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Aviation History
1941
1941 - 1836.PDF
d FLIGHT AUGUST 14TH, 1941. BRISTOL BEAUFICHTER which the exhaust collector forms the leading edge. Con- trollable gills at the circumference of the trailing edge govern the air flow for cooling purposes. The swept volume of the engine is 2,360 cub. in. (38.7 litres) and the overall diameter 52m. For take-ofl 1,400 h.p*. is available, and 1,365-1,425 b.h.p. at 1,500ft. At 15,000ft. the power is 1,220-1,270 b.h.p. Electric starters and hand- turning gear are provided. Fuel is carried in four separate self-sealing tanks with a total capacity of 550 gallons. Two tanks i n the wing centre section each hold 188 gallons, and two smaller tanks—one in each outer plane—contain 87 gallons per tank. Separate oil tanks of 18 gallons capacity for each engine are mounted in the centre section. Ducts in the leading edge provide cooling air for the oil radiators. The fuel supply from the four main tanks is maintained by engine-driven pumps. For normal-range flights the four fuel tanks are filled and the outer tanks used first. When the outer tanks are empty, the inner tanks are turned on. This automatically turns off the outer tanks. The chief object of this arrangement is to get rid of the weight of fuel from the outboard section of the wing during the outward flight. Heavy weights so far out from the centre of gravity have an adverse effect on the manoeuvrability so necessary in an air battle. Electrical Installation A 24-volt, 500-watt generator on the starboard engine supplies the current necessary for the usual cockpit light- ing, landing lamps, engine starting, radio, gun firing, fire extinguishers and other electrical equipment. The wireless installation is mounted on the port side in the fuselage between the centre plane spars, and comprises a transmitter and receiver, operated by the pilot by means of remote controls. Intercommunication telephones between the pilot and observer are provided. Navigation, identification and formation-keeping lights are controlled by a signalling switchbox on the starboard side of the cockpit, which provides for independent or simultaneous use of 'the upward and downward lamps, either through a telegraphic key for morse or, alternatively, a steady illumination. Intercommunication sig- nalling between the pilot and the observer is provided by a buzzer and a white light on the observer's instrument panel in the rear fuselage, operated by a push button on the pilot's (Right) General arrangement drawing of the Beaufighter with the main dimensions indicated. (Below) A three-quarter rear view which accen- tuates the fuselage lines of the Beaufighter. The simple sturdiness of the undercarriage is apparent in this photograph and from the paintwork it is obvious that it isearmarked for day fighting. Those that operate at night are all black. instrument panel. The observer can also operate a lamp on the instrument panel to attract the attention of the pilot. The gyros of turn and bank indicators and the artificial horizon are driven by one of two vacuum pumps, which are fitted to each engine. In the event of the failure of one pump the other can be selected by means of a change-over control on the port side of the instrument panel. The vacuum available is shown on a gauge beside this control. Compressor and cylinder are designed to operate at a pres- sure of 450 lb./sq in. After passing the reducing valves it is 220 lb./sq. in. The differentially-operated wheel brakes are also operated pneumatically.
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