Difference between revisions of "Beaufighter Mk VIc"

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{{Specs-Card|code=beaufighter_mk6c}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Beaufighter (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=beaufighter_mk6c
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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 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 Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed 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" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 676 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 354 || 242 || 216 || ~8 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 330 || < 390 || < 410 || > 310
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 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 ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, chin-mounted (240 rpg = 960 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{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:
 +
 
 +
* 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 ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
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.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
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.
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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 ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''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:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Poor acceleration and top speed in level flight
−
''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* 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 ==
 +
<!-- ''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.
 +
 
 +
A total of 5,928 Beaufighters were built.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{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 ==
 +
<!--''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.''-->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;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 ==
 
''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;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
 
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{AirManufacturer Bristol}}
 +
{{Britain strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 22:05, 25 June 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the British strike aircraft Beaufighter Mk VIc. For other versions, see Beaufighter (Family).
Beaufighter Mk VIc
beaufighter_mk6c.png
GarageImage Beaufighter Mk VIc.jpg
Beaufighter Mk VIc
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.3 3.0 3.3
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

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

Max speed
at 5 000 m536 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude8 100 m
Engine2 х Bristol Hercules VI
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t

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

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear242 km/h
  • 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

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB445 → 605 Sl icon.png
RB613 → 833 Sl icon.png
SB1 395 → 1 897 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 400 Rp icon.png
9 480 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces180 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 60 / 120 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
TSC mk.II
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
vikkersK_turret_new_gun
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
250 LB
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500 LB
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk1_new_gun
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannon
Ammunition960 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.I (20 mm)

The Beaufighter Mk VIc is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.I cannons, chin-mounted (240 rpg = 960 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 11 x 18 inch Mark XII torpedo (1548 lbs)
Setup 22 x M.C. 250 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 32 x M.C. 500 lb Mk.I bomb
Main articles: M.C. Mk.I (250 lb), M.C. Mk.I (500 lb), 18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)

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

Turret7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min
Main article: Vickers K (7.7 mm)

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

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
The Shooting Range #9 - Metal Beasts section at 06:20 discusses the Bristol Beaufighter.
The Shooting Range #210 - Pages of History section at 04:11 discusses the Beaufighter.

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Bristol Aeroplane Company
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
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

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