The Westland Whirlwind was a fighter that later was used as a fighter bomber - hence it is often called referred to as the whirlibomber.

The aircraft was made by Westland - who later used the same name for a helicopter -hence causing confusion.

The Westland Whirlwind fighter was powered by two Rolls Royce Peregrine engines.

It is regarded as failure as only 114 were ever built and only 2 squadrons equipped ( 263 and 137). However the aircraft was in constant use from June 1940 until October 1943. During this time the Spitfire moved from the Mk1 to the Mk XIV.

It was principally a ground attack aircraft - when during this period the air ministry wanted fighters and bombers. Secondly the Peregrine engines were never as robust as the later Merlin.

Several of the aircraft were sponsored by Bellows clubs - groups of ex patriates that paid for the aircraft. Hence Argentina Bellows 7 is a well known 263  squadron aircraft.

Nose Art was on several aircraft including - the Tramore Flyer and Bellows Argentina.

Please click on your Whirlwind panel of interest.

Click Here to Return to British Aircraft