The Beaufighter was built because of Bristol’s foresight and was company funded. It was
built as a long-range fighter using parts that were available from the earlier Beaufort. Using
these parts made it possible to complete the first aircraft a little more than 8 months after the
concept. The Beaufighter was over shadowed by the Mosquito’s success but it was the
Beau that was there in 1940 and 1941 helping to defeat the German night “Blitz”. The Beau
served in the Pacific as well as Europe. The Japanese referred to the aircraft as
“Whispering Death” because of its ability to strike and disappear so quickly. The last
Beaufighter was produced on September 21, 1945 making aircraft 5,562. Of the 5,562 there
were 1,063 Mk.VIs.

The original 272 Squadron was formed in WWI and later decommissioned. On November
19,1940 it was reformed at Aldergrove and equipped with Blenheims. Their task was a
coastal fighter role escorting shipping. In April 1941 the 272 was re-equipped with Bristol
Beaufighters in preparation for their move to the Middle East in May 1941. The squadron
was put to work providing fighter cover for the evacuation of Crete and then began long
range convoy escorts as well as intruder operations and ground attack missions.
The 272nd transferred to Malta in November 1942 to begin attacks on Tunisia and take part
in Operation Husky, the Allied assault of Sicily. With the capturing of Sicily the squadron
moved there in September 1943. The 272 Squadron was disbanded on April 30, 1945.

Specifications for the Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VI

Production – 1,063

Crew – 2

Dimensions
Length – 12.7 m
Height – 4.83 m
Wingspan – 17.63 m

Power plant – 2 X PE Hercules engines, 1,635 hp/engine

Performance
Maximum speed – 536 km/h
IROC – 10.5 m/sec
Service ceiling – 8,100 m
Range – 2,380 km

Weight
Empty – 6,600 kg
Loaded – 9,800 kg

Armament
6 X 7.69 mm MGs
4 X 20 mm cannons

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