Kestrel
Dec-13-2017, 18:47
Good day chaps!
While we're waiting for the flyable Beaufighter, have a look at this interesting Beau prototype. I had heard of it before, but never came across a photograph until today.
There were quite a few variants and protoypes of the Beau. We have the Mk I in CLoD, and you've probably heard of the Mk VI used by Coastal Command, the Mk X torpedo fighter, and the Australian Mk 21 with .50 inch guns replacing the .30s used in the Pacific. Ever seen the Mk V though?
https://i.imgur.com/8hgeAzr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kyNdSZB.jpg
Further armament trials and experimental modifications were performed throughout the Beaufighter's operational lifespan. By mid-1941, a total of 20 Beaufighters were reserved for test purposes, including engine development, stability and maneuverability improvements, and other purposes.[14] In May 1941, a pair of Beaufighter Mk II aircraft, R2274 and R2306, were modified to the Beaufighter Mk III standard; removing the six wing guns and two inboard cannons to install a Boulton-Paul-built quad-gun turret directly behind the pilot. The turret, which was intended to overcome the impact of recoil and nose-down tendency that affected the aircraft due to the conventional armament, was found to obstruct the emergency egress of the pilot. -Wikipedia
Only two were produced, and obviously never saw combat. It seems like a pretty interesting concept anyhow! The Defiant was somewhat of a failure, but I feel like this Beau could have hypothetically brought the concept of a turreted bomber-destroyer to fruition. The combination of forward-firing cannon and and a 4-gun forward firing turret would have interesting results. In my opinion, I feel like the removal of all the forward firing machine guns and two of the cannon would have made it a little less deadly to bombers. The primary advantage of this design might have ended up being the turret used as defensive armament.
Hope you found this interesting. I certainly did! You learn something new every day... :thumbsup:
While we're waiting for the flyable Beaufighter, have a look at this interesting Beau prototype. I had heard of it before, but never came across a photograph until today.
There were quite a few variants and protoypes of the Beau. We have the Mk I in CLoD, and you've probably heard of the Mk VI used by Coastal Command, the Mk X torpedo fighter, and the Australian Mk 21 with .50 inch guns replacing the .30s used in the Pacific. Ever seen the Mk V though?
https://i.imgur.com/8hgeAzr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kyNdSZB.jpg
Further armament trials and experimental modifications were performed throughout the Beaufighter's operational lifespan. By mid-1941, a total of 20 Beaufighters were reserved for test purposes, including engine development, stability and maneuverability improvements, and other purposes.[14] In May 1941, a pair of Beaufighter Mk II aircraft, R2274 and R2306, were modified to the Beaufighter Mk III standard; removing the six wing guns and two inboard cannons to install a Boulton-Paul-built quad-gun turret directly behind the pilot. The turret, which was intended to overcome the impact of recoil and nose-down tendency that affected the aircraft due to the conventional armament, was found to obstruct the emergency egress of the pilot. -Wikipedia
Only two were produced, and obviously never saw combat. It seems like a pretty interesting concept anyhow! The Defiant was somewhat of a failure, but I feel like this Beau could have hypothetically brought the concept of a turreted bomber-destroyer to fruition. The combination of forward-firing cannon and and a 4-gun forward firing turret would have interesting results. In my opinion, I feel like the removal of all the forward firing machine guns and two of the cannon would have made it a little less deadly to bombers. The primary advantage of this design might have ended up being the turret used as defensive armament.
Hope you found this interesting. I certainly did! You learn something new every day... :thumbsup: