Hawker was already considering the Hurricane's successor as the first production Hurricanes neared completion at Kingston in 1937. Much design work therefore preceded specification F.18/37. The new interceptor was to carry twelve guns and use either the Rolls-Royce Vulture or Napier Sabre, both 24-cylinder engines. Hawker developed the two engine installations in parallel. The Typhoon's disappointing debut late in 1941 provides the background to the Tempest's survival and later success.
Notable Point · 2:44:43-2:45:44
Hawker develops the Hurricane's successor around two engines
A 1937 requirement for a twelve-gun interceptor led to parallel designs around the Rolls-Royce Vulture and Napier Sabre.