Difference between revisions of "Whirlwind Mk I"

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{{Specs-Card|code=whirlwind_mk1}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = the other version
 
| usage = the other version
 
| link = Whirlwind P.9
 
| link = Whirlwind P.9
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=whirlwind_mk1
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,877 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,877 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 559 || 543 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.2 || colspan="2" | 12.2 || rowspan="2" | 650
+
| 559 || 543 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.2 || 12.2 || 12.2 || rowspan="2" | 650
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 607 || 580 || 21.7 || 23.0 || 21.3 || 15
+
| 601 || 580 || 21.9 || 23.0 || 18.2 || 15.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Features
+
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
Line 56: Line 58:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 490 || ___ || 265 || ~10 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 465 || 433 || 265 || ~11 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 67: Line 69:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 420 || < 420 || < 450 || > 324
 
| < 420 || < 420 || < 450 || > 324
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Compressor
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
! Setting 1
 
−
| 4,575 m || 885 hp || 947 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 
* 9 mm Steel plates in the nose.
 
* 9 mm Steel plates in the nose.
 
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat.
 
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat.
 
* 6 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* 6 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 240 total)
 
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 240 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)}}
+
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|S.A.P. Mk.II (500 lb)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
+
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb S.A.P. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The Whirlwind Mk I should be used similarly to other heavy fighters. The flight characteristics are very similar to the [[Whirlwind P.9]] with the main difference being significantly less ammo.
+
The Whirlwind Mk I should be used similarly to other heavy fighters. The flight characteristics are very similar to the [[Whirlwind P.9]] with the main difference being significantly less ammo.
  
−
The Whirlwind Mk I is very effective in a boom and zoom role due to its good climb rate and powerful armament. However, the relatively low wing break speed in RB does limit you in this role. The Whirlwind Mk I has a good turn rate for a heavy fighter, but will be easily out turned by single-engined fighters. The use of combat flaps will help to balance out this disadvantage. Care must be taken when using the combat flaps, however, as the are prone to snapping off at a relatively low speed.
+
The Whirlwind Mk I is very effective in a boom and zoom role due to its good climb rate and powerful armament. However, the relatively low wing break speed in RB does limit you in this role. The Whirlwind Mk I has a good turn rate for a heavy fighter, but will be easily out turned by single-engined fighters. The use of combat flaps will help to balance out this disadvantage. Care must be taken when using the combat flaps, however, as they are prone to snapping off at a relatively low speed.
  
−
At this BR you will see many [[BV 238]]s and [[Me 264]]s. Heading on these bombers will usually guarantee you a kill, but you still need to be careful of the powerful defensive armament of them. The Whirlwind Mk I has relatively little ammunition with only 60 rounds per gun. It is important to be accurate to be successful with this aircraft. To help with accuracy try to get very close to the target before shooting.
+
At this BR you will see many [[BV 238]]s and [[Me 264]]s. Heading on these bombers will usually guarantee you a kill, but you still need to be careful of the powerful defensive armament of them. The Whirlwind Mk I has relatively little ammunition with only 60 rounds per gun. It is important to be accurate to be successful with this aircraft. To help with accuracy try to get very close to the target before shooting.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 127: Line 128:
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
| SBC mk.II
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
| MBC mk.II
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 172: Line 136:
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Devastating nose-mounted 20mm Hispano armament.
+
 
−
* Great for head-ons.
+
* Devastating nose-mounted 20 mm Hispano armament
−
* Good turn rate when upgraded for a twin engined fighter.
+
* Great for head-ons
−
* Able to carry bombs, unlike P.9 Variant
+
* Good turn rate when upgraded for a twin-engined fighter
 +
* Able to carry bombs, unlike P.9 variant
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Poor climb rate.
+
 
−
* Under-powered engines.
+
* Poor climb rate
−
* Drum-fed Hispano Mk1s. Only 60 rounds per gun. You must make every round count.
+
* Under-powered engines
−
* Inaccurate Hispano Mk1 cannons. Precise aiming is hard.
+
* Drum-fed Hispano Mk1s. Only 60 rounds per gun. You must make every round count
 +
* Inaccurate Hispano Mk1 cannons. Precise aiming is hard
 
* Poor roll rate
 
* Poor roll rate
 
* Quite slow level flight speed
 
* Quite slow level flight speed
 
* Unfavourable matchmaking puts you up against some very challenging opponents
 
* Unfavourable matchmaking puts you up against some very challenging opponents
 +
* Hispano Mk 1 cannons do not have access to more effective air targets belt
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The Westland Whirlwind was designed after a specification was issued by the British Air Ministry. The specification called for a cannon-armed day and night fighter. The Air Ministry wanted a top speed of at least 530 km/h at an altitude of 4,600m. Out of five designs offered by the companies. The Air Ministry decided to go with Westland's design for several important reasons. The cannon was mounted on the nose so that the recoil does not affect the accuracy of the gun. There were also no convergence problem as compared to other single-engine fighters with wing mounted guns. The requirements also led to the world's first bubble canopies on a plane. However the decision to arm the Spitfire with cannon and the development of other twin engine fighters such as the Bristol Beaufighter has led Fighter Command to use the Whirlwind less and less as the war progressed. The first batch of Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines were also delayed. It was also found that the engine was severely under-powered and the drum magazines used to feed the cannons were small in capacity. All of this has resulted in the Whirlwind's cancellation and resulted in the plane only equipping two RAF squadrons.
+
The Westland Whirlwind was designed after a specification was issued by the British Air Ministry. The specification called for a cannon-armed day and night fighter. The Air Ministry wanted a top speed of at least 530 km/h at an altitude of 4,600 m. Out of five designs offered by the companies. The Air Ministry decided to go with Westland's design for several important reasons. The cannon was mounted on the nose so that the recoil does not affect the accuracy of the gun. There were also no convergence problem as compared to other single-engine fighters with wing mounted guns. The requirements also led to the world's first bubble canopies on a plane. However the decision to arm the Spitfire with cannon and the development of other twin engine fighters such as the Bristol Beaufighter has led Fighter Command to use the Whirlwind less and less as the war progressed. The first batch of Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines were also delayed. It was also found that the engine was severely under-powered and the drum magazines used to feed the cannons were small in capacity. All of this has resulted in the Whirlwind's cancellation and resulted in the plane only equipping two RAF squadrons.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=whirlwind_mk1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|76ArCiYaEog|'''The Shooting Range #81''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 08:13 discusses the Whirlwind.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 +
 
 +
* [[Whirlwind P.9]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
−
{{Britain strike and twin-engine fighters}}
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/392614-westland-whirlwind-mk-i/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Westland}}
 +
{{Britain fighters}}

Latest revision as of 21:59, 3 November 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the British twin-engine fighter Whirlwind Mk I. For the other version, see Whirlwind P.9.
Whirlwind Mk I
whirlwind_mk1.png
GarageImage Whirlwind Mk I.jpg
Whirlwind Mk I
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 3.7 4.0
Class:
Research:20 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:135 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Whirlwind Mk I is a rank III British twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB), 3.7 (RB), and 4.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 876 m580 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude9 144 m
Engine2 х Rolls-Royce Peregrine I
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,877 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 559 543 9144 24.2 25.2 12.2 12.2 650
Upgraded 601 580 21.9 23.0 18.2 15.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
676 265 465 433 265 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 420 < 420 < 450 > 324

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural676 km/h
Gear265 km/h
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
  • 9 mm Steel plates in the nose.
  • 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat.
  • 6 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 346 → 1 809 Sl icon.png
RB2 928 → 3 935 Sl icon.png
SB4 445 → 5 974 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications34 800 Rp icon.png
67 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training39 000 Sl icon.png
Experts135 000 Sl icon.png
Aces700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces390 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 180 / 380 % Sl icon.png
154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 300 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 300 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mk.II
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk1_new_gun
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 300 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC mk.II
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 300 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannon
Ammunition240 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)

The Whirlwind Mk I is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 240 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 12 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 22 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 32 x 500 LB S.A.P. Mk.II bomb
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), S.A.P. Mk.II (500 lb)

The Whirlwind Mk I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb S.A.P. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

The Whirlwind Mk I should be used similarly to other heavy fighters. The flight characteristics are very similar to the Whirlwind P.9 with the main difference being significantly less ammo.

The Whirlwind Mk I is very effective in a boom and zoom role due to its good climb rate and powerful armament. However, the relatively low wing break speed in RB does limit you in this role. The Whirlwind Mk I has a good turn rate for a heavy fighter, but will be easily out turned by single-engined fighters. The use of combat flaps will help to balance out this disadvantage. Care must be taken when using the combat flaps, however, as they are prone to snapping off at a relatively low speed.

At this BR you will see many BV 238s and Me 264s. Heading on these bombers will usually guarantee you a kill, but you still need to be careful of the powerful defensive armament of them. The Whirlwind Mk I has relatively little ammunition with only 60 rounds per gun. It is important to be accurate to be successful with this aircraft. To help with accuracy try to get very close to the target before shooting.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Combined Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Devastating nose-mounted 20 mm Hispano armament
  • Great for head-ons
  • Good turn rate when upgraded for a twin-engined fighter
  • Able to carry bombs, unlike P.9 variant

Cons:

  • Poor climb rate
  • Under-powered engines
  • Drum-fed Hispano Mk1s. Only 60 rounds per gun. You must make every round count
  • Inaccurate Hispano Mk1 cannons. Precise aiming is hard
  • Poor roll rate
  • Quite slow level flight speed
  • Unfavourable matchmaking puts you up against some very challenging opponents
  • Hispano Mk 1 cannons do not have access to more effective air targets belt

History

The Westland Whirlwind was designed after a specification was issued by the British Air Ministry. The specification called for a cannon-armed day and night fighter. The Air Ministry wanted a top speed of at least 530 km/h at an altitude of 4,600 m. Out of five designs offered by the companies. The Air Ministry decided to go with Westland's design for several important reasons. The cannon was mounted on the nose so that the recoil does not affect the accuracy of the gun. There were also no convergence problem as compared to other single-engine fighters with wing mounted guns. The requirements also led to the world's first bubble canopies on a plane. However the decision to arm the Spitfire with cannon and the development of other twin engine fighters such as the Bristol Beaufighter has led Fighter Command to use the Whirlwind less and less as the war progressed. The first batch of Rolls-Royce Peregrine engines were also delayed. It was also found that the engine was severely under-powered and the drum magazines used to feed the cannons were small in capacity. All of this has resulted in the Whirlwind's cancellation and resulted in the plane only equipping two RAF squadrons.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #81 - Pages of History section at 08:13 discusses the Whirlwind.

See also

External links


Westland Aircraft Limited
Aircraft 
Fighters  Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
Turboprop  Wyvern S4
Helicopters* 
Attack  AH Mk.1 Apache**
Utility  Wessex HU Mk.5 · Scout AH.Mk.1 · Wasp HAS.Mk.1 · Lynx AH.Mk.1 · G-LYNX
  *After World War II, Westland Aircraft focused on building helicopters and changed its name to Westland Helicopters.
  **Licensed AH-64D
See Also  Boeing Aircraft

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

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