BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER 45
Far left: A Beaufigher pilot concentrates on the
skies ahead. The aircraft was well-liked by its
pilots for its rugged construction and ability
to ‘get them home’. However, on landing, the
Beaufighter’s large flap area pulled the aircraft
up rapidly and there was a tendency to veer from
the straight which, if unchecked, resulted in a
ground loop.Below: The fighter-style cockpit of the Beaufighter
afforded the pilot excellent visibility, especially
when keeping formation with squadron mates.Above: The first Beaufighter to be delivered to a coastal fighter squadron was
R2198/PN-B, which was issued to No 252 Squadron at Chivenor on 27 December
1940, although it was not fitted to full Mk IC standard and was therefore used
for training only.
Below: The navigator-radar operator sat under a small Perspex bubble on the
dorsal fuselage and enjoyed a panoramic view in both directions, made all the
more spectacular by a closely formating colleague.