Bristol Beaufighter Mk II T3032 with extended dorsal fin
Beaufighter T3032 with extended dorsal fin
Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined and Al Mk IV radar-equipped, night-fighter prototype, also with an experimental dorsal fin which was later fitted as standard on the Mk X. The Filton factory was responsible for constructing the T3032, which was designated with an encircled P marking to indicate that it was an unarmed prototype aircraft. This particular model was also the first type 156 aircraft that was equipped with Rolls Royce engines. Beaufighters that utilized Rolls Royce Merlin XX engines were categorized as Mark II, and a total of 448 units were produced at Filton. However, due to delayed engine deliveries, many of these aircraft were shipped without engines, and were subsequently completed by other manufacturers.