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54 BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER M k.X

Beaufighter TF.X (early production)

delivery configuration

• typical as delivered to Coastal
  Command squadrons through to
  at least August-September 1943
  
  
  • DF loop fairing removed at MU
    for coastal-destined aircraft, and
    replaced with whip aerial.
  
  
  
  

Dive brakes were usually deactivated and

venturis below wings removed. Brakes

removed if maintenance downtime permitted.

Early aircraft delivered to Coastal Command

with earlier standard cupola had it replaced

with the Bristol B.20 rear-defence gun

cupola - initially at user unit airfield and

later at MUs. B.20 appears to have become

a standard production item through the

early summer of 1944.

Tropical fittings,

including engine

carb intake filter

housings and nose-

shroud pieces,

usually removed

at MU for coastal-

destined aircraft.

Beaufighter TF.X (early production),

in service within Coastal Command

as anti-flak R/P strike aircraft

• typical in service with Coastal
  Command squadrons from late
  1943 through to December 1944

Note that the rear-facing formation

light clear part was rendered

inoperative and sometimes

overpainted on many Beaufighters

of all marks. Post RD130 production

wing tips difffer (see lower plan

view on pg. 55).

© Terry Higgins of Aviaeology Publishing, 2014-2015

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