Bristol Beaufighter T.F.X
- Period: Second World War (1939-1945)
- Uses: Torpedo-Fighter
- First Flight: July 17, 1939
- Display Status: Under restoration.
The Beaufighter was designed as a long-range heavy fighter, with many components in common with the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber. It saw service as a night fighter, a torpedo bomber, a ground attack fighter and an anti-shipping aircraft. In addition to operations in Europe, it also served in the Middle East and Far East. By September 1945 a total of 5 562 had been built in a variety of models and many continued in front-line service into the 1950s.
The Beaufighter was the first effective radar-equipped night fighter. In early versions of the aircraft, the radar operator, in addition to his normal duties, was also responsible for the four 20-mm cannon with ammunition. Resupply could be difficult, especially when an aircraft was manoeuvring in pursuit of a target and the ammunition drums weighed about 18 kg (40 lbs) each.
Museum Example
- Registration #: RD867 (RAF)
- Manufacturer: Bristol Aeroplane Company Ltd., Great Britain
- Manufacture Date: 1945
- Construction #: Unknown
- Aquisition Date: 1969
- Provenance: Exchange with RAF Museum, Great Britain
The museum aircraft is a collection of components left after a RAF restoration, and was received in exchange for a Bristol Bolingbroke. No engines, cowlings or internal components were included in the trade on September 10, 1969.
Specifications
- Wing Span:
- 17.6 m (57 ft 10 in)
- Length:
- 12.7 m (41 ft 4 in)
- Height:
- 4.8 m (15 ft 10 in)
- Weight, Empty:
- 7,075 kg (15,600 lb)
- Weight, Gross:
- 11,520 kg (25,400 lb)
- Cruising Speed:
- 330 km/h (205 mph)
- Max Speed:
- 490 km/h (305 mph)
- Rate of Climb:
- 564 m (1,850 ft) /min
- Service Ceiling:
- 5,790 m (19,000 ft)
- Range:
- 2,250 km (1,400 mi)
- Power Plant:
- two Bristol Hercules XVII, 1725 hp, sleeve-valve radial engines
