Aviation Archive Issue 25 - 2016 UK

(Jacob Rumans) #1

48 HEAVY FIGHTERS OF WW2


Right: The Beaufighter had a reputation for being
tricky to handle, especially in low-speed flight,
but once its crews became experienced with its
idiosyncrasies they enjoyed its strength and
surprising manoeuvrability for an aircraft of its
size. The more powerful engines of later models
made them even quicker to respond to inputs.


Centre right: The navigator/radar operator of the
Beaufighter in his lofty perch amidships. The
aircraft was roomy enough to carry the bulky
first generation of AI (airborne intercept) radar,
making it a powerful night fighter.


Below right: In the Far East the Beaufighter
earned the nickname ‘Whispering Death’. While
this may have been the result of propaganda,
there is no denying that the Japanese held a
great respect for the rocket-carrying RAAF
aircraft. During 1944-45, Australia built 364
Beaufighters under the designation Mk 21.


Below: The Bristol Beaufighter filled the need
for an effective night fighter in the US Army Air
Forces until an American equivalent could be
produced. The 414th, 415th, 416th and 417th
Night Fighter Squadrons received more than
100 ‘reverse Lend-Lease’ Beaufighters. They
arrived in the Mediterranean during the summer
of 1943, achieving the first victory on 24 July.
Through the summer, they conducted daytime
convoy escort and strike missions, but thereafter
flew primarily at night. Although purpose-built
American P-61 Black Widow night fighters began
to replace them in December 1944, USAAF
Beaufighters continued to fly night cover for
Allied forces in Italy and France until the closing
days of the war.

Free download pdf