WESTLAND WHIRLWIND F MK.I 'CANNON FIGHTER'

The Westland Whirlwind was a British, low-wing, twin-engine single-seat fighter from the Second World War. The flight of the prototype took place on October 11, 1938, and serial production continued in 1938-1941, ending with the production of about 115 aircraft. The drive was provided by two Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines with a power of 885KM each. The Westland Whirlwind was very easy to fly, had good range and strong armament, and showed great flight characteristics at low altitudes. However, its engines were too weak, which made it impossible to use all the benefits of this machine, which was successful after all. The appearance of the Spitfire and the possibility of building plots on it shattered the development of the Whirlwind. It entered the equipment of only two squadrons of the RAF: 137th and 263th. The last aircraft of this type were withdrawn from service by 1943. Technical data: length: 9.83 m, wingspan: 13.72 m, height: 3.35 m, maximum speed: 580 km / h, ceiling practical: 9200 m, maximum range: 1280 km, armament: fixed - 4 20mm Hispano cannons, Suspended - up to 230 kg of bombs.