Beaufighter Restoration

[ProudKerman]

Hi Does anyone know anything about any Beaufighter restorations going on anywhere. I knwo there were a few nearing completion but missing the engines. If there are no Hercules engines then why doesnt anyone restore a Merlin powered Beau

[Warbird Kid]

Well…. everyone is eagerly waiting for The Fighter Collection's example to fly. It's been a slow restoration but I'm hoping it picks up pace in the next year or so. Couldn't they supplement the Hercules engines with Pratt & Whitney or Wright engines?

[ProudKerman]

Wow looks like Aussie colours, thatd be awesome, and I'm pretty sure that using different engines would require expensive and extensive reworking of the wings. However, I know there were Beaus actually designed with Merlins to make up for a Hercules shortage.

[rcaf_100]

There's also TT.10 RD867 at Rockcliffe that's undergoing restoration:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=51545

She definitely won't be a flyer, though.

[ProudKerman]

If there found Hercs why dont they try and sell them to TFC as there Beau probably wont be airworthy. It seems silly to put engines capable of rebuild on a plane that will never fly?

[rcaf_100]

If there found Hercs why dont they try and sell them to TFC as there Beau probably wont be airworthy. It seems silly to put engines capable of rebuild on a plane that will never fly?

Perhaps because they've been on the lookout for engines and cowlings since they acquired the Beaufighter in 1969?

If I'd been searching for something for almost 45 years, I wouldn't be in a hurry to sell them either.

[ProudKerman]

When you put it that way then fair enough atleast they found some which gives a little hope to TFC.

[Rossco]

There are Hercules engines available but they are the wrong Mark and have different ancillaries and propellers.

[AvroAvian]

Couldn't they supplement the Hercules engines with Pratt & Whitney or Wright engines?

DAP (Department of Aircraft Production) who manufactured the Beaufighter in Australia did modify one airframe to take the P&W R-2800. The modification wasn't straight forward and the nacelles had to be redesigned to accommodate the larger diameter engine.
As far as the UK CAA approving the mod, I think He11 would freeze over first....

[Dan K]

DAP (Department of Aircraft Production) who manufactured the Beaufighter in Australia did modify one airframe to take the P&W R-2800. The modification wasn't straight forward and the nacelles had to be redesigned to accommodate the larger diameter engine.
As far as the UK CAA approving the mod, I think He11 would freeze over first....

Agree completely with you concerning CAA approval.

But I think you meant to write that Beau A19-2 was actually re-engined with a pair of Wright Cyclone GR-2600.

http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/B ... 19-2/A19_2

[Rossco]

Heres a bit of info...
http://www.warbirdz.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1935

[AvroAvian]

But I think you meant to write that Beau A19-2 was actually re-engined with a pair of Wright Cyclone GR-2600.

Doh! Thanks Dan.
My memory has failed me yet again....

[David J Burke]

The engines being built for the Beaufighter are units that are not suitable for flight. The people responsible have been in the Beaufighter 'business' for a very long time and are aware of the usefulness of airworthy parts ! Rest assured getting the Canadian machine together will not stop anyone's chances of seeing a Beaufighter fly!

[ProudKerman]

okay David thanks for clearing that up

[ProudKerman]

Also i saw somewhere that they found 4 Hercules in a bunker and were using them to restore a Hailfax to airworthy condition (i think) but I'm assuming these would also be of the wrong mark.