I know I have a small readership that likes to see the odd aircraft feature I include in this slightly unlikely location, so here's the next item in this occasional series.
I have so far neglected the less glamorous aircraft, but many did do sterling work and deserve a mention. The subject this time is the Bristol Beaufighter. Described as a "heavy fighter" the "Beau" as it was popularly known was developed very quickly from the previous Bristol Beaufort. This rapid gestation was valuable at the time: the Beau first flew in 1939. Despite being powered by two Bristol Hercules radial engines of 1600hp each it could manage only 335mph maximum speed, so it was presumably rather inefficient aerodynamically. [edit: very inefficient!] Equipped with four Hispano 20mm cannon it packed a real punch. Some examples were fitted instead with a total of six .303 machine guns for pure fighter service, whilst others carried torpedoes or rockets as may be seen in the film.
Not one of the "stars" of the time, nevertheless the film I include here shows that they could still present an impressive spectacle.
I have so far neglected the less glamorous aircraft, but many did do sterling work and deserve a mention. The subject this time is the Bristol Beaufighter. Described as a "heavy fighter" the "Beau" as it was popularly known was developed very quickly from the previous Bristol Beaufort. This rapid gestation was valuable at the time: the Beau first flew in 1939. Despite being powered by two Bristol Hercules radial engines of 1600hp each it could manage only 335mph maximum speed, so it was presumably rather inefficient aerodynamically. [edit: very inefficient!] Equipped with four Hispano 20mm cannon it packed a real punch. Some examples were fitted instead with a total of six .303 machine guns for pure fighter service, whilst others carried torpedoes or rockets as may be seen in the film.
Not one of the "stars" of the time, nevertheless the film I include here shows that they could still present an impressive spectacle.
À bientôt
