Bristol Beaufighter

Commonwealth Air Forces

Bristol Beaufighter
This twin engine fighter/bomber was fast, heavily armed and armored and was constructed from the tail of a Beaufort. It was flown by Commonwealth pilots of the RNZAF and RAAF. In first-line service until 1950, and 5918 built.

To the Japanese, the Beaufighter became known as "The Whispering Death" because of the speed at which one could suddenly strike and turn for home.

Mark Ic: A19-1 to A19-72

Mark VIc: A19-73 to A19-136

Mark X: A19-149, A19-150, A19-153 to A19-155, A19-159, A19-162, A19-164 to A19-218

Mark XIc : A19-137 to A19-148, A19-151, A19-152, A19-156 to A19-158, A19-160, A19-161, A19-163

Mark 21 : A8-1 to A8-365

Role	Fighter
Crew	2 pilot, gunner
Engines	2 c Bristol Hercules XVII fourteen-cylinder two-row sleeve-valve radial engines
Span	57 ft. 10 in
Length	41 ft. 4 in.
Height	15 ft. 10 in
Max. Speed	320 mph
Range	1,400 miles
Armament	(fuselage) 4 x 20-mm (wings) 6 x .303 MG (dorsal) 1 x .303 MG
Bombload	18-in. torpedo or 8 x rockets