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Bristol Beaufighter T.F.X

The Bristol Beaufighter T.F.X The Bristol Beaufighter T.F.X

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

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

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.