Beaufighter, Hornet, and Whirlwind offer different twin-engine fighter tradeoffs

Which twin-engine propeller aircraft, excluding the Mosquito, would make the best combined night and heavy fighter?

The choices include the Beaufighter, Hornet and Whirlwind, with the latter prompting discussion of engine availability.

Alex Clarke chooses the Beaufighter, while the Hornet is accepted as another option because postwar designs are allowed. Recalled Beaufighter variations and its torpedo-carrying role develop that choice. A Finnish Morane example is also raised, though that aside does not resolve the question's twin-engine constraint. The Westland Whirlwind is the final developed candidate, with its cannon armament, proposed strike loads and Peregrine-engine limitations. A hoped-for Merlin re-engining is described as frustrated by engine shortages. The participants offer individual selections without an agreed ranking.