Westland Whirlwind

The Westland Whirlwind was an aircraft ahead of its time both in design and aerodynamic accomplishments. It was originally designed to be fitted with four 20-mm cannon in the nose and followed the Hurricane IIc in some daring low level raids into northern France and the Low Countries from 1941 onwards. It was also the first to have a bubble canopy which greatly improved the pilot¹s all-round vision. But the Whirlwind was plagued by setbacks both in its wing construction and in its two Peregrine engines. Although most of the difficulties were eliminated by the time it went into service only Nos.137 and 263 Squadrons were equipped with the type. In the preparation and research for this book author Alan W.Hall checked through all known official and manufacturer¹s files to cover the photographic angle very thoroughly. The drawings are by Richard J.Caruana and explain every known camouflage scheme adopted. Comprehensive centre spread 1:72nd scale plans are by the late Mike Keep