Tornado P5224 October 1941
The second prototype, P5224, made its maiden flight on December 5, 1940, also powered by a Vulture II engine. This aircraft featured a Rotol constant-speed propeller, which increased the all-up weight to 9,600 lb (4,355 kg). Other differences from the first prototype included new canopy windows and a modified rudder. Unlike the first Tornado, this machine was equipped to carry four Hispano cannons instead of twelve machine guns. To simulate the weight of a full weapons load, the aircraft carried a full fuel load and ballast, bringing the total operating weight to 10,580 lb (4,800 kg).
In March 1941, both prototypes’ original Vulture II engines were replaced with the intended production engine, the Vulture V, rated at 1,980 hp. Testing at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) towards the end of 1941 demonstrated that this version of the Tornado could easily reach a speed of 398 mph (640 km/h) at an altitude of 23,300 ft (7,100 m). Compared to the Typhoon, the Tornado exhibited better longitudinal stability, a lower stalling speed, and slightly improved forward visibility over the nose.