Interestingly, despite the RAF's warding off a German invasion of Britain in 1940, Britain, like Germany, believed this to be only a temporary postponement, making preparations for the defence of the British Isles still of vital importance. Among schemes put forward for strafing German forces as they hit British beaches or for striking at supporting surface vessels was the Westland P12, a straight modification of the Lysander army co-operation aircraft. Initially planned with two 20 mm cannon attached to the fixed undercarriage legs, a redesign led to the rear fuselage being cut short, a tail gun turret added, and the adoption of a new rear-mounted "tandem wing" with endplate fins and rudders for longintudinal stability. The P12 was first flown on 27 July 1941 and was immediately shown to be highly manoeuvrable. Sent for official trials, it was never put into production as the perceived threat diminished.
Taken from here.
Cheers,
TSC.
