Background
The Whirlwind was developed for the RAF in the mid 1930s, following the retirement of biplane fighters. With increased fighter attack speeds creating shorter times for firing on targets, it was decided to improve the amount of armament. Instead of two rifle-caliber machine guns, eight were required. Cannons, such as the 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404 which could fire exploding ammunition, offered another type of heavy firepower and requirements were made for aircraft designs which could carry four cannons.
A problem for designers in the 1930s was that most agile combat aircraft were generally small. These aircraft had limited fuel storage and only enough flying range for defensive operations. A multi-engined fighter appeared to be the best solution to the problem of range, but a fighter large enough to carry an increased fuel load might be too unwieldy to successfully engage in combat. Germany and the United States pressed ahead with their design programs, resulting in the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and the Lockheed P-38 Lightning.
Read more about this topic: Westland Whirlwind (fighter)
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