Built as a company-funded long-range fighter (usi ng major components from the earlier Beaufort torpedo-bomber), the prototype Beaufighter first flew on 17 July,1939. The Beaufighter was designed as a long-range heavy fighter, with many components in common with the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber. It saw service as a night fighter, a torpedo bomber, a ground attack fighter and an anti-shipping aircraft. By September 1945 a total of 5,928 had been built in a variety of models and many continued in front-line service into the end of 1950s. 364 were built in Australia.
Designed to counter the growing threat of the Luftwaffe, the British Bristol Beaufighter-known as "Beau"-first flew on July 17th, 1939. The rugged Beaufighter had two-speed supercharged radial engines mounted well ahead of the wing leading edges. The cockpit was located in the snub nose, which gave the pilot an excellent forward view. A navigator, wireless operator and rear gunner were positioned in a rear cupola. The Beau's premier role was as a nightfighter, but it was also used as a long-range fighter and developed into an antishipping and ground attack cannon rocket-firing fighter, torpedo plane and tactical bomber.
