Nick Sumner
Airman
- 68
- Aug 4, 2011
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Beaufighter MkIIF
Wurger, link says Merlin powered.
T3177 was a Mk.IIf -- before being modified for trials with Griffon IIb engines.
The outboard exhaust manifold was probably of the flame-hiding (or collector) type, since the Beaufighter in question seems to be a night fighter? Should be harder to spot it in the night from sides? OTOH, the ejector-type exhausts offer much better exhaust thrust.
But the inner exhaust would impair pilot vision.
Looks like an interesting book, does anyone have a copy and would they be willing to share the info? Because of where I live, postage makes it a bit expensive to buy from the publisher; according to Bookfinder, other outlets want BIG money for it and due to the apocalypse the interlibrary loan system is shut down.
Paraphrased from "Hucknall — the Rolls-Royce Flight Test Establishment" by David Birch page 132:
The right engine had typical ejector exhaust stacks. The left engine had six-into-one exhaust manifolds hidden beneath the cowling and routed to exit above the wing. The manifolds were cooled by air that had passed through the radiator. When the radiator side exits were closed, the only air exit would be that around the manifolds above the wing. The configuration was intended to improved streamlining and provide flame dampening. However, the exhaust manifolds were not structurally reliable and frequent repairs were needed.
I don't have any and there were none in the Hucknall book. Maybe fastmongrel will find something in the book he ordered.Can you give performance stats for this Beau?
I don't have any and there were none in the Hucknall book. Maybe fastmongrel will find something in the book he ordered.
Did the Mosquito ever get tested with Griffons? Interestingly, even the Sea Hornet stuck with Merlins.Could this Griffon-powered variant catch up to the Mosquito performance-wise?
I think the Hornet went with Merlin engines to keep the frontal area as small as possible. Streamlining and frontal area were prime design concerns for the Hornet, but not so much the Beaufighter.Did the Mosquito ever get tested with Griffons? Interestingly, even the Sea Hornet stuck with Merlins.