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Bristol Beaufort

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Revision as of 15:28, 3 February 2020 by Linton (talk | contribs) (Crew members)
Bristol Beaufort
Bristol Beaufort.jpg
Bristol Beaufort 2.jpg
Two Mk1s from 217 Squadron
History
Type Bristol Beaufort
Role Medium day bombers / training aircraft
Designer Bristol Aeroplane Company
Manufacturer Bristol Aeroplane Company & Aust Department of Aircraft Production Melbourne
Number built 1,121 + 700 Australian version
Primary users RAAF; RAF Coastal Command; Fleet Air Arm
In service 1939
Out of service 1945


Remarks

The Bristol Beaufort was developed from the Bristol Blenheim. A variant was the Bristol Beaufighter. Originally designed as a torpedo bomber, it was operationally used primarily as a medium day bomber. However, it was used also as a trainer and more hours were flown in this manner than as an operational plane.


Australian aircraft were used not only for coastal reconnaissance patrols, but used extensively in the South Pacific. As with the British built planes, the Australian planes were initially powered by two Taurus engines. As the plane could be built in sections, workshops in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. When France fell to the Germans, the British stopped the export of Taurus engines, so the majority of Australian aircraft were powered by Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines built by the General Motors-Holden plant at Lidcombe, NSW. Production of this aeroplane ceased in August 1944 when there was a shift to producing Beaufighters.


Nineteen RAAF squadrons flew the Bristol Beaufort in the South West Pacific on maritime patrols, and as strike aircraft. They are credited with making a significant contribution to the war effort.

Crew members


Ground Crew