A_M_W_2015_05_

64 BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER M k.X

such as the IFF aerial atop

the rear fuselage spine, and a

modified engine exhaust tailpipe

shroud that featured a more

aerodynamically clean forward

fairing. There were other less

noticeable external differences

and many internal. Least visible,

but perhaps most noticeable

from the operator’s point of view,

was the new 1,735hp Hercules

XVII engine. A redesigned

supercharger, optimised for

better performance at lower

altitudes, distinguished it from

the latest Hercules Mk.VI and

XVI engines used on the

Beaufighter Mk.VI.

It should be noted at this point

that, along with the Mk.VIC

ITF, another decidedly interim

variant of coastal Beaufighter,

the Mk.XIC, preceded the

TF.X into service. Sometimes

misunderstood according to

what’s been written to date,

the XIC is all too often referred

to as ‘the TF.X without torpedo

capability’. However, more

thorough study of the historical

record suggests that “...a Mk.VIC

ITF with the new Mk.XVII engines

and with the non-structural

parts of the torpedo gear not

installed,” would probably be a

more accurate description. The

Mk.XIC featured the older IFF and

beam approach systems of the

Mk.VIC (the latter was removed

from the ITF), and the pairs of

lugs mounted on the fuselage

keel members, either side of the

forward entrance hatch: this

latter feature was a defining

feature of the Mk.VIC ITF. As

with the Mk.VIC ITF, the XIC was

a relatively rare bird. Fewer than

170 were produced, compared to

60 ITFs and 2,205 TF.Xs.

TF.X Variations

As the TF.X’s career matured in

Coastal Command and overseas

service, myriad changes were

made. To outline them all in

detail, or even in bullet-points,

would be difficult in the space

provided. Paired as it is with this

issue’s 1/72 Beaufighter build,

the photos and illustrations

here focus on Coastal Command

aircraft in the configuration

portrayed in the kit – the small-

finned, standard-nosed TF.X.

Comparing one Coastal Command

TF.X to another, differences

could depend on when individual

aircraft were built, or when

and where they were modified

(manufacturer, MU, or user-

unit) from the factory standard.

Small-finned, standard-nosed

TF.Xs were produced in one

factory (Weston-Super-Mare,

the Rootes-produced TF.Xs were

all big-tailed, thimble-nosed

machines) from early 1943 to

late 1944. The production/

delivery standard varied

somewhat as time progressed, as

did the modifications introduced

by the service after delivery.

Late in the production run,

from serial RD130, a modified

wing, originally designed for the

unrealised Beaufighter Mk.XII,

was introduced. A stronger

structure, it featured internal

Avro bomb gear that could

support droppable ordnance

up to 1,000lb, a modified fuel

system and electrics, as well as

wooden tips. These aircraft also

featured a modified tailplane

and elevator configuration,

as well as a windscreen wiper

installation. Production switched

from the Hercules XVII to the

Hercules XVIII (most probably

starting at RD239 or RD298)

with the reintroduction of a

two-speed supercharger. From

RD420 onwards, Weston-produced

TF.Xs featured a thimble-shaped

radome nose and a dorsal fin

extension right off the assembly

line. These features were also

retrofitted to earlier aircraft

either at MUs or those already in

squadron service.

ITF with the new Mk.XVII engines

Mk.XIC featured the older IFF and

This photo of a typical TF.X power egg was probably taken at Weston-Super-

Mare, in early 1944. A nose-piece shroud is fitted to the exhaust ring, which is

finished in the coastal-spec matt black anti-glow paint. The shroud and tropical

filter atop the cowl were often removed if the aircraft ended up in Coastal

Command, but retained on overseas-destined machines. (author’s collection)

such as the IFF aerial atop

the rear fuselage spine, and a

to as ‘the TF.X without torpedo

capability’. However, more

made. To outline them all in

detail, or even in bullet-points,

would be difficult in the space

provided. Paired as it is with this

issue’s 1/72 Beaufighter build,

the photos and illustrations

here focus on Coastal Command

aircraft in the configuration

portrayed in the kit – the small-

finned, standard-nosed TF.X.

Comparing one Coastal Command

TF.X to another, differences

could depend on when individual

aircraft were built, or when

and where they were modified

(manufacturer, MU, or user-

unit) from the factory standard.

Small-finned, standard-nosed

TF.Xs were produced in one

factory (Weston-Super-Mare,

the Rootes-produced TF.Xs were

all big-tailed, thimble-nosed

machines) from early 1943 to

late 1944. The production/

delivery standard varied

somewhat as time progressed, as

Live round: Beaufighter LZ448 of 489 Sqn, RNZAF, at Dallachy in March 1945

The handling trolley is still under the torpedo, even though it is already in the

aircraft's sling. Note the starboard half of the 68in (172cm) span wooden air tail

and the trailing wire aerial fairlead just beneath it. (Mullen family)

RD136 was the sixth production-modified-tailplane TF.X and had flown just a few times with 404 Squadron before being lost on ‘Black Friday’ with the crew of Plt Off Smook

(pilot) and W/O Duckworth on board. As with RD329 below, serials appear to have been applied in a grey paint, possibly Dark Sea Grey or Light Slate Grey.

RD136 of 404 Sqn, RCAF, Dallachy Strike Wing,

February 9, 1945 ‘Black Friday’

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