Westland Wizard Mk. II

摘要

The Wizards' origins lay in the Racer, a part-time project by a group of enthusiasts in the Westland design office. Chief designer Arthur Davenport provided materials and an engine, a 275 hp Rolls-Royce Falcon III salvaged from the crashed prototype Limousine 1, was made available by Managing Director Robert Bruce. The wing plan form of the all wooden structure was of constant chord with semi-circular tips and a small vee-shaped cut-out in centre-section to provide the pilots' upward view. No cowl or spinner were fitted. However, initial test-flights revealed an impressive turn of speed and rate of climb but things were brought to an abrupt end when a forced landing, caused by a fuel blockage resulted in considerable damage to the aircraft but fortunately only minor injuries to the pilot. Recognising its potential as a possible interceptor, it was decided to rebuild the aircraft but this time the fuselage was nicely streamlined and a Rolls Royce 490 hp 12-cylinder 'V' engine fitted in the now metal front end. The Wizard 1, as it was now known, was fast reaching 190 mph. It appeared at the Hendon Air Show in 1928 but it eventually suffered considerable damage due to undercarriage failure and was returned to Westland to be rebuilt as the Wizard II.