A carrier borne Whirlwind is an interesting prospect to say the least. Would you be keeping the RR Peregrines or substituting them for something more mature/better for higher altitude work?
The Whirlwind has always been one of my favourite aircraft, too bad I didn't see som much service.
Havn't tought so far...but that would be tastefull. I am not so good at engines but I imagine merlins would be to big/ heavy? Or maybe Volvo Flygmotor could do their magic as they did with the IRL Twin Wasp for the J22's. I think the Whirlwind would be great for longrange interception and as an escort for torpedo and divebombers. They can also do some limted antishipping work aganist smaller ships.