Hawker Typhoon RB396 Restoration
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4
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From: Kent
Hawker Typhoon RB396 Restoration
It's well worth checking out this truly unique project.
I can't imagine there will be another serious effort to get an example of this rare and historically important type flying.
We're now fortunate to have many examples of Spitfire and even Hurricane flying in the UK, but the Typhoon is one of several somewhat forgotten WWII-era types from the UK's rich aviation history.
An Internet search for "Typhoon RB396" ought to bring up the project website which contains loads of information on the project to-date and their future plans.
They've recently launched their first public crowd funding campaign to raise money for the airworthy rebuild of the rear fuselage.
This is due to commence soon at Airframe Assemblies Ltd.
I can't imagine there will be another serious effort to get an example of this rare and historically important type flying.
We're now fortunate to have many examples of Spitfire and even Hurricane flying in the UK, but the Typhoon is one of several somewhat forgotten WWII-era types from the UK's rich aviation history.
An Internet search for "Typhoon RB396" ought to bring up the project website which contains loads of information on the project to-date and their future plans.
They've recently launched their first public crowd funding campaign to raise money for the airworthy rebuild of the rear fuselage.
This is due to commence soon at Airframe Assemblies Ltd.

Joined: May 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'


Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,243
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From: Central UK
Whatever happened to the batch of half a dozen Tempests that was brought back to UK a couole of decades ago?
There was much brouhaha about making a flyable example out of those but it all seems to have disappeared. (States-ward?)
There was much brouhaha about making a flyable example out of those but it all seems to have disappeared. (States-ward?)

Joined: Apr 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 836
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From: uk
There was much brouhaha about making a flyable example out of those but it all seems to have disappeared. (States-ward?)

Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 556
Likes: 8
From: London UK
A few years ago I was visiting Booker airfield and was surprised to see the fuselage of a Tempest still with Indian air force markings visible. I decided it was probably used to provide parts or templates for the Kermit Weeks Typhoon that was under restoration there at the time.

Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Reading, UK
Joined: Jun 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 7,172
Likes: 292
From: Nanaimo (CAC8)
Thanks for that great link, Dave
There are quite a few Kermit Weeks videos on YouTube, about this project. Here’s one:
A 24 cylinder sleeve-valve engine. The mind boggles. The Tempest V must have disappeared in a cloud of blue smoke when taxiing!
There are quite a few Kermit Weeks videos on YouTube, about this project. Here’s one:

Joined: Apr 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 836
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From: uk
The Tempest V must have disappeared in a cloud of blue smoke when taxiing!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 62
From: 51.50N 1W (ish)
I think the big issue will be the Napier Sabre engine. The Sea Fury’s Centaurus is difficult enough, but the complex Sabre is something else but good luck to them.






