Westland Whirlwind Heavy Fighter

The Westland Whirlwind was a British twin-engine heavy fighter from the early years of World War II. It was one of the first combat aircraft of the RAF to feature a fully enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. With its distinctive twin-boom design and powered by Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines, the Whirlwind was a formidable adversary in the skies. Operational from 1940 to 1943, it was used primarily for low-level strike missions and as a heavy fighter. Despite its advanced design and capabilities, production was limited due to engine supply issues. The Whirlwind earned respect for its performance in combat, particularly in attacking ground targets and enemy shipping. Its unique appearance and operational history make it a fascinating subject for aviation enthusiasts.