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With the technology of the Hurricane being at the end of the biplane combat aircraft era, there was an urgent requirement for a modern fighter with a capability ahead of the anticipated German fighter development for the Luftwaffe.
About the author
Philip Birtles joined the de Havilland Aeronautical School as an engineering apprentice in September 1957. Following training, he joined John Cunningham-- the chief test pilot as PA. Philip was then appointed deputy PR Manager at Hawker Siddeley Aviation, before moving to BAe Dynamics Group at Stevenage as PR Manager. A return was made to Hatfield with responsibility for customer acceptances for the BAe.146 airliner, until the factory closed in early 1994. Philip has written some 40 books on aerospace, his first one being published in 1980 and has been involved with the de Havilland Aircraft Museum for over 40 years.
Summary
The Hawker Typhoon and later the Tempest both powered by the Napier Sabre engine, brought an increased combat capability to the RAF in WW2, to face the advanced designs coming into service with the Luftwaffe. It was not enough to match the German combat capabilities, as for success Britain had to exceed the performance of the enemy fighters.
