Tempest max speed

[*Buzzsaw*]

Originally Posted by Zorin

Our Tempest:

Second production batch of 300 aircraft built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd, Langley, Buckinghamshire. EJ504, EJ518-EJ560, EJ577-EJ611, EJ626-EJ672, EJ685-EJ723, EJ739-EJ788, EJ800-EJ846, EJ859-EJ896. Series 2 aircraft, Sabre IIA engines, short-barrel cannon, spring tab ailerons. Deliveries commenced 5-44, completed 9-44; average rate of production approximately 18 aircraft per week.

This particular production batch was sent from the factory with a rating of +9 boost and 2180 HP. The below table shows at +8.5 boost, and seems to be what the game aircraft is modelled on.



But very shortly thereafter, to deal with the V1's, the decision was made to increase boost on the Sabre IIA to +11 when it was operated with 100/150 octane fuel, which raised available HP to 2420.





All subsequent Tempest production batches were equipped with the Sabre IIB and delivered from the factory rated to +11 boost even with 100/130 fuel. In the field, after December of 1944, when 100/150 octane fuel became available on the continent, maximum allowable boost was increased to +13, which raised HP to 2600.

The following charts show Tempest tested speed at +12 boost:



or +11 boost when the aircraft had been cleaned up and waxed, with pods for drop tanks removed:



All tables from Mike Williams Aircraft Performance site:

http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spittest.html