WESTLAND WELKIN -
Single-seat
twin-engined high-altitude fighter of similar configuration to Whirlwind,
designed by Petter as Westland P. 14 in response to OR.81 and conforming
to Specification F.4/40 and further developed to F.7/41. Specification
called for armament of 20-mm cannon and use of RM.6SM version of Rolls-Royce
Merlin, but Merlin 61s were used in' unpressurised first prototype flown
on November 1, 1942. The second prototype flew early in 1943 followed
in mid-year by first of production batch. Production Westland Welkin
I used Merlin 72/73 or Merlin 76/77 combinations, odd-numbered marks
with cabin blower attachment. In May 1944 two Westland Welkins supplied
to Fighter Interception Unit at Wittering, but RAF interest had already
come to an end. Production ended with 101 airframes, of which final
26 delivered less engines, and all but a handful going to MUs for ultimate
disposal. In line with OR. 125, one Westland Welkin I was modified,
in conformity with Specification F.9/43, to become Westland Welkin NF
Mk II prototype, with AI Mk VIII radar, a modified nose to accommodate
the scanner as well as cannon, and aft-facing observer in modified cockpit
covered by new one-piece canopy. First flight was made on October 23,
1944, but the night-fighter was not ordered for production. Max speed,
387 mph (623 km/h) at 26,000ft (7,930 m). Rate of climb, 3,850 ft/min
(19.6 m/sec). Time to 40,000 ft (12,200 m), 20 min. Service ceiling,
44,000ft (13,420 m). Range, about 1,500 mis (2,414 km). Empty weight,
14,375 Ib (6,526 kg). Gross weight, 19,775 Ib (8,978 kg). Span, 70 ft
0 in (21.35 m). Length, 41 ft 6 in (12.66 m). Wing area, 460 sqft (42.73
m2).
