Tempest max speed

[*Buzzsaw*]

Originally Posted by mondo

In the same way the Corsair was the 'ensign eliminator' the Tempests characteristics made it a plane for seasoned pilots. It was considered harder to fly because of its high speed controls and setup. It had a high landing speed compared to other aircraft of its time, a high stall speed, just about adequate low speed controls, an engine that if not cared for correctly could break easily. Its not that it was a death trap, it just was very capable at being a flying coffin very quickly unless you were an experienced pilot, unlike the Spitfire.

All together is was quite unlike any plane Tempest pilots would have previously flown and low level flying also required some considerable experiance.

Actually the Tempests stall speed and stall characteristics were not described as particularly a problem in the Pilot's notes, which you can see here:

http://tempest.nerdnet.nl/handlv.pdf

Stall speed was 85 mph/136 kph in clean condition, 75 mph/120 kph with flaps and undercarriage down.

Final approach speed was 100 mph/160 kph with the flaps down.

High speed stalls, as per any aircraft, happened if the elevator was applied too strongly, but there was warning with a wing dropping first, and departure only occurring with continued force was applied to the elevator. Recovery was described as "immediate", if the elevator was released.

And Tempest pilots had most often previously flown the Typhoon, which had very similar torque and takeoff characteristics.