Abstract
INFORMATION has just been released regarding a twin-engine stratosphere single-seater fighter, the Westland "Welkin", designed to deal with highflying raiders. It is a mid-wing monoplane of 70 ft. span, weight 17,500 lb., single tail, and generally of conventional aerodynamic form. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, of 1,650 h.p. each, fitted with two-stage two-speed superchargers sufficient to maintain the power at exceptionally great heights. Rotol four-bladed constant pitch airscrews are used, giving a speed of 385 miles per hour with a range of 1,500 miles. Its armament consists of four cannon, and the pressure cabin is fully armoured.
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New Stratosphere Aircraft. Nature 156, 44 (1945). https://doi.org/10.1038/156044a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/156044a0