In 1927 specification 26/27 was issued for a general purpose military aeroplane to be used for light bombing sorties, artillery observation patrols, reconnaissance and photographic work for the RAF and later target towing, and to meet this requirement the Wapiti was designed and built by the Westland Aircraft Works.

The Westland IV was designed and built by the Westland Aircraft Works at its Yeovil facility in Somerset in 1928, being an attractive small, high wing, taxi or feeder line aircraft constructed of wood, with fabric covering and fitted with tail parts from a Westland Wapiti.