Torpedo Bristol Beaufighter Mk VIC ITF of No 144 Squadron RAF
Beaufighter production shifted to the Mk VI in the early months of 1942, which was equipped with 1,650-hp (1230-kW) Bristol Hercules VI engines. Out of the 1,682 units produced across three factories, 693 were constructed as Mk VICs. The Mk VIC variant had a greater fuel capacity than the Mk VIF, and it was used to equip Coastal Command units. The primary targets for these units were u-boats and shipping in the Bay of Biscay and North Sea. The need to carry out anti-shipping operations led to the development of the most common Beaufighter variant. In 1942, the Air Staff was searching for a replacement for the Beaufort torpedo-bomber. Bristol suggested that the Beaufighter could be adapted to carry a torpedo externally. A trial torpedo installation on a Mk VIC was approved by the Air Ministry, and the modified aircraft was sent to the Torpedo Development Unit at Gosport in May. The installation was found to be effective, and 50 “Beaufighter torpedo-fighters” were ordered. These Mk VI (lTF)s were fitted with Youngman bellows-type dive brakes below the trailing edge of the outer wing panels, inboard of the ailerons, and could carry 18-in (457mm) torpedoes. The first torpedo-fighters entered RAF service in late 1942 with No. 254 Squadron at North Coates, and were immediately used to attack enemy convoys off the Dutch coast.