In the midst of all the awful news, here’s something to take the edge off. Hawker Tempest II ready for first flight This is the only flyable Hawker Tempest II in the world. The Tempest was the biggest, most powerful, fastest British fighter of World War II and the last World War II RAF fighter to see combat, flying in the Malayan Emergency 1948-51, when it was finally removed from operations.
I understand about WW II -- in retrospect, of course. In fact I've just finished reading a dozen books about that war. Nevertheless, it was enormously complex, and without a doubt felt as "crazy" as crazy can be for anyone unfortunate enough to live (or die) through it. (Do you know if the casualty rate for bomber pilot were 1/3?)
In 1943, losses were likely to average to 10% overall without good escort on deep raids. However, loss of the airplane didn't mean loss of the crew (live that is), since in around 2/3 of the time half or more of the crew got out. 90% of them became POWs but they were alive.
By 1944, losses were well under 5%, and by the fall, when the Luftwaffe ran out of gas (literally) losses went down to 2% or so. Flak was always bad, averaging 1%.
Wow!! I thought that something I read said that a very large percent of men knew that there was a good chance that they were flying to their deaths. Good to know! Thank you.
they were. In 1945, with an 8-12% loss rate on missions, anyone flying their sixth mission was flying someone else's time, statistically. As I said, that didn't mean all died. But 8th AF losses between the first mission on August 17, 1942 and the final combat mission on April 29 1945 were more than the US Marines suffered between Guadalcanal and Okinawa invasions.
Good to see it flying, but keeping my fingers crossed that something doesn’t go wrong and the planes crashes. Rebuilding/fabricating those vintage aircraft isn’t as difficult as finding usable engines. The Sea Fury uses the same Bristol engine as the Tempest II, but finding a good power plant isn’t easy. If I remember correctly, one Sea Fury had the Centaurus engine swapped out for an R-3350 unit because there weren’t enough Centaurus engines and parts available anymore.
Recently I have been seeing stories just like this pop up in my Facebook timeline nearly every day, though I don't think this particular plane was among them. They have also been sending me images and stories about giant airplane engines, the last on was a 24 cylinder monster. I blame you for this, or give you credit. Take your pick.
Thanks for the breath of fresh air from WW2. A clue to how crazy things are today.
Yes indeed.
Oh, I'd say things were pretty crazy back then: concentration camps, the Blitz. Nah, I'll take now.
That's a higher casualty rate. The reason why WW2 interests people is the "good guys" and the "bad guys" are easy to figure out.
I understand about WW II -- in retrospect, of course. In fact I've just finished reading a dozen books about that war. Nevertheless, it was enormously complex, and without a doubt felt as "crazy" as crazy can be for anyone unfortunate enough to live (or die) through it. (Do you know if the casualty rate for bomber pilot were 1/3?)
In 1943, losses were likely to average to 10% overall without good escort on deep raids. However, loss of the airplane didn't mean loss of the crew (live that is), since in around 2/3 of the time half or more of the crew got out. 90% of them became POWs but they were alive.
By 1944, losses were well under 5%, and by the fall, when the Luftwaffe ran out of gas (literally) losses went down to 2% or so. Flak was always bad, averaging 1%.
Wow!! I thought that something I read said that a very large percent of men knew that there was a good chance that they were flying to their deaths. Good to know! Thank you.
they were. In 1945, with an 8-12% loss rate on missions, anyone flying their sixth mission was flying someone else's time, statistically. As I said, that didn't mean all died. But 8th AF losses between the first mission on August 17, 1942 and the final combat mission on April 29 1945 were more than the US Marines suffered between Guadalcanal and Okinawa invasions.
My husbands uncle was shot down over Germany in a bomber. They never got a clue as to where, but no info as to prisoner. Just gone….
That is so sad...
There were plenty wanting to support the “bad guys” early on. Japan fixed that.
Although thousands of American Nazis did not back down.
Just went underground it seems
Use a preview of what the authoritarians have in mind for us if and/or when Project 2025 gets in gear.
I've seen it. And it is a NIGHTMARE!!!
Good to see it flying, but keeping my fingers crossed that something doesn’t go wrong and the planes crashes. Rebuilding/fabricating those vintage aircraft isn’t as difficult as finding usable engines. The Sea Fury uses the same Bristol engine as the Tempest II, but finding a good power plant isn’t easy. If I remember correctly, one Sea Fury had the Centaurus engine swapped out for an R-3350 unit because there weren’t enough Centaurus engines and parts available anymore.
That's happened to several Sea Furies now.
Did you see the unmistakable smile on the Hawker Tempest II’s face as it was being pushed back into the hangar?
Yes, I did. :-)
A beautiful plane....held my breath til it lifted up.!
Thank you!
Thanks for this, Tom. Soaring takes the edge off and is good for the soul.
An incredible achievement. Great to see another, and very unique, warbird flying!
After only 44 years of trying to get it back together.
Thank you - hard to imagine with today's news, but watching a warplane take off made me smile.
And *old* warplane.
Thanks TC. First time I'd heard of the Tempest. Successor to the Hurricane?
Successor to the Typhoon, which was successor to the Hurricane
Always a joy when some Brits get their bristols aht, innit?
Sounds almost as good as as a Merlin. Almost. Thanks TC.
Thank you Tom, I needed a pleasant diversion. Nice 51D too. I have a photo to email you of a book you might like to check into.
I look forward to getting it.
Recently I have been seeing stories just like this pop up in my Facebook timeline nearly every day, though I don't think this particular plane was among them. They have also been sending me images and stories about giant airplane engines, the last on was a 24 cylinder monster. I blame you for this, or give you credit. Take your pick.
One minute later I see this, "B-25 Mitchell bomber aboard USS Hornet".
Yeah, the algorithms see these and go nuts.
Are there still Flying Fortresses flying? My dad built those.
There are about six, but after two crashed while carrying passengers, the FAA has taken away the permit to carry passengers.
I was climbing a neighbor's tree when the first B52 test flight went overhead. VERY low. It was like looking up from the underside of an elephant.
That was a memorable experience.
early example of shock and awe
Wish we were shown the pilot boarding and deplaning and the aircraft actually landing.
Great post, TC!
There will be more to come, I'm sure.
Wow, that was fun! I wish I could have seen it land. I don't know who that pilot was, but he's a brave soul. Thanks Tom!
Needed that!
Sweet!