In a seperate design study, Camm had devised a pair of wing leading egde mounted radiators to replace the cumbersome chin radiators of the Typhoon. Similair in design to those used on the Mosquito, these radiators were estimated to reduce drag by nearly two-thirds.

The work on the Tempest I was delayed by problems with manufacture of the wing radiator. But it eventually flew on 24 February 1943, piloted by the Joint Chief Test Pilot P.G. Lucas. It perfomed well and only minor problems such a poor elevator control at low speed and slow throttle reaction were noted. It was an exceptionally clean design and its maximum speed was soon established as a promising 466 mph at 24,500 feet.

Unfortunately, there still remained much development to be done on the Sabre IV engine and this, plus Air Staff distrust of the wing radiators, which were thought to be prone to battle damage, led to abandoment of the Tempest I in favour of the less spectacular but more certain progress of the Tempest V. It was retained for development work by Hawker and was eventually scrapped in 1946.

 

 

Wing span:	41ft 0in
Wing area:	302 sq ft
Length:	34ft 2in
Height (tail down):	15ft 10in
Weight (empty):	8,950lb
Weight (loaded):	11,300lb
Maximum speed:	466 mph at 24,500ft
Time to height:	4.25 mins to 15,000ft
Powerplant:	Napier Sabre Mk IV
Max power:	2,500hp
Propeller diameter:	4-blade 14ft 0in
Numbers built:	1

 

Sources:

Hawker Tempest (4+ Publication)
Typhoon/Tempest in action (Squadron/Signal Publications No 102)