5 Facts About The Westland Wyvern – The Outdated MONSTER

The Westland Wyvern is a single-seat carrier-based multi-role strike aircraft serving during the 1950s. Here are some interesting facts that you need to know about this outdated monster:  

1. The Wyvern had a long development with significant changes to its design

Development was significantly delayed due to several factors, including engine changes and post-war budget cuts. The prototype first flew in 1946, but it did not enter operational service until 1953.

2. They planned to use a turboprop engine combined with a contrarotating propeller 

The Wyvern was one of the first aircraft to be powered by a turboprop engine.

Initially, it was designed to use the Rolls-Royce Eagle piston engine, but due to its unsatisfactory performance, the design was modified to incorporate the Armstrong Siddeley Python turboprop engine.

This change made the Wyvern one of the few turboprop-powered aircraft to see operational service.

3. It only had one and only combat usage

This was when Britain found itself in a confrontation with Egypt in November 1956. Known as Operation Musketeer, Britain coordinated with Israel to seize the Suez Canal which had been nationalized by the Egyptian leader Gamal Nasser.

Amongst the hosts of aircraft used by the two nations’ carriers were two squadrons of Wyverns. 

4. All in all, 124 Wyverns were completed including prototypes

These suffered an accident rate of 39 losses with 13 pilot fatalities, which is not a pretty unusual statistic for aircraft in this era. 

5. It had a very short service life

The Wyvern had a relatively short service life. It was officially withdrawn from service in 1958, just five years after its introduction.

Advances in jet technology and the rapid pace of aviation development in the 1950s meant that newer and more capable aircraft soon replaced the Wyvern.