The radiator development program used two modified Tempest Mk. V, serials EJ518 (fitted with a Sabre VI) and NV 768. NV 768 was later fitted with a ducted spinner with the same diameter as the fuselage and, although test flown, the spinner was not actually planned for use on production Tempests. Neither feaure was incorporated onto Tempest production line and the aircrafts were scrapped after the war.

 

ej518

 

nv768

 nv768-8

 

exp41 exp31

 

ANNULAR TEMPEST IN THE AIR - Flying Behind a Napier Sabre with Annular Radiator and Ducted Spinner

NAPIER FLIGHT DEVELOPMENT

 

 

Sources:
Hawker Tempest (4+ Publication)
Typhoon/Tempest in action (Squadron/Signal Publications No 102)
The Typhoon & Tempest Story (Chris Thomas & Christopher Shores)



Latest updates:

RC Tempests

17 Sept 2023
Stephan Frappier's 1/5-scale Hawker Tempest Mk. II, Vailly Aviation design.

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Latest story

13 Sept 2023
Gordon Mellis' article about the loss of F/O Marshall and NV709 on the outskirts of the village Birgham in 1945.

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Latest photos

11 Sept 2023
Paul Germain shares his late father's photos. He was stationed at Gutersloh with No. 16 Squadron in approx' 1948.

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MW376

9 Sept 2023
Avionics update. The KF Aerospace team have been progressing well with avionics work over the past few weeks.

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MW763

29 June 2023
Another step closer to flight! Extensive engine running during the summer including taxing.

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