Beaufighter Mk 1 R2052

[Splitpin]

Often in the shadow of the Merlin powered bunch , but this turned out to be a highly effective aircraft.

[simonh]

R2052 was the first prototype Beaufighter, first flown on the 17th of July 1939, unarmed. Two variants were produced , the Mk.1F for Fighter Command and the Mk.1C for Coastal Command.
There was a nightfighter version as well that was powered by Rolls Royce Merlins.
Another one had a turret behind the cockpit..the test pilot said that entry to the aircraft should have been made impossible. It was a failure.

[Splitpin]

Thanks for looking Sir, and the background info.

[emfrat]

One of my books is 'Night Fighter' by Jimmy Rawnsley, who was radar operator for John Cunningham. Now that I have a scanner again, I can dig up some quotes. Watch this space...

[emfrat]

And I see there are a few copies available in NZ:
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Search ... =oc&cty=nz