In the 1930s, the RAF urgently needed a heavy fighter capable of long-range escort missions as the threat of war approached. The answer was the Westland Whirlwind Fighter, an aircraft that was anything but conventional.
Taking flight months before the war broke out, Its twin Rolls-Royce engines gave it a speed that left many of its contemporaries in the dust.
But speed wasn't its only asset. Armed with four devastating Hispano-Suiza cannons, it aimed to protect bombers deep in enemy territory. Its wings, crafted for precision and agility, were envisioned for swift, low-level attacks against any target.
A true innovation for its time, its bubble canopy gave pilots unparalleled visibility, a crucial advantage in the chaotic, wartorn skies. Yet, despite its cutting-edge technology and formidable armaments, the Westland battled itself with each sortie to take over the glory of immortal aircraft such as the Hurricane and Spitfire.
---
Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.
As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.
All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.