The Hawker Tempest was a British fighter aircraft developed during World War II. It was designed to be a fast and powerful plane, primarily used for ground attack and intercepting enemy aircraft. The Tempest featured a sleek design and was equipped with a robust Napier Sabre engine, allowing it to reach high speeds and perform well in combat. First flown in 1943, the Tempest played a significant role in the latter stages of the war, particularly in the Battle of Britain and against the V-1 flying bomb threat. Its combination of speed, firepower, and agility made it one of the most effective fighters of its time.