Plane with “Japan has surrendered” painted on wings. Torokina August 1945
Technical Specifications and History of the Beaufort Mk IX
The Beaufort Mk IX was a light transport conversion of the Australian Beaufort Mk VIII.
Technical Specifications
- Powerplant: Two 1,200 hp Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp S3C4-G engines
- Wingspan: 57ft 10in
- Length: 44ft 3in
- Height: 14ft 3in
- Wing Area: 503 sq ft
- Empty Weight: 13,000lb
- All-Up Weight: 20,000lb
- Maximum Speed: 250 mph
- Ceiling: 23,000ft
- Range: 1,500 miles
- Accommodation: 7
History
- During 1944, approximately 46 Beaufort Mk VIII airframes were converted to Mk IX transports.
- Their turrets and military fittings were removed.
- The fuselage top line was raised aft to provide space for five airliner-type seats.
- Though virtually new, these aircraft were given new serial numbers.
- The last, A9-746, was delivered in October 1945.
One of the Mk IXs (A9-201) was further modified with a large under-belly compartment to carry four passengers or cargo, but this conversion was rejected and later restored to the Beaufort Mk IX standard.