HOME  Bristol Beaufighter |
|
|
|
|
Bristol Beaufighter
Click on the picture to hear the wav sound.
NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
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 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 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 aircraft 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.
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 aircraft 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.
Beaufighter's served as night interceptors, strike aircraft, and eventually torpedo bombers. They are 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.
TFX Specifications |
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Power:
Length:
Wing Span:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Cannons:
Machine Guns:
Torpedo:
Bombs:
Rockets:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First Flight:
Year Deployed: |
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 |
Radio Control Airplane
 Patrick Deslandes rc Bristol Beaufighter.
Radio Control Airplanes:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Pictured above is the great looking 97" wing span Bristol Beaufighter rc 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 rc Bristol Beaufighter. The 35.5" wing span model is powered by two geared speed 400 motors.
Kit Cutters Inc. sells the rc Bristol Beaufighter kit. It is from Nexus Plans and has a 39" wing span.
Alfa Modell has a rc Bristol Beaufighter. It has a wing span of 40" and is powered by two geared speed 300 motors.
The first picture below is a Bristol Beaufighter rc 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 airplane built by Keith Mitchell. It has a wing span 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 rc Bristol Beaufighter? If so, please email us.
Radio Control Airplane
Pettigrew Plans rc Bristol Beaufighter.
Radio Control Airplane
Keith Mitchell and his rc Beaufighter.
|
|
|
Model Airplane kit for Sale
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
