I think the problems with the Beaufighter are technical: specifically TFC have found it impossible to find or restore suitable Hercules engines for the aircraft. There are lots of late Hercules engines around, but I sure I remember reading that the coolant and exhaust plumbing is so totally different that they cannot be plumbed into the Beaufighter. There may also have been some issues with finding serviceable tyres or wheels?
Add that to the mountain of work they have had to undertake to get all the other aircraft re-certified and airworthy, and it’s easy to see why the Beaufighter (and Sea Fury FB.11) have sat idle for so many years.
It’s a bit of a shame really, I personally would rather TFC accept that the Beau is a bit of a lost cause as far as flight goes, and instead see the airframe statically restored to a high standard, and added to the IWM collection. It’s a pretty iconic type that TFC are missing, and the aircraft would be a superb addition to the Coastal/Naval displays, for example.
Same with the Sea Fury, which is a pretty important piece of Korean War heritage absent from the IWM collection. Now TFC have a living, breathing Sea Fury T.20, it’d be great to see the FB.11 in one piece with the IWM. The space cleared in Hangar 2 would be considerable, and allow the collection to perhaps take on a few more different projects…
There was also the story that new pilot regs mean that Mr.Grey wouldn’t be able to fly the Beaufighter. Considering he funds the operation I guess that was a bit of a show-stopper.
Tin Triangle and ozplane,
As far as engines go would they be the same type as fitted Halifax’s and if so the second Halifax restoration has acquired four working engines for the project as I was informed they intend to have it ground running like their Lancaster so I would imagine that although they are hard to come by not impossible.
As for the wheels and tyres (Wheels)could they not do as other projects have in the past if none available copy those missing parts off museum aircraft ? (Tyres) do they not replicate for all warbirds already or is it a question of a specific compound surely they would be the same as the Beaufort that’s being restored to airworthiness in Australia and will he not encounter all the problems you mentioned that TFC are in limbo with ?
The same could be said for the plumbing as Hendon’s Beaufighter could surely give them the info needed to carry out work of replicating the missing items,correct me if I am wrong but haven’t other aircraft components been measured etc.etc. to exact measurements with very fine tolerances ?
I know having said all this it will be expensive to say the least but look at how much was spent on just raising the Dornier,that plus all the work they have put into making it airworthy seems a waste of time to suddenly say we changing our minds about the type of restoration.
The problem with piloting the aircraft would the Blenheim pilot be able to jump in the hot seat so to speak or come to think of any twin engine rated pilot of similar size and powered aircraft ? or would that be an entirely different set of circumstances ?
Geoff.
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