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?
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.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
Hope you found this interesting. I certainly did! You learn something new every day...
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