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.
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_001.jpg)
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_002.jpg)
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.
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_003.jpg)
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_004.jpg)
Painted in a special NCRS or Night Camo Research Scheme called "Knickers" by ground crew, the new Twirlwinds certainly looked capable.
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_uppers.jpg)
Armed with four 20 m.m. canon, they were also well equipped to meet any foe.
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_005.jpg)
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_006.jpg)
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.
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/StPaulsatnightwithballoonBTS.jpg)
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.
![](http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/Twirlwind/Twirlwind_007.jpg)
Brian da Basher