Hawker Tempest V - Part 1 - Wings - Restoration

OK, Gang, here’s Part 1 of 3 of when Richard Grace came over recently from England to discuss what it would take to move the Tempest V project forward. There is a lot of great information here, so pour yourself a drink, sit back, and enjoy!
Kermit Weeks
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Kermit Weeks

[@jeoverv]

I hope I will live to hear and see the genuine Napier Sabre in a Tempest V, my favourite warbird since I read Pierre Clostermans books in the early 1980's. Thanks mr. Weeks, for making it happen. I'll come over from Norway once it flies.

[@Hawkertempest1]

The Hawker Tempest, by far the finest fighter plane of WW2. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@zekevaltz9843]

I’m so excited that Kermit is putting Richard Grace to work on this! Finally, a running Mk. V!!

[@ronasaurus74]

Damn, to hear a Napier Sabre engine- the sound would be like nothing else. Mean, angry! May it come together, it would be sensational! Thanks Kermit, I love the way you use and share your good fortune. You are my favourite super wealthy person, for sure!

[@ricksmith4736]

Kermits small museum has about 40 crated allisons on one wall.....

[@ronasaurus74]

Yeah, I know. I've been following for quite a while.@@ricksmith4736

[@chrissimmonds3734]

Done right, not done fast. Brilliant

[@lornecunningham326]

I could listen to Richard all day long. That guy is doing a great job within the Warbird Community. It must be so frustrating walking through those stores facilities, I'd want to sit and touch all of them 😂

[@briangreen6602]

I was very sad when Andy retired and the Tempest project got put on hold. I would love to see it return to the UK for a full restoration, hopefully teaming up with the Canadian Hawker Typhoon project to rebuild a couple of Napier Sabre engines.

[@HowardKelsey68]

@briangreen6602 Yeah, wouldn't it be fantastic to hear a Sabre cackle & growl to life in a flying Tempest and/or Tiffy before all of their WWII pilots get their wings? I wouldn't be able to keep me eyes dry, if it were to happen. Perhaps it is already too late. Am I wrong to think that is a pretty tall order? Let's all hope. Many thanks to Kermit.

[@TractorMan104]

WOW! the multi colored Sikorsky S55 helicopter in the background is one I built at Vertical Aviation back in the 90's. I would love to be able to come over and look at her again.

[@GBlanchy]

Been waiting 4 years for this update, Tempest V my favourite plane of ww2 Thanks Kermit from NZ

[@robertbradley1133]

I saw those wings leaning up at XXX aero about 15 years ago, just before we took our project off him. The Eckold KF460 with metal jaws had been heavily used on those wing skins, I questioned him about this he said it will be fine when we have sanded those marks out. I would check the skin thicknesses carefully and obviously the Alclad has been ground off. Also I spotted the odd black rivet in ours if they were in a tight spot ….be careful guys

[@richardraby6266]

Kermit, if you can get me to hear a Napier Sabre running in anger before I die I will be eternally grateful to you; and it's now looking like it's on!

[@pakkelly]

Incredible buy in 1983! Kermit Weeks has the foresight….and he isn't in a hurry. Brilliant!

[@richardross3815]

You had me drooling at the walkabout in the storage bldg…. Lol

[@chrisfoote9413]

Make it happen Kermit, pleease. We need a flying example of probably the best UK fighter that saw action. For Pierre Closterman, Rolly Beamont and all the other Tempest V heroes. I would really like to hear a Napier Sabre and see the Tempest V fly before I slip the surly bonds of earth.🙏 Thank you Kermit.

[@johnritchie4801]

This guy has the best Job in the world. I am jealous

[@nickjoy8868]

Such a treat to see two highly knowledgeable gents talking about the real fine details on the Tempest airframes; thanks both Kermit and Richard.

[@richuar]

Wow Richard Grace really, really knows Tempests inside and out doesn’t he! Not too surprising having seen the Tempest II restoration it’s a masterpiece.

[@radiationking9875]

Kermit, Richard and all the crew, I commend for making a dream a *hopeful* reality. With two sabres I'm confident you all can do it, the whole world needs to see and hear the thunder of that Tempest. NV778 was the last one that ever flew and was the last Sabre to ever run. Nearly 70 years later, that knowhow is near and gone but anything is possible

[@pascalchauvet4230]

French Tempest V ace pilot Pierre Clostermandescribes the friendly wartime rivalry beetween RAF Tempest and Spitfire pilots. A common joke onjointly used RAF airfields was that the landing speed of the Tempest was higher that the cruising speed of the Spitfire... On one occasion apparently a Spitfire spotted a German Arado 234 reconnaissance jet aircraft flying at treetop height and managed to shoot it down diving flat-out from above, popping rivets in the process. Later in the mess Spit pilots being triumphant, saying "that's something you've never managed to do in your "lead sleds" (literally "lead dogs, "chiens de plomb" in French), meaning the rather heavy Tempests.

[@joefrawley5295]

I can't begin to express my happiness that the Tempest V is gathering momentum in the workshop. However, I'm always amazed at the "I'm not in a hurry" comment! What an outstanding aircraft. One that deserves the front of the line treatment. Thanks for sharing!

[@NOSHER]

Awesome news , Kermit is a true aviation enthusiast committed to preservation of all types

[@jamesdeath3477]

Yes! yes yes! I'd love to see this thing up together and at least running. Wanna hear that Sabre.

[@barrywinslow9798]

Looks like another super restoration is comin'. Bless ya Kermit.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l would love to see this Hawker Tempest V flying again....An putting Richard Grace to rebuild it......Thanks Kermit.....Shoe🇺🇸

[@kendorsey5894]

The Tempest is one of the al time greats. I hope this will be something I might see fly.

[@pascalchauvet4230]

Though the Tempests did shoot down a number of Messerschmitt Me262 jet fighters on "rat-catching" missions, mainly by ambushing them in their landing phase when they were the most vulnerable. Late in the war the Germans mounted standing patrols over the Mer262's airfields consisting of Focke-Wulf FW190 D models with red and black stripes under the wings.

[@TheJimbodean67]

Some may call it being fussy, I call it being correct. Some of the wisest advice I was given years ago was “if you don’t have the time to do it right the first time, when are you going to have time to do it over”. Look forward to seeing the rest of the series and updates. Thanks for sharing Mr Weeks.

[@dallesamllhals9161]

2:47 OH FFS! Stop walking by all those beauties 😀

[@goatflieg]

With multi-part series, I usually wait until all parts are available to watch them all in order to avoid "cliff-hanger (or in this case, cliff-hangar) syndrome". But with three parts, I couldn't resist getting started on this one. As usual, can't wait... but you knew that.

[@mambastu]

Great to see another Tempest video

[@russellmarriott9396]

1 of 1 - a rare beast indeed. Tempest II and Bristol Blenheim at Duxford are also 1 of 1.

[@wingco111]

Excellent!

[@fw1421]

I see all these planes that Kermit has in his collection,and he’s my age,70,I don’t understand how he thinks he’ll get all of them restored in his lifetime. He easily has another 50 years worth of work there.

[@oxcart4172]

I think he likes collecting them more than restoring them

[@nickjoy8868]

As long as they're all kept safely- which Kermit is doing- opportunities for future generations to restore will still be present here. If Kermit hadn't have bought and stored these classic airframes chances are they would either have been scrapped or left to decompose to the point of uselessness, so warbird lovers everywhere owe gents like Kermit and Doug Arnold and many others- a huge thankyou for keeping these last airframes safe and protected.

[@richardraby6266]

He's doing the next few generations a service by getting them all under cover, known and registered and some put back, others not just yet.

[@mikeschillinger4427]

When it comes to restoring more than you expect it comes down to the size of the operation vs the availability of money. The more money you throw at something the faster it gets done. At least that's my experience.

[@jacklav1]

So, at 70 you should hang up you boots and go and live in sheltered accommodation? He looks happy.

[@troymolitor7766]

Thank you for sharing this with us Mr. Weeks. Looking forward to parts two and three.

[@tomling9310]

What a great collaboration 😎

[@eamo106]

Good luck to ambos, Richard and Kermie, another warbird restoration is always good, especially a Tempest !

[@TheMattcwynar]

I want to see a epsiode of just walking around the storage building show whats there and some of the history and plans for them.

[@lebaillidessavoies3889]

Good luck for the Sabre.

[@ronaldjennings8057]

Wanted to say hi to you Kermit. I hope fantasy flight takestaff have a great day.👍👍👍👍👍🙏

[@benjamingraves6390]

Awesome project, Kermit. One of my all time favorite planes. So this will be the only flying version of the Tempest V? Love your passion for these aircraft.

[@davelewandoski4292]

Thanks Kermit! Can't wait for part 2.

[@lubbas72]

Are there any Napier Sabre engines running today?

[@mattharte7334]

I took your advice poured a drink and sat back and enjoyed the video, thought it was excellent. Can’t wait to see parts 2 and 3 the only downside was, I should have been drinking Naked in Jamaica rum.

[@HowardKelsey68]

@mattharte7334 Less expensive to drink Clothed in Home rum. lol

[@onlypinkytube]

I too my family there for the first time since 2012 I hope to see the full museum reopened. I literally bought a house 3 minutes from there 4 years ago I would love to see those planes flying again.

[@stevemadak6255]

I want to see it fly now! I could never own planes and be a pilot. I have no patience. Get there-itis would be my nemesis. Cool deal Kermit.

[@williamrobin2638]

The Tempest II project in Canada had its first engine run last week.

[@MikeSiemens88]

Yeppers, Kelowna Flightcraft Centre for Excellence. 40 minute drive for me. However instead of the original Centaurus sleeve valve powerplant they're going with a Pratt & Whitney R2800 CA-3 double wasp out of a Canadair CL-215. I visited the centre mid December last year & it's looking quite complete. Hopefully they can get it flying this year. They have an airworthy Mosquito as well.

[@chris_hisss]

OMG so cool! Kermit, you think you could pull some strings to get updated video of that "Silver Hill" storage facility? Item of interest especially being that TA-154 (Kurt Tank's evolution of the FW 190-D13s essentially) Only one known to exist. There are photos of it through, seemingly from the 80s. This is a great video! Looking forward to seeing a Tempest V!

[@CanadianGrenadian]

Kermit wants a display model Richard is such a perfectionist and just has to do this a certain way. I’m hoping they meet in the middle 😅

[@patrickibex]

Nice little project there Kirmit, can't wait for part 2 to come along..

[@haroldmclean3755]

Very Very Cool indeed 👍

[@bondisteve3617]

Thanks and good luck with that one King.

[@Fncy_VW]

Would love to see some videos of future projects and parts you have in storage.

[@reubensandwich9249]

I'm sure many can't wait just to hear the Tempest's Napier Sabre.

[@P61guy61]

Awesome airplane. Thank you for sharing

[@shoominati23]

I wanna see the Savoia-Marchetti floatplane up in the air! Out of all the planes, I think it is the most unclutteredly beautiful plane there - the Italians just put so much passion into their product, damned if it hindered the company. I wish I had won it at the auction if I'd known about it..

[@faustobaptista8555]

Great! A new restoration is wellcoming

[@neilharrison1420]

amazing watch,great stuff

[@sdjk909]

Just the walk through was amazing. We need a Tempest V in the air Kermit!

[@mstx1007]

Thanks Kermit

[@jamieduff1981]

Is that genuinely LA607 you own there? Wow!

[@MrBook123456]

good one

[@simonpayne8252]

❤❤❤❤❤ yes.. after trolling every post kermit makes with.... what about the tempest V

[@pascalchauvet4230]

What about the (in)famous pyrotechnic Coffman starter cartridges needed to start the Napier Sabre engines, are there still some oif these available?

[@billysolhurok5542]

great news. I thought this project was permanently shelved

[@RamSkirata]

Interestingly, Richard sounds very much like Eric Clapton!

[@peterbird7979]

soooooo, who got the Sabre engine out of New Zealand a couple of years ago? I saw one on an engine stand, it looked brand new, and the mechanic said it was off to the States, but wouldn't say who to haha!

[@marttimattila9561]

3:15 S.D. Demoiselle probably from movie" Those Magnificent Men".

[@johnpettit1951]

Those military aircraft that you have probably need to be able to be rearmed again. I’ve got a feeling that we’re gonna need them here at home and it’s not gonna be to long either 👍

[@1boortzfan]

I live 40 minutes away from Fantasy of Flight. I can't wait to see it open again.

[@darkredvan]

What a great development! I did not expect the Tempest V project started that soon (relatively) again. Richard Grace did some great restorations already. Interestingly I remember a sentence Kermit said only a few months ago: „As if I had not enough projects going …“ 😉 Mr. Weeks is a man of surprises, in the best sense possible.

[@happyhome41]

Marvelous. Good to see that plane take at least a test flight - or - as is done at the USAF Museum in Dayton - they get it ready to fly, run the engine, check all the instruments and controls, then apply preservative, and that’s that. I once was present when the Air Force Museum contracted with a private owner, and the contract stipulated that the Mosquito had to be in one piece at the museum. Back then, the runways were maintained, but closed except for special occasions, and on that day, we were out watching, when the Mosquito did a low pass, then went around, and landed.

[@thenorthwestohiorailfan3007]

I have been to that museum multiple times... always wondered how many of the aircraft they have can fly still.

[@lowbudgetbob1155]

Is the Tempest something you're looking at having done in the near future or a few years out?

[@ALSNewsNow]

Hi Kermit! Could you ask your video editor to add a link to the previous part of a series at the end of the newest part? It's easy, all he has to do is add part 1 into a box at the end of part 2, etc. Or he can just place a clickable link in part 2's description!! Thanks and great videos!!

[@elosogonzalez8739]

Any hopes of getting the P-35 finished in 2024 What's the latest on Howard Hughes' Sikorsky? Would love to see What's progressing. Good luck in 2024!😊❤

[@SonnyFastSpeed]

I recently watched a great Hawker Tempest documentary on KZbin. Worth watching!

[@andrewmurton8379]

Go for it Kermit, Richard has a proven track record with the Tempest now and having succeeded in getting a Mkll flying a MkV is well within his grasp.

[@JohnSmith-xs4sx]

$110K (U.S.) in 1983 would buy you over 20 brand new Toyota trucks.....try that today lol

[@richardfalconer1959]

He’s going to have the gun heating.....

[@jaredm4444]

Dont muck around, let Air Leasing finish the project. Its the only way it will get done!

[@alyciamarrison2916]

"NDT" - Non destructive testing.

[@MARKLOCKWOOD2012]

i love to have an engine on a stand to run in my back yard. Then take the old prop put it on it.

[@conceptalfa]

👍👍👍!

[@dalecomer5951]

Fearsome killing machine.

[@billdewahl7007]

Did you ever get that D7 flying?

[@SimonElenor]

I truly wish that the Mossy was flying again! I have a thing about Mossy's and Beaufighter's!

[@rlsuth]

Fingers crossed as this is one I would really like to see restored.

[@ricksmith4736]

Were all getting older and time is running out....

[@stevenborham1584]

I need to know what the un-cowled aircraft at 3:07 to their right is. It looks like a heavily modified T-6 with an R-1820 and most unusally has an Aeroproducts prop like the F8F or Skyraider. I guessed maybe a Dauntless, P-64, or CAC Ceres but the 4 blade prop completely throws me off. It could be a retro fitted An-2 powerplant but even that has a distinct hydraulic hub, hmmm??

[@cedhome7945]

I wish British millionaires would put as much effort and cash into these rare aircraft as Mr weeks

[@yuglesstube]

Or the NHS

[@SonnyFastSpeed]

So.. Lancaster bomber? 🤔 As As a young boy in the 70s I watched a TV series called Pathfinders. Target display of Lancaster bombers. Lancaster left an indelible impression, and the silhouette of Lancaster in the dark evening sky was etched in the young boy's mind in every detail. I am already 60 years old. I still haven't heard or even experienced the four mighty Merlin engines firing into life. A young little boy's dream lives on. But will I ever meet the venerable "old lady"?

[@pcka12]

What is the WW1 type thing that something winglike is leaning against?

[@1mmickk]

If its to be the only one in the world then it has to be perfect. Save a few hundred thousand in the rebuild lose a few million when it sold. Right is right.

[@lestercoons3962]

When will Fantasy of Flight reopen to the public?

[@5alex7]

Magic... does anyone know why the Tempest MkII propeller is smaller in diameter than the MkV, with the same hub ?

[@flypawels]

👍

[@simonpayne8252]

Part 2?

[@bagoistvan3182]

👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺😌😌😌

[@wilsonlaidlaw]

I suppose about the Napier Sabre H24, the phrase, "As safe as they ever could be" applies. I am guessing that modern synthetic oils will help with the sleeve valve galling problem that never got solved 100% during WW2.

[@jbepsilon]

From what I understand, the experience of using modern synthetic oil in aero engines has not been a happy one. They contain too little dispersants to deal with the much higher amount of blow-by in aero piston engines, leading to buildup of deposits. Now, in principle I'm sure it would be possible to develop a synthetic oil suitable for vintage aero engines, but who's going to pay for the R&D and certifications?

[@MillicentSquirrelHole]

Any 108 news?

[@vmoney9106]

It’s not a Ki-61, but it’s close enough. Yes, I’m that guy from Facebook! 👌🏻

[@phlodel]

Did I see a jet?! I thought Kermit doesn't do jets.

[@zigzag4068]

It probably came as a freebie with a deal on a rare prop monster....;-)