Tamiya #61064 1/48 Bristol Beaufighter Mk.VI Night Fighter
In the late 1930's, the RAF, faced with a shortage of fighter planes, used the fuselage of the Beaufort bomber to start short-term construction of the twin-engined Bristol Beaufighter. After its maiden flight in 1939, the Beaufighter was used in various roles including interception, bombing and anti-ship warfare.
However, the first operational Beaufighters, equipped with Airborne Interception (AI) radar, proved their true worth as night fighters. During the Battle of Britain, the Luftwaffe switched its focus from day bombing to night bombing of London and other major cities in Britain. In response to that threat, the RAF first deployed the Blenheim twin-engined night fighters, but they proved unable to effectively intercept the German bombers. It was then, that the more agile, radar equipped and heavily armed Bristol Beaufigher Night Fighter became Britain's new hope in the skies. To enhance stability in later models, the horizontal tall plane was modified to have twelve degrees of dihedral – resulting in a sleek, angular look.
Features:
The Bristol Beaufighter became the RAF's first true nightfighter when it entered service in early-WWII.
This kit depicts the later Mk.VI variant which was deployed from Spring 1942 and accurately reproduces the aircraft's distinctive form.
The engines and cockpit interior feature realistic details and both the fuselage crew hatches and the pilot's canopy may be assembled in either open or closed positions.
Two pilot figures are also included.
Specifications:
Scale: 1:48
Skill Level: 3
Model Length: 270 mm
Model Width: 370 mm
Model Height: –
Requires glue & paint for assembly (Modelling equipment sold separately)