Beaufighter variations

[GTX]

Clearly R-2800s, almost certainly from a Corsair.  That would certainly make it move.

Cheers,

Logan

Bingo!  I'm toying with an idea that RAAF Beaufighter Mk22s (updated, main production version instead of 'prototype' Mk21) have the same Pratt & Whitney R-2800s form of about 2,450 hp each!  The engine sizes of the R-2800 and the Bristol Hercules are relatively the same, although the Pratt is heavier!

Another option is going with Bristol Centaurus with the same issues (i.e roughly similar dimensions, heavier and much more powerful):



regards,

Greg

[kitnut617]

Another option is going with Bristol Centaurus with the same issues (i.e roughly similar dimensions, heavier and much more powerful):

regards,

Greg

Now that looks nice, although considering Brigands had Centaurus' I don't see too much of a problem going that route. You could also give it a twin tail, there was one Beaufighter tested like that, there's a photo of it in Beaufighter in Action IIRC

[GTX]

Come to think of it, I like this second idea more - nice companion to RAN Sea Furies over Korea.

Regards,

Greg

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Now that looks nice, although considering Brigands had Centaurus' I don't see too much of a problem going that route. You could also give it a twin tail, there was one Beaufighter tested like that, there's a photo of it in Beaufighter in Action IIRC

Definitely needs more tail. 



Greg,

Great idea with the Centaurus and five blade propellers. 

[famvburg]

   If it used Centaureses, I think it'd look better with 4 blade, non-spinnered props.

[jcf]

The problem with the high-power Corsair engines is that the full installation (engine and superchargers) is 93.7 inches long on F4U-4 & F4U-7 aircraft
and 96.5 inches long on an F4U-5. If you want the Corsair power, you need the whole enchilada, not just the engine and cowling.


This F4U-4 illustrated parts breakdown details how big the 'power plant' is, it extends from station 2 to station 100:
http://www.voughtaircraft.com/heritage/F4U-4_Parts.pdf

[GTX]

Great idea with the Centaurus and five blade propellers. 

I with you there!

Regards,

Greg

[The Wooksta!]

The only thing is you're running the same thoughts that Bristol had with the design process that led to the Brigand.  They had to change so much of the Beaufighter that there was no commonality and no stretch in the resultant design.  Reread the relevant section of the WW2 BSP book.

Incidentally, I made a start on the Buccaneer - the Beaufighter Brigand hybrid - using a redundant Brigand fuselage and a set of Beaufort wings.  Didn't get very far though.