Bristol Beaufighter Mk.VlF 415th Night Fighter Squadron, 12th USAAF, La Vailon, 1944 (1:72)

The Beaufighter Mk. VIF was a night-fighter version of the Mk. VI that was equipped with AI Mark VIII radar. The Mk. VI had the improved Hercules engines with over 1,000 aircraft of this variant being made. Most of the Beau night-fighters were eventually replaced in this role by the faster Mosquito but the Beau continued to fight on performing anti-shipping duty as well as ground attack and long range interdiction. The Beaufighter was produced in 14 variants and operated by 11 countries.

The 415th NFS (Night Fighter Squadron) known as 'The Nitefiters' was activated on February 8, 1943 with its first posting to Algeria in June. As part of the 12th USAAF the squadron flew reverse lend-lease night-fighter Bristol Beaufighters that retained the standard RAF night fighter scheme but with US markings.. During 1943 the 415th flew in the MTO and in 1944 and 1945 they moved to France and eventually into Germany. Their first station in France was Le Vallon from September 1st ' 25th 1944. The squadron was inactivated September 1, 1947.

Specifications Bristol Beaufighter Mk. VIF

Aircraft Type ' Night Fighter

Crew ' 2

Performance
Engine ' (2) Bristol Hercules VI, 14 cylinder radial, 1,670 hp each turning (3) bladed
propellers
Speed ' 333 mph (536kph) @ 15,600 ft (4,755 m)
Time To Climb to 15,000 ft (4,572 m) ' 7.8 minutes
Service Ceiling ' 26,500 ft (8,077 m)
Range ' 1,540 miles (2,478 km)

Dimensions
Wingspan ' 57 ft 10 in (17.64 m)
Length ' 41 ft 8 in (12.7 m)
Height ' 15 ft 10 in (4.82 m)
Wing Area ' 503 ft sq (46.73 m sq)

Weight
Empty ' 14,600 lbs (6,623 kg)
Loaded ' 21,600 lbs (9,798 kg)

Armament
Nose ' (4) 20 mm
Port Wing ' (2) 7.7 mm Machine guns
Starboard Wing ' (4) 7.7 mm Machine guns