The years between 1920-1935 could rightfully be called the era of the tri-motor. Many famous three-engine designs took flight during this time, including the Fokker tri-motor, the Ford tri-motor, the Ju-52 and the S.M-79 among others.
Some thought three engines to be optimal, offering both greater power and safety, but it was far from a panacea as would be proven by the Twistland Aero Co. when they attempted to fulfill Air Ministry requirement NF 23/32 in 1932. Their prototype was indeed very striking in appearance.
The R.A.F. was practically salivating at the thought of wings of tri-motored night fighters able to defend British skies against any incursion. A small production batch of 3 Twistland Twirlwinds were ordered right off the drawing board.
Painted in a special NCRS or Night Camo Research Scheme called "Knickers" by ground crew, the new Twirlwinds certainly looked capable.
Armed with four 20 m.m. canon, they were also well equipped to meet any foe.
On the night of July 31st, 1934, the Twirlwinds were given an opportunity to prove their value. An unknown aircraft was spotted headed towards London.
Unfortunately the new tri-motor night fighter was unable to catch the off-course Andorran research balloon. While the Twirlwind struggled to reach altitude, the Andorran balloon drifted majestically over St. Paul's Cathedral, completely unmolested by the R.A.F.
In what would be known as the Andorran Incident, heads rolled at the Air Ministry and the Twistland Aero Co. went into receivership, their Twirlwind utterly and thankfully forgotten.
Brian da Basher
