Continuing with their superb series on lesser know aircraft in their 'Allied Wings' series, this particular volume is on the Westland Whirlwind.

The Whirlwind was one of those concepts that should have worked, if operated in the context for which it was designed. However, as often happens, by the time the aircraft was sorted out, the reason for its design had faded away.

The Whirlwind was designed to be a high speed bomber interceptor. Armed with four 20mm cannon and powered by Rolls Royce Peregrine engines, the aircraft should have been able to wade into masses of enemy bombers and wreak havoc therein. However, by the time the Whirlwind overcame its teething troubles, the major threat was gone. Rolls Royce also decided to give up developing the troublesome Peregrine engines and concentrate on the Merlin, so the production contract for 400 planes was cancelled and 114 were eventually produced.

These planes saw action with two squadrons; 137 and 263, though a trio were briefly assigned to 25 Squadron. The record of the Whirlwind against the enemy was dismal to say the least. During over three years of use, the Whirlwind only shot down 9 enemy planes, yet lost 75 planes and 46 pilots on operations. It did have some success when outfitted with bomb racks, but the overall effect of the Whirlwind on the war effort was negligible. Even when withdrawn from unit service and replaced by Typhoons, there was little that the plane could be used for so most were quickly scrapped.

There has been much speculation on what the plane may have been like if re-engined with Merlins. The consensus is that it would have not improved things very much at all. Twin engine fighters just could not deal on equal footing with the single engine versions in the highly technical European theater of operations. This was shown by the general lack of air to air success of the Bf-110 and P-38 when compared to their single engine companions.

This book covers the complete history and operational use of the Whirlwind. It is a perfect reference as it includes information on all known planes by manufacturer's serial and RAF serial. There is an air to air claim listing, a loss listing and maps of bases.  Included are a large number of superb period photos of the men and machines as well as excellent color profiles based on some of these images. A role of honor for the men who flew these aircraft and specific information on each of them is included.

Overall a book that is superb and one that any enthusiast or modeler who has an interest in the type must have on their shelves. I know you will be as pleased as I with this edition.

June 2008

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles

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