This Bristol-built Tempest served with the RAF as MW376, and was transferred to Hawkers in May 1948, along with 113 other Tempests. These were refurbished, fitted with long range fuel tanks, and sold to the Royal Indian Air Force in 1948 and delivered as HA564. It's thought to have served with No.4 Squadron.
MW376 is one of seven ex-Indian Air Force Tempests recovered in 1979 by Doug Arnold and Warbirds of GB Ltd. It was transfered to Tangmere Flight, UK, in 1980 and Chris Horsley in 1988.
Will Tomkins, Jeff Pyett and Rupert Farnsworth bought MW376 in December 1989. Restoration began right away together with Carl Tyers of Windmill Aviation at Spanhoe. MW376 was registered G-BSHW. They sold the project to Dave Martin in March 1991 who continued with the restoration until his disappearance in December 1992. (His body was never found but a man was imprisoned for his murder.)
Restoration work was halted in 1993, at it was stored at Audley End. In 1996 it was sold to Phillipe Dennis, in Romans, France. In 2000 it was acquired by Jim Perry and was stored in France.
In March 2012 MW376 was sold by Airborne Attitude to Eric Hertz, NZ, and was going to be restored to flying condition by Pioneer Aero NZ. But in late March 2013 Eric Hertz was killed in an airplane crash and the project was now sold to KF Aerospace, Canada. The work now continues to get the MW376 back in the air.
MW376 at KF Aerospace, Canada
| Summary of History | ||
| Date | Note | Code/Serial |
| 1944 | Built at Bristol Aeroplane Co, Banwell by (Contract ACFT/3210/C.23(a) | MW376 |
| 24 Feb 1945 | Handling Squadron at Hullavington | MW376 |
| 6 July 1945 | Moved to Maintenance Unit 13 (for refurbishing and fitting with long-range tanks) | MW376 |
| 8 Aug 1945 | Maintenance Unit 20, Aston Down | MW376 |
| May 1948 | Bought by Hawker Aircraft Ltd from surplus RAF stocks | MW376 |
| 24 May 1948 | Sold and delivered to Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) | HA564 |
| 1948-1953 | Served with RIAF No.4 Sqn | HA564 |
| 1953-1979 | Advanced training role, later in open storage (Poona, India) | HA564 |
| 1979 | Recovered by Warbirds of GB Ltd (Blackbushe, UK) | MW376 |
| 1980 | Tangmere Flight (UK) | MW376 |
| 1988 | C.P. Horsley (UK) | MW376 |
| Dec 1989 | Tomkins, Pyett and Farnsworth (Spanhoe Lodge, Northants, UK) | MW376 |
| Mar 1991 | Dave Martin (UK) | Mw376 |
| 1996 | Phillipe Dennis (Romans, France) | MW376 |
| 2000 | Jim Perry (Stored in France) | MW376 |
| 2008 | Scheduled to move from France to the US | MW376 |
| 2012 | Sold by Airborne Attitude to Eric Hertz, NZ, to be restored to flying condition by Pioneer Aero | MW376 |
| 2013 | Late Eric Hertz/Awaiting sale | MW376 |
| 2014 | KF Aerospace (Canada) | MW376 |
| 31 Aug 2022 | Roll out! | MW376 |
Restoration progress reports:
In March 2012 Paul McSweeny reports:Paul McSweeny, at Pioneer Aero, reports that MW376 was sold by Airborne Attitudeto a "New Zealand based client", and is going to be restored to flying condition by Pioneer Aero. |
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In August 2012 Paul McSweeny reports:"Our latest project, the Hawker Tempest Mk. II, arrived on 20 July 2012. The Tempest MkII is a total rebuild to flying condition. When finished it will be based here at Ardmore and will be painted to honour those who flew the mighty Typhoon and Tempest during WWII." |
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In August 2012 Paul McSweeny reports:"Our latest project, the Hawker Tempest Mk. II, arrived on 20 July 2012. The Tempest MkII is a total rebuild to flying condition. When finished it will be based here at Ardmore and will be painted to honour those who flew the mighty Typhoon and Tempest during WWII." |
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On 16 August 2012 Paul McSweeny reports:"A big day for us all on Tuesday with visitors coming in to view the Tempest. Guest’s of honour was Jack Stafford and his wife Edith, Jack needs no real introduction and we were pleased to be able to re-unite him with the Tempest after last sitting in one in 1946." |
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On 27 August 2012 Paul McSweeny reports:"We were hoping to keep this secret, but with the amount of interest that was never going to happen. So here is the photo of our trial fit up, this is to make sure before restoration gets into full swing that there are no major glitches in alignment and symmetry. All looks good!" |
In October 2012 Paul McSweeny reports:"It has been a busy couple of weeks with a lot of visitors through the shop. On the Tempest we are now pulling the entire forward section of the fuselage to pieces, once it has been cleaned/checked it will be painted silver before reassembly. The RH wing is now fully secure in the jig and work has started on its restoration. We also have on its way this week a crate of sheet aluminium which we have purchased in the UK, all we need now is rivets and hardware!" |
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In July 2013 Paul McSweeny reports:"Before the accident that claimed the lives of Eric and Kathy Hertz it was their dream to restore to flying Tempest MW376. One of the prime motivators for this dream was the opportunity to honour the New Zealanders who flew with 486 Squadron in the Typhoon and Tempest aircraft. Pioneer Aero is now working with some New Zealand based individuals who are keen to form a syndicate to ensure that the dream that Eric and Kathy had can be bought to reality, here, in New Zealand. To help us spread the word we will be putting advertisements in some of the local aviation magazines, Dave Homewood has also put the news on his excellent site, link below." http://rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/19472/tempest-sale-syndicate-sought-help "V3's Campbell live were also in the hangar yesterday filming for an item on the Tempest that will hopefully air next week. If you or anyone you know has interest in a possible syndicate please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 09 296 8913." TV3's filming: http://www.3news.co.nz/Saving-one-of-the-great-fighters/tabid/367/articleID/306516/Default.aspx |
In December 2013 Paul McSweeny reports:"The Tempest project is now for sale on the "world market". A huge thank you to those people who have contacted us and offered support, in all sorts of ways to restore and keep the project here in New Zealand but as we have not reached the threshold needed the decision has been made to actively market it overseas. All is not lost we are still hopeful that we will see this magnificent aircraft fly in New Zealand. As you can imagine we are very keen to continue the rebuild to fly. It is being marketed by Platinum Fighter sales check it out at Platinum Fighters. John and Simon have a great inventory of aircraft for sale and we think the Tempest project fits nicely in there." |
On 4 July 2014 Paul McSweeny reports:"Pioneer Aero's rollercoaster ride with the Tempest MkII is about to come to an end. In the last 2 years this project has given us for various reasons hope, jubilation and despair. The project has now been sold off shore and in the next month or so we should be packing it up and dispatching it. We are buoyed by the fact it is going to a new owner who has both the will and capability to get the aircraft back in the air." A source says MW376 is sold to Canada. |
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On 12 September 2014 Paul McSweeny reports:"In June 2012 Eric Hertz bought out to Pioneer Aero two bottles of bubbly. The first one was drunk to celebrate the arrival of two container loads of parts from France that it was hoped in a year or two’s time would be a flying Hawker Tempest MkII. The second unfortunately remains unopened, this was the bottle that was going to be drunk to celebrate the aircrafts first post restoration test flight. This morning two container loads of parts left our hangar bound for Canada and its new owner. It is our hope that sooner rather than later we can take this now precious bottle to Canada and toast both a first flight and absent friends." |
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In January 2016 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Following a lengthy journey from New Zealand, KF Aerospace, has acquired MW376 where it continues its restoration journey to airworthy flight. Our Facebook page will track the re-build of the aircraft as it progresses along it’s restoration journey to as close to original as possible. The page is intended for enthusiasts and those who have already assisted greatly with this project. Thank you so much, we will publish a list of contributors shortly. If you have questions, have good ideas for our page or would like to see any specific photographs please ask. For more information contact:
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In March 2016 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:Barrie Stevens reports current focus is on wing skin work.
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In August 2016 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:Modified aircraft hydraulic in design. The R/H wing tip rib, recently manufactured now in place. Additional wing ribs and panels near the oil cooler have been manufactured, drilled and temporary installed pending priming. |
In October 2016 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:The manufacture of the R/H gun bay leading edge panel is now complete. Work is nearing completion on the manufacture and installation of the center fuselage tubes and attaching brackets. Rudder panel and control column assemblies are completed and need paint. Work in progress regarding of riveting together of the L/H leading edge fuel tank cover.
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In December 2016 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Main Fuel cell routed to Sheet Metal Shop for inspection and disposition. The tank, which had been cut apart at the factory weld was found to be in poor condition including corrosion, dents, cracks and oversized holes on the external and internal structure. Main Fuel Cell replacement options are being considered. Hydraulic Actuators routed to Component Overhaul Shop for inspection and disposition. Numerous center fuselage brackets, attachment tubes, rudder pedal assembly and control column assembly have been inspected, prepped and are now ready for the Paint Shop. Engine firewall has been test-fit onto the aircraft and deemed applicable to this airframe. Work is on-going re-fitting instrumentation and switches into newly painted instrument panels and side consoles. Work in progress (approx 60% along) regarding the manufacture of a new upper engine assessor cowling. Work has recently begun on inspection and disposition of engine side cowl flaps."
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On 23 October 2017 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"It's been a while since the last update, KF Aero has (and still is very busy with Customer aircraft work. The Tempest project continues to move forward. Thanks for your continued interest."
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On 31 May 2018 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"It's been a while but here are some photos of MW376 progress taken today. The cockpit is coming together and the flaps not finished but looking great!"
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On 22 December 2018 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Some new photos from yesterday. As you can see we are well on with the sheetmetal work and starting to rig the flying controls which is intricate work. We test fitted the oil tank to work out how much space we have for instruments. Our engine ring should be here very soon to test fit the R2800 once we have removed the existing shroud. The gear is ready, just waiting on wheels & tyres. 2019 is going to see a lot more visual progress."
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On 28 March 2019 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Some great progress on MW376. A huge thanks to Sanders Aeronautics for building our engine mount. Much of the structural work is now done and the focus is moving to the hydraulic, fuel systems etc. You can see a lot of new/overhauled parts ready for fitting and the landing gear in place."
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On 29 May 2019 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"The guys have fitted the engine! Timeline to possible taxi testing? I heard a target date of Q1/2020 today."
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On 4 August 2019 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Our team really do amazing work. Building a new fuel tank and our overhauled wheels."
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On 18 August 2019 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Really pleased to be working with Steve Atkin - Warbird Colour. Steve is going to be helping us with the project management of MW376 paint & decals. Thanks Steve! |
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On 21 October 2019 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Making steady progress, a few more photo's. Exhaust trial fits. It's a work of art." |
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On 30 April 2020 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Sorry it's been a while since the last update everyone. Busy with work and then COVID 19. Took a walk into the hangar today. The team are making amazing progress, I've attached some photo's of the landing gear now fitted (partially) and views from under the fuse looking up into the cockpit. The guys are focussing on finishing the gear, then the hydraulics so we can work on flying control surfaces." |
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On 9 June 2020 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Throttle body in progress. Hydraulic lines coming along nicely, gear, wheels and brakes almost complete.." |
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On 5 July 2020 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Engine exhaust routing in work along with cowl structure. We are making great progress with the hydraulic system and a gear a gear swing is not too far off. We will video this major milestone and post." |
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On 3 Sept 2020 KF Aerospace posts a new blog on their website:"Why has KF taken on a project of this nature? What has been accomplished thus far and for what ultimate purpose? We explore how past and future collide in a KF pet project destined for stardom." Read more here; Why and How KF is Restoring a Warplane
Source: KF Aerospace |
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On 26 September 2020 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"A couple of recent photo's. The rudder is rigged, trimmed and operational. The hydraulic system is progressing really well and we are looking at possible dates for a gear swing which I will video. Also, some exciting news coming up very soon." |
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On 10 November 2020 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Some recent photo's! (8 new posted in Walkaround MW376) We are really excited to be working with Pan Productions Inc. on a video about the MW376 Hawker Tempest II restoration taking place at KF Aerospace in Kelowna.
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On 20 January 2021 Pan Productions Inc reports on Facebook:"Our latest project is documenting the Hawker Tempest II MW376 restoration at KF Aerospace. Part one is now available and we are looking forward to continuing this fantastic restoration story." |
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On 13 May 2021 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"A few update photo's folks. The restoration team at KF Aerospace are progressing exceptionally well. All systems now well defined and coming along nicely. The cockpit windshield is very much a work in progress. Some parts are starting to be fitted for the final time!"
Source: KF Aerospace and MW376 on Facebook (5 new photos posted in Walkaround MW376) |
On 5 June 2021 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Part Two ..... this is really interesting stuff!"
Source: KF Aerospace and MW376 on Facebook
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On 10 September 2021 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Taken yesterday around the cockpit area of the Tempest. The guys are doing really well. KF Aerospace has some incredibly skilled people and tremendous projects. Thank you for all your support worldwide. 2022 is going to very exciting!"
Source: KF Aerospace and MW376 on Facebook (13 new photos posted in Walkaround MW376) |
On 6 October 2021 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"What's been happening with the Hawker this summer?
Presenting Part III of our ongoing restoration series. This time - the team tackles the hydraulics system and the project becomes a true family affair for KF Aerospace founder Barry Lapointe.
Enjoy! (and don't forget to follow along at https://kfcentre.ca/.)"
Source: KF Aerospace and MW376 on Facebook
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On 15 February 2022 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"MW376 is getting ready for paint, take a last look as our very excited team get her ready for a transformation in the next couple of weeks. This will be a UK/Canada collaboration. More news to follow."
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On 31 August 2022 The KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Introducing — in her full glory, the Hawker Tempest MK II. Movie clip on Facebook:
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On 30 April 2023 Bruce Hoffman reports:"It was beautiful to see in the flesh. Originally they hoped to fly it this year but that’s unlikely now for some reason. It’s so close to being finished."
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On 7 September 2023 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"Avionics update!
The KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence team have been progressing well with avionics work over the past few weeks, so here’s an update, which we hope you will enjoy:
• Wiring in the engine compartment is almost finished. Just the heavy cables for the starter and generator need hooking up.
• Most of the wiring to the LH and RH instrument panels has been installed and terminated.
• Most of the wiring within the RH side console area has been installed.
• All the above wiring that is to be routed to the aft equipment shelf has been brought to the shelf location. Build up of the equipment shelf is in progress.
Our team will be busy working on this beauty of a bird in the coming weeks and months, so stay tuned for future updates!"
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On 9 February 2024 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"SHE'S ALIVE BIG day, and it went about as well as we could ask for! A spectacular success.
 Oil Pressure? Check. Perfect Fuel Pressure? Check. Cylinder Head Temperature – Good. Check. Volts – 28.5. Check. Amps – …there are some! Check. Hydraulic pressure? Green and Stable. Check. Vacuum pump doing its thing? Check.It was truly a thrill for our team – SUCH a satisfying day.
But before anyone asks – take a breath and relax! We are a LONG ways away from the first flight. Patience…
 Thank you all for following us on this journey to bring this old bird back to life.
 "Source: KF Aerospace and MW376 on Facebook (incl. video!) |
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On 9 September 2024 KF Aerospace reports on Facebook:"As the original flaps were damage KF Aerospace has manufactured new flaps to operate with some of the original components that came with the aircraft. There are two hydraulic flap actuators, one in each wing, operated from the engine driven hydraulic pump. The torque tubes mounted on hinges to the aircraft structure on each wing and coupled to ensure the precise operation of the flaps on each wing. Without needing the engine running we have removed the engine driven hydraulic pump and attached it to a portable electrical supply so the flaps can be fully installed and adjusted using the same pump that will be used in flight. The video shows the flaps being operated from the cockpit flap lever and an electrical cable switch. The flaps have yet to be adjusted to the exact trailing edge contour of the wing. Once done the bolts currently securing the flap ribs to the torque tubes will be replaced with solid rivets to prevent any movement. When the mechanical work is complete the flaps will be removed for painting and re-fit."
Source: KF Aerospace and MW376 on Facebook (incl. videos!) |
CLICK HERE TO WALKAROUND MW376 (+245 photos!)
Images:
Bruce Hoffman
KF Aerospace, Canada
Ken Ellis
© Key Publishing 2002, reproduced with permission of FlyPast Magazine
Airborne Attitude, LLC
Paul McSweeny, Pioneer Aero
Benjaminn Gilbert
Ashley Lamb
Text sources:
Will Tomkins
KF Aerospace, Canada
Paul McSweeny, Pioneer Aero
Ashley Lamb
FlyPast Sept 1992
FlyPast May 2002
Airborne Attitude, LLC
Bristol Aircraft Worldwide Survey
Jay Widdows