Hi All,
I have just read this linked (Below) article/update on the research and probability of the proper Mk Beaufighter Hercules engines being actively restored by Peter Brooke and his team that have taken a very significant step closer to being a reality.
This is marvellous news for all the active restoration to airworthy status Beaufighter projects that are currently underway in Australia and Europe, never mind the enthusiasts such as myself. But dare we hope about Duxfords hanger Queen being a recipient of a couple ? (Courtesy:- https://www.warbirdsonline.com.au/ )
Article & pictures:-https://www.warbirdsonline.com.au/2022/07/16/beaufighter-engine-restora… © John Parker 2022 )
I find the news of this mans dedication/determination and study of the many intricacies of this rare engine to be very hopeful. We can hopefully look forward to a time of seeing not just Beaufighter airworthy restorations come to fruition but whatever other wartime aircraft these engines where used as powerplants for at the time.
No doubt as he progresses with each strip and rebuild the time will come that it may even become just another if somewhat intricate engine rebuild like the Merlin and other Radials are now commonly stripped restored,rebuilt and flying again.
Aaahhh!!! life through my very rose tinted glasses is fine to be sure. 🙂
Geoff.
By: Sopwith - 21st July 2022 at 10:34
Unfortunately I think you are correct Oracal, especially the way the economic climate is these days but we can always hope.
By: Arabella-Cox - 21st July 2022 at 07:25
It’s the ‘cube law’. of no return. Doubling the number of engines = four times the cost in fuel, spares holding, maintenance and operating costs.
Static museum examples only require another rag to wipe down another cowling.
By: J Boyle - 21st July 2022 at 02:26
Yes, it would be nice to see one fly…
but…
Currently, it doesn’t look like the UK warbird community (the owners and operators, not museums or enthusiasts) doesn’t seem to like multi engine types.
No Mosquitoes, or even a fairly common type, the Mitchell.
Yes, some C-47s and a PBY, but seemingly not much else beyond SE fighters.
Not a complaint, just an observation.
By: trumper - 20th July 2022 at 14:52
Oh lets hope this works out , be lovely to see a Beaufighter airworthy again.
By: DH82EH - 19th July 2022 at 22:07
Admittedly, this is exciting news. To think that restoring these engines will become as routine as a Merlin or any other radial is likely, over optimistic. As significant as their spares holding appears to be, it is hard to envisage that the world wide demand for these engines would stretch in to double digits. I most certainly wish them the best of fortune with this endeavor.
Andy
By: Sopwith - 19th July 2022 at 09:49
Yes I saw this on Facebook earlier this morning and it made me happy, a ray of hope for sure.
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July 19, 2022 at 7:03 am