Westland PV-3

The Westland PV‑3 was a short‑lived British prototype developed in the mid‑1930s through a joint venture between Westland Aircraft and the famed Hawker Aircraft firm. Conceived as a modern trainer to replace ageing biplanes in the Royal Air Force, the PV‑3 combined Hawke‑type aerodynamic principles with Westland’s manufacturing expertise. Its airframe was an all‑metal low‑wing monoplane, powered by a 620 hp Rolls‑Royce Kestrel engine that delivered a top speed of 230 mph and a service ceiling of 28 000 ft. Notable features included a fully enclosed cockpit, split‑flap system for improved low‑speed handling, and a dual‑control layout that allowed seamless instructor‑student interaction. Although flight testing in 1937 demonstrated excellent handling and reliable performance, budget constraints and the rapid emergence of more capable trainers such as the Hawker Tutor led to the PV‑3’s cancellation after only three prototypes were built. Despite its brief existence, the Westland PV‑3 contributed valuable aerodynamic data and informed the design of later Hawker trainers, marking a transitional step from wood‑and‑fabric biplanes to the all‑metal monoplanes that dominated World II aviation.