12/2004

Bristol

„Beaufighter" Mk VIF

Bristol

„Beaufighter" Mk VIF

307 Squadron Polish Air Force

19c

WIRE
0,5 mm

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Bristol „Beaufighter”
Mk. VIF

In 1938, the Bristol Aeroplane Company flew the

Beaufort torpedo-bomber prototype, and it entered
service. It was a natural step for the design team to adapt
this as a large long-range fighter, perhaps a night-
interceptor.

The Air Ministry was quite understandably

concerned that such a large aircraft would be lacking in the
maneouvrability and handling required as a fighter, but yet
four prototypes were ordered, the first flying on July 17,
1939. The main changes from the Beaufort were a new
tapered fighter-like fuselage and more powerful engines,
thus its appearance was similar. It was extremely heavily

armed (see table below), in fact, the most heavily armed
fighter of the time in the world.

RAF deliveries began in September 1940. The

early versions were slow, but this was more than offset by
its ability to easily carry the very bulky AIR (Airborne
Interceptor Radar) with little loss of performance.
Nightfighter Beaufighters with AIR Mk IV were
invaluable tools in the machine against the German night
attacks on London in winter 1940-41.

They were also put to use as long-range fighters

in Africa, and many were equipped with anti-submarine
radar, and had fair success against U-boats. Yet more were
fitted with under-wing armor-piercing rockets and bombs,
and used as anti-shipping strikers.

Also built under license in Australia, records

indicate the combined total number built was more than
5,560. Many were kept in second-line service until the late
1950's.

Wingspan: .................17.63m (57'10")

2

2

Wing area: ..................46.73m (503 ft )
Length: ......................12.7m (41'8")
Empty:........................6,622kg (14,600lb)
Max Loaded: ..............9,798kg (21,600lb)
Engines: .....................2x 1,615hp Bristol Hercules VI or XVI air-cooled radial
Max. Speed: ...............536km/h (333mph)
Service Ceiling:..........Fighter/NF versions: 9,144m (30,000 ft); Fighter/Bomber versions: 8,077m (26,500 ft)
Normal Range: ...........1,540 miles (2,478km)
Military Load: ............4x fuselage-mounted 20mm Hispano cannon; all after first 50 of IF also with 6x 7.7mm (0.303') Browning machine
guns in wings

7

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11

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14

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24

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cz. 21

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25A

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F

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29

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21

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23

28

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26

26

27

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19

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