A superb model of the versatile but often overlooked Bristol Beaufighter. This model of the Mk.X fitted with rocket launching racks is painted in the RAF marine patrol scheme with D-day invasion stripes. Optional landing gear and wheel well cover parts are supplied, allowing the model to be displayed in flight, or with landing gear down??on the??display stand or in a??ground display.

The Beaufighter was originally ordered??for its ability to carry a radar system, IXO have fitted a later smaller style radar antenna to the nose of this Mk.X, ideal for hunting E-Boats??and surfaced U-Boats which could threaten the invasion supply fleet.

The Beaufighters??? two supercharged Bristol Hercules radial engines were mounted well ahead of the wing and to keep the centre of gravity within safe boundaries weight forward of the wing had to be restricted, resulting in the characteristic snub nose appearance. The forward fuselage and engine mounts were the only entirely new design components. Most of the wing structure, including control surfaces, fuel tanks, landing gear and the aft fuselage, tailplane and fin came from the existing Beaufort design and jigs. The central fuselage/wing sections, tanks and flaps required minimal modification to suit the new aircraft.

Numerous variants were developed throughout the war, providing Beaufighters to serve in all theatres. The aircraft proved capable to a great many different duties, their long range being useful in the desert of North Africa. The last and most numerous variant was the RAF Coastal Command Mk.X, which could carry torpedoes, bombs and rockets on extended patrols. Coastal Command Beaufighters sank a number of enemy ships and U-boats. In the pacific war Japanese sailors dubbed the Beaufighter ???Whispering Death???. The quieter radial engines gave little warning of the approach of a heavily armed aircraft which could fall on them from the sky, strike with deadly effect and turn for home before a defensive action could be mounted.