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Re: Recent books on the Westland Whirlwind Fighter
Hello Geoff
I liked much the 'Adventure with Fate'. IMHO well written with much info, also on the working conditions etc. in a smallish struggling aircraft firm in late 20s and 30s. More work and responsibilities without pay rise, how hard one must fight even for some insurance cover (after all Penrose was well aware on the risks involved in test flying after what happened to his predecessors) or for a pension scheme. Petter was very talented a/c designer, I think especially Canberra and Lightning, but seems to be rather difficult man to work with. So IMHO 'Adventure with Fate’ is well worth of reading.
Yes IIRC same info is also in the Bingham's book. Maybe the fact that Whirlwind missed the BoB had some effect on the attitude of the Air Ministry towards Westland.
Juha
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