Boulton-Paul P.88

[merlin]

Any information on this proposed aircraft please - apart from info in BSP. Especially interested in the 'A' version - think a Hercules powered aircraft a better bet than the Vulture 'B', but anything welcome.

BSP quotes the Hercules as being 1500 hp, but the early ones on the Beaufighter were more like 1300, before later reaching 1590 hp. So how much difference will the lower hp make?

 

[merlin]

Well thanks for the interest - by no replies yet.

Checking Wiki - it seems the Hercules didnt become operational until '39 (anybody know what month) and that was the Mk I.
Yet it seems plausible that a P.88a prototype could be ready mid '38, so do they put in the lower powered Perseus engine - similar diameter to the Hercules, or wait? If so - does it just serve as a flying demonstrator i.e. "it handles well if underpowered" or is a small order to start the production line until the more powerful Hercules comes along also plausible!??
Alternatively, the 'A' might have been delayed, while the 'B' gets the priority - Vultures were available earlier. But on its maiden flight - it crashes due to engine problems, then the Perseus option may just be for basic evaluation, and weapon testing (which would be important).

Any comments please.