Bristol Beaufighter
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The Bristol Beaufighter was the most heavily armed British aircraft of World War Two. It was a quicker, longer range variant of the torpedo bomber from which it was derived.
Its wings and tail were unchanged from its predecessor, with the fuselage shortened about three feet, and the cockpit area streamlined to accommodate a single pilot.
Some books describe the Bristol Beaufighter as one of the hardest to fly of all British aircraft. We have found mixed reviews of its flying abilities. The primary complaint appears to be regarding its high engine torque combined with a rearward center of gravity.
During take off, Bristol Beaufighter pilots had to learn to apply reduced power to the starboard engine to keep the aircraft centered in its roll down the runway. Once sufficient speed built up, the ailerons and rudder could be used to compensate for any torque pull.
The Bristol Beaufighter also had a high wing loading that made it drop quickly once power was cut. It was necessary to fly it at all times, and keep the power on when coming in for a landing.
Bristol Beaufighter pilots appreciated the overall power of the aircraft, especially when flying at low altitudes. Its cockpit was well laid out with room for the largest of pilots. The controls and instrumentation were comfortably arranged and easy to use.
The forward and downward view from the cockpit was excellent due to the short nose of the aircraft. Engines were very reliable, even in very hot climates. The Bristol Beaufighter was robustly built and able to withstand a great deal of battle damage while bringing its crew home unharmed. Ground crews appreciated its ease of maintenance.
The Bristol Beaufighter served as a night interceptor, strike aircraft, and eventually torpedo bomber. It is credited with the sinking of 117 enemy ships, including five German submarines in a two day period.
A total of 5,298 Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of all types were produced.
torpedo bomber
two or three
Hercules XVII radials
2 x 1,700 hp ea.
41' 8"
57' 10"
15,600 lbs.
25,200 lbs.
4 x .20 mm
7 x 7.7 mm
1 x 2,127 lbs.
2 x 500 lbs.
8 x 76.2 mm
250 mph
320 mph
1,500 fpm
15,000 feet
1,470 miles
7/17/39
1940
Pictured above is the great looking 97" wingspan Bristol Beaufighter that was scratch built by Patrick Deslandes. It weighs 18 lbs. and is powered by 2 x .70 Laser four cycle engines.
HVP Modell has a Bristol Beaufighter for sale. The 35.5" wingspan model is powered by two geared speed 400 motors.
Kit Cutters Inc. has a Bristol Beaufighter kit for sale. It is from Nexus Plans and has a 39" wingspan.
Alfa Modell has a Bristol Beaufighter for sale. It has a wing span of 40" and is powered by two geared speed 300 motors.
The first picture below is a Bristol Beaufighter from Ivan Pettigrew Plans. Wing span is 73" and weight is eight lbs. Ivan powers it with two geared Trinity Speed Gem motors.
The next picture is of the Bristol Beaufighter rc airplanes built by Keith Mitchell. It has a wingspan of 173" and a length of 128". Power comes from a pair of 120 cc engines. All up weight is approximately 120 lbs.
If you like to build exceptionally well detailed scale plastic models, check out the last picture. It is a 1/48 scale Bristol Beaufighter kit by Tamiya.
Do you have a favorite Bristol Beaufighter? If so, please email us.
Bristol Beaufighter
