Bristol Beaufighter TF.Mk.X weapons

**Fish_1960** · 16th January 2021, 12:14

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could let me know if the Mk X Beaufighters carried rockets AND torpedo's at the same time, or did they carry one OR the other?

Thanks in advance

**Graham Boak** · 16th January 2021, 16:54

One or the other.

**Fish_1960** · 17th January 2021, 16:15

Thank you :)

**Franek Grabowski** · 18th January 2021, 08:51

More so, Squadrons used particular weapons, so for example you need to do No 404 without external weapons, 455 with rockets, and 489 with torpedoes.

**John Williams** · 18th January 2021, 09:26

489 Sqn RNZAF and 455 Sqn RAAF often worked together on strikes against German convoys off the coast of France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Norway. 489 carrying torpedos and 455 using rockets to suppress anti aircraft fire, in 1944/45.

John.

**SMFochuk** · 18th January 2021, 18:51

Depends on the time frame, Franek. Once No.404 Squadron was equipped with the R/P, it became their external weapon due to their role of suppressing the flak, which they were doing before the use of R/P.

**Franek Grabowski** · 18th January 2021, 21:22

OK, in the late 1944, No 404 flew anti-flak, No 455 RP anti-shipping, No 489 Torp anti-shipping, though I think the latter not always flew with Torps. I do not remember if they carried any extra weapons, then.

**Don Clark** · 19th January 2021, 20:03

OP refers to TF Mark X and Mark X

Mark variants.

Armament varies by mark, theatre, unit, role/task, date.

211 Sqn Beaufighter X* (India 1943-1945):
Long range strike/ground attack
R/P + mg +cannon
No torpedo gear fitted, none ever dropped in 211 Sqn service.

* So described, F541 throughout.

**Fish_1960** · 22nd January 2021, 15:22

Thanks all for your informative replies, perhaps I should have been more detailed in my original post, it was to do with this picture which appears to show not only the rocket rails but also the torpedo hangers, but I haven't seen a single picture of a TF Mk X with rockets and a torpedo.

**Graham Boak** · 22nd January 2021, 19:36

An aircraft built as a torpedo bomber and possibly used as one, but converted to carry rockets. Which would also permit reversion to the original role, if transferred to another unit or an OCU.