Bristol Beaufort Union Jack Rocks Glass

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The Bristol Beaufort was a British twin-engine torpedo bomber developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company for the RAF and Commonwealth forces. Evolved from the Bristol Blenheim, it first flew on 15 October 1938 and entered service in November 1939. A total of around 2,130 Beauforts were built: approximately 1,430 in the UK and 700 in Australia by the Department of Aircraft Production (DAP).

Initially powered by Bristol Taurus engines, the Beaufort faced early reliability issues, but later versions, particularly Australian-built Mk VIs and Mk VIIIs, used the more reliable Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engines. The Beaufort served in multiple theatres — in Europe conducting anti-shipping strikes and mine-laying, and in the Pacific with the RAAF attacking Japanese convoys and supporting Allied island campaigns.

The Beaufort’s versatility extended to reconnaissance, transport, and even as a training platform. It laid the foundation for the more heavily armed Bristol Beaufighter, which shared many structural components. Beauforts remained in service into the late 1940s with several air forces.

Though overshadowed by larger bombers, the Beaufort was a vital strike aircraft that played a key role in maritime air power for Britain and Australia.