Warbird Information Exchange

Several pics of current progress on their facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Hawker-Tempest ... 464230509/






Slightly humorous comments from whiny Limeys protesting the mounting of the superior R-2800 over the sleeve-valved monstrosity with which it was originally burdened.

Techs are predicting first flight in early 2020.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

I'm assuming the issue with the Centaurus commonly being replaced on the Furies/Sea Furies (and now Tempest II) is that there's very little parts support (especially compared to -2800's and the -3350) or for the propellers?

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Defending Stearmans on WIX since Jeff started badmouthing them back in 2005.

It'll be awesome to have a flying Tempest, just surprised they wouldn't make it authentic as possible

Yes, spares are an issue now, plus the lack of the special Aeroshell 100 U oil that was specially formulated for it by Shell, and isn't made by anyone else, and Shell will only make it vast quantities. I believe RR managed to get them to make it into the late 70's/early 80's but don't think any has been made since. Shell won't let anyone else make it either from what I've seen quoted by the last RR employee working on the support of the engine at RR.

Interesting theory on the oil, current available aero 120 oils have been used on the Centaurus since the 80's and most of them are still going strong, if you look at the difference between 100U and the current spec oils I would suggest the current oils are just as suitable as time has proven! Regarding the spares, sleeves are in short supply but still available and there are methods available to recondition them, there are also companies in the UK that overhaul fuel injection units & magnetos, there are two companies that specialise in Centaurus overhauls in the world, comes down to owners choice. Given the amount of PW 2800's that have failed in the last few years reliablity of both is moot

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Give me a Centaurus over a Merlin any day