Initially called the Bisley Mk.I, the Bristol Blenheim Mk.V was conceived as a close support aircraft, with four machines guns in a solid nose. The first prototype (AD657) also had more powerful engines than the Mk.IV, additional armour and an improved dorsal turret. A second prototype (AD661) replaced the solid nose with glazing, to undertake a bombing role.
Only the bomber version was accepted for production, but although an improvement on the Blenheim Mk.IV, was still vulnerable to modern fighters. Most of the 940 produced served in North Africa of the Far East, with many relegated to training or target towing once its shortcomings became apparent.
Bristol Blenheim Mk V (Bisley) 3-view drawingBristol Blenheim Mk V 3-view drawing
Portuguese Bristol Blenheim Mk.VBristol Blenheim Mk.VBlenheim Mark VD, AZ930, on the ground at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe DownBlenheim Mark V EH495A Bristol Blenheim Mark V of No. 113 Squadron RAF, parked at Asansol, India.Blenheim Mark V DJ702, which served with No. 12 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit and No. 17 Service Flying Training UnitBristol Blenheim Mk V of No. 113 Squadron RAF based at Asansol, IndiaBristol Blenheim Mk VBristol Blenheims of No. 113 Squadron RAF, based at Asansol, India, in flight during a sortie over BurmaA mobile X-ray unit of the Indian Army Medical Corps is unloaded from Bristol Blenheim Mk V BA576 N of 34 Squadron RAFBristol Blenheim Mark VDs No 614 Sqn RAF undergoing maintenance and refuelling at Blida, AlgeriaNo. 13 Squadron RAF Bristol Blenheim Mark VD ‘C’ being prepared for a sortie at Canrobert, AlgeriaArmourers of 614 Sqn RAF loading a 250-lb GP bomb into Bristol Blenheim Mk VD BA783 P at CanroBristol Blenheim Mk VBristol Blenheim Mark V pilot’s controls and instrument panel on the port side of the cockpit.
