Warbird Information Exchange

Does anyone know if Kermit Weeks Tempest II N607LA is still flown and if not when was the last time it took to the skies?

This aircraft has never been airworthy with Kermit Weeks as far as I know. I don't think it was airworthy with any previous owners either. Probably the last time it flew was in service but I'm sure someone with more knowledge than me will chime in.

As far as I know it's on loan to the Sun-n Fun Museum in Lakeland Florida.
I have seen it there for the past several years.

Bill

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Bill


Website

I knew she was a pretty rare aircraft so I was interested to read on the warbird registry that she was currently airworthly and I had not seen any pictures of her in flight.....alas it was not to be .....would make a pretty interesting aircraft if it arrived at an airshow... very nice restoration project for someone with deeep pockets....

By the looks of the picture I don't hink she is in airworthy trim as the bottom of the rudder looks to have been in the wars. Tempests are rare and I think this one is the rarest of the lot as I believe it is the second prototype.

I think Kermit also has a Mark V under restoration in the UK. There is also a Mark II awaiting for its engine before it can take to the skies.

This Tempest, prior to being obtained by KW, was owned by Skyfame Museum. It was latterly at Duxford (after Skyfame's owner retired) but prior to that was at Skyfame's base which was at Staverton airfield near Gloucester in the UK. Before entering "preservation" the aircraft had for many many years been with the College of Aeronautics as a grounded example of aircraft technology and was kept hangared at Cranfield in Bedfordshire UK. The airframe was cosmetically restored when with Skyfame and if I recall rightly that occurred to enable the aircraft to be loaned for a few days for static exhibition at a RAF base during a squadron reunion event, It hasn't flown since service use and I seem to recall reports prior to sale that its not even potentially airworthy without major work. It's sadly missed here in the UK (although another of the type but ex Indian AF is on the route to airworthiness over here).
Tim

Hi Tim,any word on how close the U.K. Tempest is to completion,sure would be neat to see,Cheers,Pete

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Give me a Centaurus over a Merlin any day

Pete,

See:
http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/oldstuff/2 ... /lincs.htm

Regards,
Tim

Thanks Tim,I would have thought that Ricardo's was a better option for the Centaurus given their learning curve & subsequent success with the RNHF,guess other factors may be involved.Cheers,Pete

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Give me a Centaurus over a Merlin any day

I believe that Ricardo's washed their hands of the Centaurus business entirely after heir experiences with the RNHF unit.