Originally designed as a heavy fighter version of the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber, the Beaufighter developed into a multi-role aircraft. Its large size enabled it to carry early AI radar sets along with a heavy armament of four 20mm cannon and six .303 machine guns, making it an effective night fighter.
Later variants were able to carry torpedoes and rockets for the strike role, where it was employed for anti-shipping strikes and ground attack.
The Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X was derived from the Mk VI by substituting Hercules Mark XVII, which developed 1,735 hp at 500 feet. It was optimised for low level performance where the torpedo and anti-shipping attacks occurred. Later models had an additional tail fillet to improved stability.
Bristol Beaufighter Armament
Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X being refueledArmourers check the connections to of 3-inch rocket projectiles of a Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X of 404 SqnBristol Beaufighter TF Mark X, being loaded with rocket projectilesBristol Beaufighter TF Mark X, NE355 2-H, of 404 Sqn RCAF, fully loaded with rocket projectilesArming a Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X with 3-inch rocket projectiles at Alghero, Sardinia. An armourer loads 3-inch rockets onto Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X LZ295 2-Z of 404 Sqn RCAFArmourers fitting 25-lb armour-piercing heads to 3-inch rockets and loading them onto a Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X of 144 SqnA rocket projectile being loaded under the wing of Bristol Beaufighter TF Mark X, NE646 ‘V’, of 211 Sqn