Bristol Brigand

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The Bristol Brigand was the outcome of a 1942 specification (H. 7/42) calling for a faster edition of the Beaufighter for long range torpedo work and anti-shipping strikes.

Related Topics:
1942 - Beaufighter

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The design produced by Bristol utilised the wings, tail and undercarriage of the Buckingham with a new fuselage of oval cross-section. The 3 crew - pilot, navigator/bomb aimer and radio-operator/gunner were grouped together in the forward cockpit.

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The type 164 Brigand is notable as both the first purpose-built multi-role strike aircraft built for the RAF, and its last piston-engined bomber. It could carry either a torpedo under the fuselage with two 500lb (220 kg) bombs beneath the wings, or one 2,000lb (900 kg) or two 1,000lb (450 kg) bombs beneath the fuselage; and had under-wing racks for 16 rocket projectiles.

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147 were built, and they served in Malaya and Kenya until replaced by the Canberra jet bomber.

Related Topics:
Malaya - Kenya - Canberra

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