Aircraft Data Sheet: Westland F 7/30 (1934)

First flight:	27th March 1934
Span:	11.73m/38ft 6ins
Length:	8.99m/29ft 6ins
Max weight:	2,359kg/5,200lb
Max level speed:	161knots/298kph
Power plant:	One 600shp/447kW Rolls-Royce Goshawk Vlll
Total built:	One

Air Ministry Specification F 7/30 was drawn up to spur innovation in the development of high speed fighters. The Westland response incorporated some interesting features, which would be of great advantage for aerial combat. The engine was mounted behind the pilot and on the centre of gravity, resulting in excellent all-round visibility and the potential of good handling. The grouping of four machine guns in the nose was good practice for gun harmonisation.

Trials at Martlesham Heath showed that the handling qualities were indeed good, but the aircraft performance was poor probably due to the biplane configuration.