Chris Hayward, the long-standing Secretary of the Westland Whirlwind Fighter Project died on Sunday the 7th June 2026 after a long illness

Chris was a true stalwart of the Westland Whirlwind Fighter Project. His passion, enthusiasm and drive keeping the project alive through some difficult times.

Chris will be greatly missed and forever associated with Whirlwind P7056.

The WWFP board members extend their condolences and deepest sympathy to Chris's wife and family.

This page is setup to honour him. All donations received will go to continuing his passion and vision of building Westland Whirlwind Fighter P7056.

“Thank you Chris for being there, you have left your mark mate” Pete.

‘I first met Chris back in 2013 when he visited the Museum and told me about the idea of reconstructing / re-engineering a Westland Whirlwind Fighter. His enthusiasm and spirit were one of the main reasons I got personally involved with the Project back then. It was also Chris that told me his concerns as to where the Project could be housed, if in fact it could be built, to which I was very pleased to offer the Museum (Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge) as its permanent and forever home.’ Dave