Whirlwind I P7048 initially flew with 137 Squadron but after the war was civilianised by Westland.

The prototype Whirlwind photographed at Boscombe Down in October 1938 shortly after it had been reassembled prior to its maiden flight, having been transported from Yeovil by lorry.
Designated by Westland as the P.9, the prototype, L6844, sits outside the hangar at Boscombe Down before its first flight, in the hands of Westland’s chief test pilot, Harald Penrose, on October 11, 1938. Note the absence of the "bullet" fairing at the fin/tailplane junction later added to the aircraft, and all subsequent examples, to cure tail buffet.

View of the second prototype Westland Whirlwind photographed at Martlesham Heath, probably in July 1939. Note the “saxophone" exhausts.

The Whirlwind's sting. The four 20mm Hispano cannon and the ammunition drums are revealed in the picture at right. The projection beneath the wing carried a 16mm cine camera.

Another view of the Whirlwind I P7048. After service with 137 Squadron this aircraft was civilianised by Westland and given the civil registration G-AGOI. It was dismantled at Yeovil in May 1947.

11 октября 1938г.: поднялся в воздух прототип Westland Whirlwind (L6844), первый одноместный двухмоторный истребитель британских ВВС.
Photograph of the prototype Westland Whirlwind, L6844, taken in October 1938 at Yeovil. On October 11 Harald Penrose made the first flight in this aircraft, from Boscombe Down, and three days later took L6844 to Yeovil.

Photograph of the prototype Westland Whirlwind, L6844, taken in October 1938 at Yeovil. On October 11 Harald Penrose made the first flight in this aircraft, from Boscombe Down, and three days later took L6844 to Yeovil.

Кабина самолета P.9
The all-round view from the well-appointed Whirlwind cockpit was good, though the seat was considered to be uncomfortable.