Difference between revisions of "Beaufighter Mk X"

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{{Specs-Card|code=beaufighter_mkx}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Beaufighter (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=beaufighter_mkx
 +
|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.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 2,600 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
 +
| 468 || 450 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.8 || 30.8 || 6.6 || 6.6 || rowspan="2" | 443
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 517 || 490 || 27.3 || 28.5 || 14.5 || 10.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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 || ~7 || ~3
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 330 || < 390 || < 410 || > 300
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 25 mm Steel - Armoured nose plate
 +
* 1 mm Steel - Forward engine nacelle armour plates
 +
* 25 mm Steel - Rear aircraft/gunner protection armour plate
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
 +
 
 +
=== 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.II (20 mm)|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, belly-mounted (283 rpg = 1,132 total)
 +
* 6 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (2 x left, 4 x right) (1,000 rpg = 6,000 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)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3|18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 1 x 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
 +
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
 +
* 4 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 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).'' -->
 +
Just like the [[Beaufighter Mk VIc|Mk VIc]] version of the Beaufighter, you can use this aircraft in a variety of roles. Heavy fighter, torpedo bomber, and attacker are all still viable roles for this aircraft. The big difference is in how effective you are at these roles. In the ground attack role, you see a large improvement in capabilities. This is mainly due to the additional ability to carry rockets for ground attack, and the increase in 20 mm cannon ammo. Torpedo bomber tactics should be avoided, however. With the torpedo on offer still being very poor in terms of drop requirements, surviving against incoming flak will be a real challenge. Heavy fighter tactics can be used once again, but with a few changes. Compared to the Mk VIc, you pack a much bigger punch with your weaponry. Unfortunately, this adds weight to the airframe. Thanks to the extra weight, climb rate, manoeuvrability, and speed will all suffer. In short, you will find it harder to find and catch targets, but you can shoot them down more easily. Overall, stick to relatively low altitude. Go after ground targets whenever you see the opportunity and attack any bombers operating at low altitude the second they show up. In order to ensure effectiveness in this role, ground target or universal ammo belts should be used with the 20 mm cannons. The same applies to your 7.7 mm machine guns ammo belts; armoured or universal should be used. With a good flight escort, you can take give your opponents a lot of trouble attacking their ground units, ultimately helping to secure victory for your team.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The Beaufighter Mk X is a substantial upgrade over previous versions of the airframe in its role as close air support in combined arms battles. It gains access to 250, 500 and 1000 pound bombs, and more of them too. Additionally the aircraft can also carry up to 8 of the RP-3 rocket. The recommended loadout in most cases will be the 4 x 500 pound loadout, as the RP-3 rocket is relatively inaccurate and with only 5.44 kg of explosive mass, it requires a direct hit. The 1000 pound bombs will be more effective for knockout out tanks of course, but the Beaufighter is limited to only carry two of these instead of the four 500 pound bombs, leading to fewer opportunities for pilots to support the action on the ground. Additionally the plane also gains access to engine fire extinguishers, which can prove to be very helpful when fighting enemy SPAA such as the [[M16 MGMC]] which relies on doing critical damage and starting fires rather than blowing off pieces of the aircraft. Pilots can use this system to extinguish fires in the engines and limp back to base on their remaining 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Excellent armament consisting of four Hispano Mk II cannons and six 7.7 mm machine guns
 +
* Very likely to come out on top during a head-on attack
 +
* Can actually intercept bombers, provided they are flying low enough
 +
* Center-lined cannon armament makes them much more accurate and easier to aim
 +
* Good horizontal agility
 +
* Very good ammo amount, especially helpful during RB and SB
 +
* Can carry 8 powerful RP-3 rockets, with 60 mm of penetration
 +
* Can be used as a torpedo-bomber
 +
* Gains an extra pair of bombs when compared to its predecessor
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Mediocre climb rate
−
''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.''
+
* Machine guns' accuracy suffers from wing mounting (convergence)
 +
* Bad roll rate at high speeds
 +
* Gunner is almost useless due to only having a single machine gun for defensive armament
 +
 
 +
== 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}}
 +
A design rapidly born from the wings and tail of the earlier Beaufort, the Beaufighter was a two seat, twin engine heavy fighter designed for long range, ground strike and night fighter duties. Equipped with an early AI radar, the Beaufighter was one of the world's first successful night fighters.
 +
 
 +
Most of the last mass-produced aircraft in Britain were Beaufighter TF Mk Xs. This model was a logical continuation and development of the Mk VIC, had two Hercules Mk VI engines optimised for low level flight, and could carry the standard torpedoes produced in Britain and the United States. The TF letters in the designation stood for "Torpedo Fighter". The aircraft could also carry a bomb load of 1,100 kg, and with the help of an AI Mk.VIII radar installed in a 'thimble' nose, they were highly capable machines employed in detecting and destroying surface shipping. In the Far East the Beaufighter was reputed to be nicknamed 'Whispering Death' by Japanese soldiers, although some modern historians believe this to be Allied propaganda.
 +
 
 +
In March 1945, over a period of 48 hours, Beaufighter TF Mk Xs of No 236 and No 254 Squadrons found and destroyed five German submarines.
 +
 
 +
The last major variant of the Beaufighter, over 2200 were built in Britain.
 +
{{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_mkx 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.}}
  
−
== Read 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.''-->
−
''ETC.''
+
;Related development
 +
* [[Beaufighter (Family)]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;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 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the British strike aircraft Beaufighter Mk X. For other versions, see Beaufighter (Family).
Beaufighter Mk X
beaufighter_mkx.png
GarageImage Beaufighter Mk X.jpg
Beaufighter Mk X
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 3.0 3.7
Class:
Research:5 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Beaufighter Mk X is a rank II British strike aircraft with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB), 3.0 (RB), and 3.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 2 600 m490 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude4 575 m
Engine2 х Bristol Hercules XVII
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 2,600 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 468 450 4575 29.8 30.8 6.6 6.6 443
Upgraded 517 490 27.3 28.5 14.5 10.0

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 ~7 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 330 < 390 < 410 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear242 km/h
  • 25 mm Steel - Armoured nose plate
  • 1 mm Steel - Forward engine nacelle armour plates
  • 25 mm Steel - Rear aircraft/gunner protection armour plate
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB563 → 789 Sl icon.png
RB764 → 1 071 Sl icon.png
SB1 827 → 2 561 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 400 Rp icon.png
13 810 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 80 / 150 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
740 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
740 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
740 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
TSC mk.II
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
250 LB
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods rocket.png
RSC mk.II
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500 LB
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
vikkersK_turret_new_gun
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
740 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
740 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
1000 LB
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
740 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm), Browning (7.7 mm)

The Beaufighter Mk X is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, belly-mounted (283 rpg = 1,132 total)
  • 6 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (2 x left, 4 x right) (1,000 rpg = 6,000 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: M.C. Mk.I (250 lb), M.C. Mk.I (500 lb), M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb), RP-3, 18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)

The Beaufighter Mk X can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets
  • 4 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Vickers K (7.7 mm)

The Beaufighter Mk X is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)

Usage in battles

Just like the Mk VIc version of the Beaufighter, you can use this aircraft in a variety of roles. Heavy fighter, torpedo bomber, and attacker are all still viable roles for this aircraft. The big difference is in how effective you are at these roles. In the ground attack role, you see a large improvement in capabilities. This is mainly due to the additional ability to carry rockets for ground attack, and the increase in 20 mm cannon ammo. Torpedo bomber tactics should be avoided, however. With the torpedo on offer still being very poor in terms of drop requirements, surviving against incoming flak will be a real challenge. Heavy fighter tactics can be used once again, but with a few changes. Compared to the Mk VIc, you pack a much bigger punch with your weaponry. Unfortunately, this adds weight to the airframe. Thanks to the extra weight, climb rate, manoeuvrability, and speed will all suffer. In short, you will find it harder to find and catch targets, but you can shoot them down more easily. Overall, stick to relatively low altitude. Go after ground targets whenever you see the opportunity and attack any bombers operating at low altitude the second they show up. In order to ensure effectiveness in this role, ground target or universal ammo belts should be used with the 20 mm cannons. The same applies to your 7.7 mm machine guns ammo belts; armoured or universal should be used. With a good flight escort, you can take give your opponents a lot of trouble attacking their ground units, ultimately helping to secure victory for your team.

The Beaufighter Mk X is a substantial upgrade over previous versions of the airframe in its role as close air support in combined arms battles. It gains access to 250, 500 and 1000 pound bombs, and more of them too. Additionally the aircraft can also carry up to 8 of the RP-3 rocket. The recommended loadout in most cases will be the 4 x 500 pound loadout, as the RP-3 rocket is relatively inaccurate and with only 5.44 kg of explosive mass, it requires a direct hit. The 1000 pound bombs will be more effective for knockout out tanks of course, but the Beaufighter is limited to only carry two of these instead of the four 500 pound bombs, leading to fewer opportunities for pilots to support the action on the ground. Additionally the plane also gains access to engine fire extinguishers, which can prove to be very helpful when fighting enemy SPAA such as the M16 MGMC which relies on doing critical damage and starting fires rather than blowing off pieces of the aircraft. Pilots can use this system to extinguish fires in the engines and limp back to base on their remaining 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:

  • Excellent armament consisting of four Hispano Mk II cannons and six 7.7 mm machine guns
  • Very likely to come out on top during a head-on attack
  • Can actually intercept bombers, provided they are flying low enough
  • Center-lined cannon armament makes them much more accurate and easier to aim
  • Good horizontal agility
  • Very good ammo amount, especially helpful during RB and SB
  • Can carry 8 powerful RP-3 rockets, with 60 mm of penetration
  • Can be used as a torpedo-bomber
  • Gains an extra pair of bombs when compared to its predecessor

Cons:

  • Mediocre climb rate
  • Machine guns' accuracy suffers from wing mounting (convergence)
  • Bad roll rate at high speeds
  • Gunner is almost useless due to only having a single machine gun for defensive armament

History


Archive of the in-game description

A design rapidly born from the wings and tail of the earlier Beaufort, the Beaufighter was a two seat, twin engine heavy fighter designed for long range, ground strike and night fighter duties. Equipped with an early AI radar, the Beaufighter was one of the world's first successful night fighters.

Most of the last mass-produced aircraft in Britain were Beaufighter TF Mk Xs. This model was a logical continuation and development of the Mk VIC, had two Hercules Mk VI engines optimised for low level flight, and could carry the standard torpedoes produced in Britain and the United States. The TF letters in the designation stood for "Torpedo Fighter". The aircraft could also carry a bomb load of 1,100 kg, and with the help of an AI Mk.VIII radar installed in a 'thimble' nose, they were highly capable machines employed in detecting and destroying surface shipping. In the Far East the Beaufighter was reputed to be nicknamed 'Whispering Death' by Japanese soldiers, although some modern historians believe this to be Allied propaganda.

In March 1945, over a period of 48 hours, Beaufighter TF Mk Xs of No 236 and No 254 Squadrons found and destroyed five German submarines.

The last major variant of the Beaufighter, over 2200 were built in Britain.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #9 - Metal Beasts section at 06:20 discusses the Bristol 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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