Ah, the Whirlwind [the original one]. I don't suppose we'll find another Danny who flew those on Ops now.
From Wiki ...
The basic feature of the Whirlwind was its concentration of firepower: its four closely-grouped heavy cannon in the nose had a rate of fire of 600 lb./minute – which, until the introduction of the Beaufighter, placed it ahead of any fighter in the world. Hand in hand with this dense firepower went a first-rate speed and climb performance, excellent manoeuvrability, and a fighting view hitherto unsurpassed. The Whirlwind was, in its day, faster than the Spitfire down low and, with lighter lateral control, was considered to be one of the nicest "twins" ever built… From the flying viewpoint, the Whirlwind was considered magnificent.
— P. J. R. Moyes[28]
I always thought it was waaaay ahead of its time in many respects. However, the exigencies of wartime production were, I guess, it's death knell.