A Hawker Tempest aircraft, II MW376, is under restoration in New Zealand by Pioneer Aero for a New Zealand based owner and will make a very exciting addition to the NZ Warbird movement.
This Warbird served with the RAF and then the Indian Air Force and was retired in 1953 and then served as a decoy target at various IAF bases before being sold in 1979 to a UK collector with six other Hawker Tempest’s and passed through a few more owners in the UK before migrating to France in 1996. Some previous work was done on its restoration however Pioneer are going through the airframe in a very meticulous fashion to ensure its integrity. Upon arrival in June 2012 the aircraft was trial assembled however now work has commenced on dismantling the fuselage prior to reassembly and one wing is in the jig and has commenced restoration.
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- Hawker Tempest II MW376 restoration work
It is anticipated the restoration will take several years to complete. The plan is to have the aircraft powered by an original early series Bristol Centaurus with correct four blade prop. However, consideration is being given to initially flying the machine with an American R2800 engine pending the completion of the Centaurus. The big Bristol engine is notorious for being difficult to source and rebuild so may take longer to get done than the rest of the aircraft.
A Hawker Tempest Warbird in the air again is a tempting prospect and another Kiwi triumph in the making!
© John Parker 2013
Hi John,
I just discovered your great website. I have been an aviation enthusiast for many years.
I am building “numerous” instrument panel projects and restoring WH410 F8 Meteor to static display at my Penrith workshop. Keep up the good work !
Regards, Chris.
Hi Chris
Thank you for your feedback. We hope to get in touch with you to find out more about your wonderful project.
Kind regards
John
This is a great website , thanks very much. I was wondering about this Tempest as this article is June 2013. Is Pioneer Restorations still working on this aircraft for a New Zealand owner or has it gone to England? I know Anglia Aircraft Restorations have 2 under rebuild. It would be great to see a flying Tempest in the southern hemisphere
Hi Brad
The aircraft has been reported as sold overseas and it has been transported to the UK or USA for restoration to airworthy condition. We are unsure of its final destination. Yes it would indeed be great to see a Tempest in the air.
Kind regards
John
Hi John,
I’m hoping you can help me out by recommending some contacts that you may have found useful with sourcing/reconditioning your R2800?
How is the Hawker Tempest project going?
Thanks,
Alistair
Hi Alistair
Its best to contact Robert Grienert via email at thunderbolts@bigpond.com or Peter Brook in Brisbane. The project has moved to America with a collector and not much progress has been noted.
Kind regards
John
Hi John,
Thanks for the response, I’ll give them a shout.
Best regards,
Alistair