The Westland Whirlwind — Meet the Revolutionary WW2 Fighter That Never Quite Took Off

The Westland Whirlwind was on the cutting edge of aviation when it was designed and tested in the late 1930s. Outfitted with four 20mm cannons it was one of the fastest and most lethal warplanes of its time. Interestingly, it wouldn’t see much action in the Second World War. (Image source: WikiMedia Commons)

A blend of promise, innovation, and frustration, the Whirlwind is remembered as a fighter that could have soared higher with just a bit more luck.”

THE Westland Whirlwind is one of World War II’s most fascinating yet underappreciated aircraft. Designed as Britain’s first twin-engine heavy fighter and ground-attack aircraft, the Whirlwind was a pioneer in firepower, speed, and versatility. However, its promise was undercut by production challenges, technical limitations, and a short service life. Despite its drawbacks, the Whirlwind made an impression with its sleek design, deadly armament, and contributions during the early years of the war. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this extraordinary but flawed fighter.

A prototype in 1939. (Image source: WikiMedia Commons)

The “Cannon Fighter”

The Whirlwind was born out of an ambitious idea. In 1935, the Air Ministry issued Specification F.37/35, which called for a twin-engine fighter with a minimum of four 20mm cannons. At a time when most aircraft relied on rifle-caliber machine guns, this was a revolutionary concept. Westland Aircraft’s chief designer, W.E.W. “Teddy” Petter, responded with a sleek, modern design featuring a heavily armed, compact airframe.

The Whirlwind’s design was groundbreaking. Its flush-riveted, all-metal construction reduced drag, while its tricycle landing gear improved stability on the ground. The cockpit provided excellent visibility, and its twin-engine layout offered redundancy in case of engine failure. These innovations set a standard for future aircraft designs and highlighted the forward-thinking approach of Westland’s engineering team.

The first prototype flew on October 11, 1938, and immediately demonstrated exceptional speed and firepower. The Air Ministry ordered 400 units, believing the Whirlwind would play a key role in Britain’s air defense.

Blistering Speed and Cutting-Edge Performance

For its time, the Whirlwind was an engineering marvel. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines, it reached a top speed of 360 mph (580 km/h), making it one of the fastest aircraft in the skies when it debuted. It could climb to a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet (9,150 meters), had a range of 800 miles (1,287 kilometers), and weighed 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg) when fully loaded.

Its dimensions were compact yet aerodynamic, with a wingspan of 45 feet (13.72 meters) and a length of 32 feet (9.75 meters). These characteristics gave the Whirlwind excellent agility and performance at low altitudes, which made it an effective ground-attack and escort fighter.

The HS 404 20mm cannon. (Image source: WikiMedia Commons)

Packing a Powerful Punch

The Whirlwind was the first Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter equipped with four nose-mounted Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20mm cannons. This arrangement concentrated its firepower, making it devastatingly effective against enemy aircraft, vehicles, and ships. Each cannon could fire 600 rounds per minute, giving the Whirlwind a destructive edge unmatched by its contemporaries.

This heavy armament earned the aircraft the nickname “Cannon Fighter.” Its firepower was so concentrated that pilots could destroy enemy bombers in just a short burst of fire, while ground targets were shredded by its strafing runs.

Unfortunately, it only carried 60 rounds per gun.

The Whirlwind could also be armed with a pair of 250-pound bombs or a single 500-pounder.

The Whirlwind wouldn’t be ready to take part in the Battle of Britain. In the summer and fall of 1940, the Air Ministry prioritized the manufacture of Hurricane and Spitfire production. (Image source: WikiMedia Commons)

A Fighter Plagued by Engine Problems

The Whirlwind’s most significant drawback was its reliance on the Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines. Though innovative, the Peregrine was prone to reliability issues and required frequent maintenance. Worse still, Rolls-Royce prioritized the development of the Merlin engine, which powered the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane fighters. As a result, the Peregrine was discontinued in 1942, leaving the Whirlwind without a viable powerplant.

The aircraft also suffered from a relatively short range, limiting its operational flexibility. Additionally, its small size made servicing its internal components difficult, further complicating its maintenance.

Although the Whirlwind was in development during the Battle of Britain in 1940, it never participated. Production delays and engine shortages meant the aircraft did not become operational until later that year. By the time the Whirlwind entered service, the RAF had already shifted focus to offensive operations over Europe, reducing its immediate need for defensive fighters like the Whirlwind.

Combat Record

The Whirlwind served primarily with No. 263 Squadron RAF and later No. 137 Squadron RAF. These squadrons flew a range of missions, including bomber escorts, anti-shipping strikes, and ground-attack operations.

The aircraft’s first combat sortie took place in December 1940, escorting bombers targeting German installations in France. In the following months, Whirlwinds frequently operated over the English Channel, engaging enemy fighters and attacking convoys.

One notable success occurred in 1941, when Whirlwinds were credited with destroying several German ships and damaging key infrastructure. Pilots praised its stability and precision during low-level attacks, which made it ideal for missions requiring strafing runs or pinpoint bombing.

Despite its small numbers, the Whirlwind had an impressive kill record, with pilots shooting down enemy aircraft, including Messerschmitt Bf 109s and Junkers Ju 88s. However, its contribution to the war effort was overshadowed by more numerous and versatile fighters like the Hawker Typhoon.

Niche Fighter

The Whirlwind excelled in a niche role as a low-altitude ground-attack aircraft. Its agility and concentrated firepower made it particularly effective against German shipping and coastal defenses. Pilots frequently conducted “Rhubarb” operations—low-level, small-scale raids that targeted railways, radar installations, and convoys in occupied Europe.

However, the aircraft struggled in roles requiring long-range performance or sustained engagements at high altitudes, where its Peregrine engines underperformed.

The twin-engine fighter and ground attack aircraft concept would be perfected with planes like the De Havilland Mosquito. (Image source: WikiMedia Commons)

Remembering the Whirlwind

The Whirlwind’s operational career was short-lived, ending in 1943. Only 114 units were produced, a fraction of the numbers achieved by other RAF aircraft. As the Peregrine engines became increasingly scarce, the aircraft was phased out in favor of more versatile designs like the de Havilland Mosquito and P-38 Lightning.

Despite its limited use, the Whirlwind’s innovative design influenced future twin-engine fighters and ground-attack aircraft. It demonstrated the potential of heavy armament and the importance of speed and maneuverability in modern aerial combat.

Today, the Whirlwind remains an object of fascination for aviation enthusiasts. Unfortunately, no complete aircraft survive, making it one of the rarest World War II fighters. Recreated models and historical records keep its legacy alive, while its story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of wartime innovation.

The Westland Whirlwind may not have reached its full potential, but its place in aviation history is undeniable. A blend of promise, innovation, and frustration, the Whirlwind is remembered as a fighter that could have soared higher with just a bit more luck—and a better engine.