Difference between revisions of "Beaufighter Mk VIc"
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{{About | {{About | ||
− | | about = British | + | | about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}''' |
− | |||
| usage = other versions | | usage = other versions | ||
− | | link- | + | | link = Beaufighter (Family) |
− | | | + | }} |
+ | {{Specs-Card | ||
+ | |code=beaufighter_mk6c | ||
+ | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
− | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. | |
− | |||
− | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British | ||
− | The Beaufighter Mk | + | The Beaufighter Mk VI is one of the best early-tier heavy fighters. When its engines and survivability are fully upgraded, it is truly a bomber killer to behold, capable of bringing down any rank 1, 2 or 3 planes with ease. Unfortunately, there are several drawbacks to the amazing power of the 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons. You will normally spawn quite high, so use that to your advantage when attacking enemy planes. The recommended speed of this plane is only around 500 km/h (310 mph). Any higher results in severe and poor handling, making the heavy armament useless if your quarry turns. Therefore, the Beaufighter is not suited for BnZ, but better for head-on and tail-end combat. If you are caught by any single-engine fighter, try to dive and climb. If that does not work, resort to the turret or turning. The high fire rate of the turret makes it especially effective for pilot sniping if you are accurate enough. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
− | === Flight | + | === Flight performance === |
− | ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' | + | {{Specs-Avia-Flight}} |
+ | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
+ | The Beaufighter Mk VIc is very stable because of its large size and 2 engines. It has a considerable amount of speed considering its size, and is rather manoeuvrable if you use the flaps correctly and do not stall. Stalling is a rather large issue in this plane because of its ok climb rate, an enemy fighter will often out turn you and once it's behind you, you can only rely on your gunner. | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" |
− | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | ! | ||
− | |||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m) | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) |
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
− | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! AB | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB |
− | ! RB | ||
− | ! AB | ||
− | ! RB | ||
− | ! AB | ||
− | ! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | 516 || 498 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.8 || 25.7 || 7.3 || 7.3 || 371 | + | ! Stock |
+ | | 516 || 498 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.8 || 25.7 || 7.3 || 7.3 || rowspan="2" | 371 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
− | + | | 558 || 536 || 22.7 || 23.7 || 14.4 || 10.5 | |
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− | | 558 || 536 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | ====Details==== | + | ==== Details ==== |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Combat flaps | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear |
− | ! Take-off flaps | ||
− | ! Landing flaps | ||
− | ! Air brakes | ||
− | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | ||
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|} | |} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Gear | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
− | ! | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! + | + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
− | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | {{Specs|destruction| | + | | 676 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 354 || 242 || 216 || ~8 || ~4 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h) |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Ailerons | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
− | ! Rudder | ||
− | ! Elevators | ||
− | ! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
| < 330 || < 390 || < 410 || > 310 | | < 330 || < 390 || < 410 || > 310 | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Armour}} | ||
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | ||
+ | |||
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front. | * 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front. | ||
* 25 mm Steel plate in the nose. | * 25 mm Steel plate in the nose. | ||
* 25 mm Steel plate in the fuselage. | * 25 mm Steel plate in the fuselage. | ||
* 1 mm Steel plate behind the engines. | * 1 mm Steel plate behind the engines. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Modifications and economy === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Armaments}} | ||
=== Offensive armament === | === Offensive armament === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Offensive}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)}} | {{main|Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)}} | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
+ | |||
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, chin-mounted (240 rpg = 960 total) | * 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, chin-mounted (240 rpg = 960 total) | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
− | {{main|Mark XII}} | + | {{main|M.C. Mk.I (250 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (500 lb)|18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
+ | |||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
− | * 1 x 18 inch Mark XII torpedo | + | * 1 x 450 mm 18 inch Mark XII torpedo |
+ | * 2 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (500 lb total) | ||
+ | * 2 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (1,000 lb total) | ||
=== Defensive armament === | === Defensive armament === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Avia-Defensive}} | ||
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}} | {{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}} | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | ||
+ | |||
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg) | * 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg) | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | ''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> |
− | ===Manual Engine Control=== | + | The Beaufighter Mk VIc is a heavy fighter with inadequate speed at level flight and poor acceleration. It's big and an easy prey for nimble and fast energy fighters that will likely make passes on it, having only a [[Vickers K (7.7 mm)]] as its defensive weaponry with limited field of view from side to side but an excellent view if an enemy engage from high altitude. The Beaufighter has an adequate climb rate for a heavy fighter and can engage bombers with some ease. |
+ | |||
+ | It's a heavy fighter that does not lack in firepower, equipped with four 20 mm [[Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)]], its only problem is that the cannons are prone to jamming quickly. Without upgraded cannons, the accuracy of the weaponry is inadequate, but they can be used to devastating effect when the shells do connect. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Enemies to be aware of are nimble fighters like [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109s]] and [[Yak-9 (Family)|Yak-9s]] which are nimble and fast fighters to engage the Beaufighter Mk VIc. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The aircraft can also be used to support ground units in combined battles, as it gains access to two 250 or 500 pound bombs. The 500 pound bombs are recommended in all cases, as the 250 pounders only have 51 kg explosive mass, compared to the 128.9 kg in the 500 pound bombs. While this can dispatch armoured targets, it requires the pilot to land the bomb within 4 meters of enemy tanks to even have a chance of destruction. Additionally the Beaufighter Mk VIc has access to fire extinguishers for the engines, which can be extremely helpful in the contested environment found in ground battles. This can help extinguish engine fires which would have normally destroyed the aircraft, allowing pilots to limp back to base on only one engine. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Oil | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type |
− | ! Water | ||
− | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | Not controllable | | + | | Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable |
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|} | |} | ||
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'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * 4 x 20 mm cannons | + | |
+ | * 4 x 20 mm cannons are powerful and will usually obliterate most planes with a single burst | ||
* Good turn time for a heavy fighter | * Good turn time for a heavy fighter | ||
− | * | + | * Sturdy airframe; can take a few hits |
− | |||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
+ | |||
* Poor acceleration and top speed in level flight | * Poor acceleration and top speed in level flight | ||
− | * | + | * Mediocre turn and climb rates |
− | + | * Cannons jam quickly and are inaccurate when stock | |
− | + | * The one defensive machine gun turret is very weak and will not reliably defend the aircraft | |
− | * Cannons | ||
− | * | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
− | + | {{break}} | |
− | + | {{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}} | |
− | + | {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}} | |
− | + | As Britain geared up for war in the late 1930s, it became apparent that the RAF lacked modern fighters, particularly any long range aircraft or night fighters. Bristol had already began work on the Beaufort, itself developed from their earlier Blenheim design, and decided that to develop a long range fighter in as short a time period as possible, it would be quicker to develop an existing design than start a new one. The wings and tail were taken from the Beaufort and, with a new fuselage and two Bristol Hercules engines, the Beaufighter was born. | |
For use in the maritime theatre, some modifications were designed to patrol coastal areas and escort vessels. The designations of these variants ended with the letter C to indicate that they were used by the Coastal Command. The first modification for Coastal Command appeared in 1940 and had the designation Beaufighter Mk IC; this design included the addition of a maritime radio and navigation equipment. The next model designed for Coastal Command operations was the Mk VIC. After the various interim models had been powered mainly by the Rolls Royce Merlin, the Mk VI returned to the original Bristol Hercules engines. This powerful engine allowed the options of replacing the wing mounted guns with extra fuel tanks for longer range and the addition of bombs or rockets. By the end of 1942, most of the Beaufighter Mk.VICs had been modified to carry torpedoes, and in April 1943 they made their first torpedo attack, sinking two merchant ships off of the Norwegian coast. | For use in the maritime theatre, some modifications were designed to patrol coastal areas and escort vessels. The designations of these variants ended with the letter C to indicate that they were used by the Coastal Command. The first modification for Coastal Command appeared in 1940 and had the designation Beaufighter Mk IC; this design included the addition of a maritime radio and navigation equipment. The next model designed for Coastal Command operations was the Mk VIC. After the various interim models had been powered mainly by the Rolls Royce Merlin, the Mk VI returned to the original Bristol Hercules engines. This powerful engine allowed the options of replacing the wing mounted guns with extra fuel tanks for longer range and the addition of bombs or rockets. By the end of 1942, most of the Beaufighter Mk.VICs had been modified to carry torpedoes, and in April 1943 they made their first torpedo attack, sinking two merchant ships off of the Norwegian coast. | ||
− | A total of 5,928 Beaufighters were built. | + | A total of 5,928 Beaufighters were built. |
+ | {{Navigation-End}} | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | ;Skins | ||
+ | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=beaufighter_mk6c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ;Videos | ||
+ | {{Youtube-gallery|dYdJqnO5Cs4|'''The Shooting Range #9''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 06:20 discusses the Bristol Beaufighter.|rgBE-namY8E|'''The Shooting Range #210''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:11 discusses the Beaufighter.}} | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
− | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | <!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' |
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
− | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | + | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''--> |
+ | |||
+ | ;Related development | ||
+ | * [[Beaufighter (Family)]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ||
+ | * [[File:Germany flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Bf 110 (Family)]] | ||
+ | * [[File:IJA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ki-45 (Family)]] | ||
+ | * [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Potez 630 (Family)]] | ||
+ | * [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Br.693AB2|Bréguet 693 AB.2]] | ||
+ | * [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Blenheim Mk IV]] | ||
+ | * [[File:Netherlands flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Fokker G.IA (France)|Fokker G.IA]] | ||
+ | * [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Yak-2 KABB]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | |||
* ''other literature.'' | * ''other literature.'' | ||
{{AirManufacturer Bristol}} | {{AirManufacturer Bristol}} | ||
− | {{Britain strike | + | {{Britain strike aircraft}} |
Latest revision as of 22:05, 25 June 2024
This page is about the British strike aircraft Beaufighter Mk VIc. For other versions, see Beaufighter (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Beaufighter Mk VIc is a rank II British strike aircraft with a battle rating of 2.3 (AB), 3.0 (RB), and 3.3 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
The Beaufighter Mk VI is one of the best early-tier heavy fighters. When its engines and survivability are fully upgraded, it is truly a bomber killer to behold, capable of bringing down any rank 1, 2 or 3 planes with ease. Unfortunately, there are several drawbacks to the amazing power of the 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons. You will normally spawn quite high, so use that to your advantage when attacking enemy planes. The recommended speed of this plane is only around 500 km/h (310 mph). Any higher results in severe and poor handling, making the heavy armament useless if your quarry turns. Therefore, the Beaufighter is not suited for BnZ, but better for head-on and tail-end combat. If you are caught by any single-engine fighter, try to dive and climb. If that does not work, resort to the turret or turning. The high fire rate of the turret makes it especially effective for pilot sniping if you are accurate enough.
General info
Flight performance
The Beaufighter Mk VIc is very stable because of its large size and 2 engines. It has a considerable amount of speed considering its size, and is rather manoeuvrable if you use the flaps correctly and do not stall. Stalling is a rather large issue in this plane because of its ok climb rate, an enemy fighter will often out turn you and once it's behind you, you can only rely on your gunner.
Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
Stock | 516 | 498 | 8100 | 24.8 | 25.7 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 371 |
Upgraded | 558 | 536 | 22.7 | 23.7 | 14.4 | 10.5 |
Details
Features | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Limits | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
676 | 242 | 354 | 242 | 216 | ~8 | ~4 |
Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
< 330 | < 390 | < 410 | > 310 |
Survivability and armour
- 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
- 25 mm Steel plate in the nose.
- 25 mm Steel plate in the fuselage.
- 1 mm Steel plate behind the engines.
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Offensive armament
The Beaufighter Mk VIc is armed with:
- 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, chin-mounted (240 rpg = 960 total)
Suspended armament
The Beaufighter Mk VIc can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 1 x 450 mm 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
- 2 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (500 lb total)
- 2 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (1,000 lb total)
Defensive armament
The Beaufighter Mk VIc is defended by:
- 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
Usage in battles
The Beaufighter Mk VIc is a heavy fighter with inadequate speed at level flight and poor acceleration. It's big and an easy prey for nimble and fast energy fighters that will likely make passes on it, having only a Vickers K (7.7 mm) as its defensive weaponry with limited field of view from side to side but an excellent view if an enemy engage from high altitude. The Beaufighter has an adequate climb rate for a heavy fighter and can engage bombers with some ease.
It's a heavy fighter that does not lack in firepower, equipped with four 20 mm Hispano Mk.I (20 mm), its only problem is that the cannons are prone to jamming quickly. Without upgraded cannons, the accuracy of the weaponry is inadequate, but they can be used to devastating effect when the shells do connect.
Enemies to be aware of are nimble fighters like Bf 109s and Yak-9s which are nimble and fast fighters to engage the Beaufighter Mk VIc.
The aircraft can also be used to support ground units in combined battles, as it gains access to two 250 or 500 pound bombs. The 500 pound bombs are recommended in all cases, as the 250 pounders only have 51 kg explosive mass, compared to the 128.9 kg in the 500 pound bombs. While this can dispatch armoured targets, it requires the pilot to land the bomb within 4 meters of enemy tanks to even have a chance of destruction. Additionally the Beaufighter Mk VIc has access to fire extinguishers for the engines, which can be extremely helpful in the contested environment found in ground battles. This can help extinguish engine fires which would have normally destroyed the aircraft, allowing pilots to limp back to base on only one engine.
Manual Engine Control
MEC elements | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
Oil | Water | Type | ||||
Not controllable | Controllable Not auto controlled |
Not controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Combined | Controllable 2 gears |
Not controllable |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 4 x 20 mm cannons are powerful and will usually obliterate most planes with a single burst
- Good turn time for a heavy fighter
- Sturdy airframe; can take a few hits
Cons:
- Poor acceleration and top speed in level flight
- Mediocre turn and climb rates
- Cannons jam quickly and are inaccurate when stock
- The one defensive machine gun turret is very weak and will not reliably defend the aircraft
History
Archive of the in-game description | |
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As Britain geared up for war in the late 1930s, it became apparent that the RAF lacked modern fighters, particularly any long range aircraft or night fighters. Bristol had already began work on the Beaufort, itself developed from their earlier Blenheim design, and decided that to develop a long range fighter in as short a time period as possible, it would be quicker to develop an existing design than start a new one. The wings and tail were taken from the Beaufort and, with a new fuselage and two Bristol Hercules engines, the Beaufighter was born. For use in the maritime theatre, some modifications were designed to patrol coastal areas and escort vessels. The designations of these variants ended with the letter C to indicate that they were used by the Coastal Command. The first modification for Coastal Command appeared in 1940 and had the designation Beaufighter Mk IC; this design included the addition of a maritime radio and navigation equipment. The next model designed for Coastal Command operations was the Mk VIC. After the various interim models had been powered mainly by the Rolls Royce Merlin, the Mk VI returned to the original Bristol Hercules engines. This powerful engine allowed the options of replacing the wing mounted guns with extra fuel tanks for longer range and the addition of bombs or rockets. By the end of 1942, most of the Beaufighter Mk.VICs had been modified to carry torpedoes, and in April 1943 they made their first torpedo attack, sinking two merchant ships off of the Norwegian coast. A total of 5,928 Beaufighters were built. |
Media
- Skins
- Videos
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Bf 110 (Family)
- Ki-45 (Family)
- Potez 630 (Family)
- Bréguet 693 AB.2
- Blenheim Mk IV
- Fokker G.IA
- Yak-2 KABB
External links
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- other literature.
Bristol Aeroplane Company | |
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Strike Aircraft | Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Beaufighter Mk VIc · Beaufighter Mk X · Beaufighter Mk 21* |
Bombers | Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII* · Brigand B 1 |
* License-produced in Australia by Department of Aircraft Production. |
Britain strike aircraft | |
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Blackburn | Firebrand TF Mk IV · Firecrest |
Bristol | Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Beaufighter Mk VIc · Beaufighter Mk X · Beaufighter Mk 21 |
CAC | ▄Wirraway |
Fairey | Firefly F Mk I · Firefly FR Mk V |
de Havilland | Mosquito FB Mk VI · Mosquito FB Mk XVIII |
Hawker | Hurricane Mk IV · Tempest Mk V (Vickers P) |
Westland | Wyvern S4 |