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Type: Three-Seat Attack Bomber Origin: Bristol Models: Brigand B.1 to T.5 First Flight: December 4, 1944 Service Delivery (To Coastal Command): June 1946 Service Delivery (B. 1): December 1948 Final Delivery (T. 4): 1950 Withdrawel from service (T. 5): 1958 Number Produced: 147 Engine: Model: Bristol Centaurus 57 Type: 18 Cylinder Sleeve-valve radial Number: Two Horsepower: 2,810 hp* *With Methanol/Water Injection Dimensions: Wing span: 72 ft. 4 in. (21.9m) Length: 46 ft. 5 in. (14.1m) Height: 17 ft. 6 in. (5.33m) Wing Surface Area: N/A |
Weights: Empty: 25,598 lbs. (11,612 kg) Loaded: 39,000 lbs. (17,690 kg) Performance: Maximum Speed: 360 mph (575 km/h) Initial climb: 1,500 ft./min. (456 m/min) Service Ceiling: 26,000 ft. (7925 m) Range: Internal Fuel: 1,980 Miles (3168 km) With Drop Tanks: 2,800 Miles (4506 km) Armament: Four 20mm Hispano Cannons fixed in forward fuselage. Payload: Centerline racks for torpeods or up to 2,000 lb. (907 kg.) of ordnance. Underwing racks for 16 rocket projectiles or other ordnance. |
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Comments: The success of the Beaufighter as a torpedo bomber lead to the development of an aircraft dedicated to this role. Developed from the Bristol Buckingham bomber, the Brigand used most of the Buckinghams flight surfaces. Deliveries of the TF.1 Model (Torpedo Fighter Mk I) were made to 36 and 42 Squadrons but with the war over the future of this aircraft was in doubt. It was decided that the type was versatile enough to be rebuilt for a different role. The Brigand was removed from service and rebuilt as a bomber with a clear view canopy and other detail changes and returned to service in Malaysia and Kenya. This robust aircraft served with distinction until eventually replaced by the Canberra. |
GALLERY
| Sources: Gunston, Bill - The Encyclodepia of the Worlds Combat aircraft, 1976, Chartwell Books, Inc., New York Green, William - War Planes Of The Second World War - Fighters - Vol. 2, 1961, Hanover House, New York |
