Beaufighter Mk 21 - Revision history

U17577377: /* See also */

2024-06-25T22:05:35Z

‎See also

U22067555: /* Armaments */ Updated

2024-03-13T14:42:15Z

‎Armaments: Updated

U144497560: Added information on the Beaufighter DAP's history.

2023-10-31T09:51:43Z

Added information on the Beaufighter DAP's history.

U38088265: /* Details */

2023-05-20T15:20:25Z

‎Details

U40820515: /* Usage in battles */

2023-03-26T23:53:46Z

‎Usage in battles

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */

2023-03-07T20:19:19Z

‎Suspended armament

U38088265: /* In-game description */ Reformatted

2022-11-20T16:39:14Z

‎In-game description: Reformatted

U87965078: /* Usage in battles */

2022-10-24T16:07:01Z

‎Usage in battles

U44629479: Edits

2021-10-03T07:45:37Z

Edits

U36317457: /* Pros and cons */ typo correction

2021-10-03T02:10:43Z

‎Pros and cons: typo correction

@@ Line 196: / Line 196: @@
 == See also ==
-''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
-* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
-* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+* [[File:Germany flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Bf 110 (Family)]]
 == External links ==

@@ Line 118: / Line 118: @@
 {{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 <!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
-{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
+{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
-* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
+* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
 == Usage in battles ==

@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 == History ==
 <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
@@ Line 178: / Line 179: @@
 {{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 A design rapidly born from the wings and tail of the earlier Beaufort, the Beaufighter was a two seat, twin engine heavy fighter designed for long range, ground strike and night fighter duties. Equipped with an early AI radar, the Beaufighter was one of the world's first successful night fighters.

@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 354 || 242 || 216 || ~7 || ~4
+| 676 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 354 || 242 || 216 || ~7 || ~4
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 126: / Line 126: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-The final Beaufighter in the research tree can be characterized primarily by its main armament.  In its BR there's barely anything that comes close to the combination of 4 x 20mm cannons and 4 x 12.7 mm machine guns, especially considering the superior layout of the cannons, with all four clustered right under the cockpit, making precise aiming far easier. If there's anything to be desired - it's the Minengeschoß of the [[M3 (20 mm)|German counterpart]] for the 20 mm cannons. This Beaufighter can swiftly tear apart enemy fighters and bombers alike, typically in a single sweep if aimed accurately. This makes it a potent fighter in a number of circumstances and giving it a fighting chance even if its an underdog in the encounter.
+The final Beaufighter in the research tree can be characterized primarily by its main armament.  At its BR in air battles there's barely anything that comes close to the firepower 4 x 20mm cannons and 4 x 12.7 mm machine guns provide; this is especially notable considering the superior layout of the cannons, with all four clustered right under the cockpit, making precise aiming far easier. If there's anything to be desired - it's the Minengeschoß of the [[M3 (20 mm)|German counterpart]] for the 20 mm cannons. This Beaufighter can swiftly tear apart enemy fighters and bombers alike, typically in a single sweep if aimed accurately. This makes it a potent fighter in a number of circumstances and giving it a fighting chance even if its an underdog in the encounter.
 In Arcade Battles, the most favorable encounters are against unsuspecting targets, and ideally, only such should be picked, preferably diving in and out of the main battle, or picking off strugglers nearby. Good survivability, combined with outstanding firepower allows it to quickly take the enemies down before they manage to react. What should be avoided at all costs are turn fights or prolonged chases. Mk 21 neither has speed nor a turning rate to stand a chance against anything but bombers or other heavy fighters. Similarly fighting against high-altitude fighters (such as the [[Fw 190 A-4]]) might be extremely problematic due to their superior climb rate, which will give them the energy advantage, and through that - an opportunity to easily outfly you at any given time.
 === Manual Engine Control ===
@@ Line 155: / Line 157: @@
 * Fairly rugged aircraft that can survive a fair share of damage
 * Radial engines don't overheat easily
-* Can carry rockets for the ground attack role
+* Can carry rockets and bombs for the ground attack role
 * Fuselage-mounted cannons assist in accuracy
 * Crew is well protected against attacks from behind

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 |-
 | < 330 || < 390 || < 410 || > 300
 |-
 |}
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 {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
-{{main|RP-3|18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)}}
+{{main|M.C. Mk.I (250 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3|18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)}}
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
@@ Line 132: / Line 110: @@
 * 1 x 450 mm 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
 * 8 x RP-3 rockets
 === Defensive armament ===

@@ Line 191: / Line 191: @@
 <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
 A design rapidly born from the wings and tail of the earlier Beaufort, the Beaufighter was a two seat, twin engine heavy fighter designed for long range, ground strike and night fighter duties. Equipped with an early AI radar, the Beaufighter was one of the world's first successful night fighters.
 In 1944, after Australia's aircraft manufacturing contract expired, the Australian Department of Aircraft Production was commissioned to build 500 aircraft based on the Beaufighter Mk X. The Australian version of the aircraft was named the Beaufighter Mk 21 and differed from its predecessor in its armament; the nose mounted 0.303 inch Browning machine guns were replaced with Browning M2 50 calibre guns now fitted in the wings, and the Hercules XVII engines were replaced with Hercules CVIIs. Only 365 of these aircraft were built, since the war ended before completion of the first order and the rest of the torpedo bombers' production was cancelled.
 == Media ==

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 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. This variant of the Beaufighter represents a version which was manufactured in Australia by the Australian government's Department of Aircraft Production (DAP).
-The Beaufighter Mk 21 plays very similarly to its predecessor, the Mk X. However the Mk 21 features heavily improved weapons, boosting its ground attack abilities significantly. As before, you are still able to fulfil the roles of a heavy fighter, torpedo bomber, and an attacker. Once again though, added weapon mass will make you slower, and less manoeuvrable, so remember that you cant turn like the Mk 6c. In the ground attack role, the available rockets, combined with the cannons make it very good at defeating convoys. This option also has the benefit of allowing you to largely sidestep the Mk 21's issues of poor top speed and a bad climb rate. When used for bomber hunting as a heavy fighter, you will quickly find the replacement of the Mk X's 7.7 mm machine guns with 12.7 mm machine guns to be of great benefit. The climb rate works heavily against you however, so only medium and low altitude bombers should be targeted. The torpedo bomber role, however, should still be avoided. The torpedo drop requirements are still very bad, making any run against an enemy ship a very risky move. Long story short, stick to medium and low altitude and attack any bombers or ground targets you get the chance to. You should also equip your ammo belts accordingly, to ensure maximum effectiveness. Lastly, try to get fighter cover. More than any other version of the Beaufighter, the Mk 21 will struggle with lighter, more nimble opponents. Stick to what this aircraft is good at, and you can greatly improve your teams chance at victory.
+The Beaufighter Mk 21 plays very similarly to its predecessor, the Mk X. However the Mk 21 features heavily improved weapons, boosting its ground attack abilities significantly. As before, you are still able to fulfil the roles of a heavy fighter, torpedo bomber, and an attacker. Once again though, added weapon mass will make you slower, and less manoeuvrable, so remember that you can't turn like the Mk 6c. In the ground attack role, the available rockets, combined with the cannons make it very good at defeating convoys. This option also has the benefit of allowing you to largely sidestep the Mk 21's issues of poor top speed and a bad climb rate. When used for bomber hunting as a heavy fighter, you will quickly find the replacement of the Mk X's 7.7 mm machine guns with 12.7 mm machine guns to be of great benefit. The climb rate works heavily against you however, so only medium and low altitude bombers should be targeted. The torpedo bomber role, however, should still be avoided. The torpedo drop requirements are still very bad, making any run against an enemy ship a very risky move. Long story short, stick to medium and low altitude and attack any bombers or ground targets you get the chance to. You should also equip your ammo belts accordingly, to ensure maximum effectiveness. Lastly, try to get fighter cover. More than any other version of the Beaufighter, the Mk 21 will struggle with lighter, more nimble opponents. Stick to what this aircraft is good at, and you can greatly improve your teams chance at victory.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 {{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
-As mentioned earlier, the flight characteristics of the airplane are very similar to its predecessor, the [[Beaufighter Mk X]]. Both fighters carry Bristol Hercules XVII engines, however, Mk X carries variant optimized for low-altitude performance, featuring 1581 hp engines that can carry the plane up to 4575 meters, while the Mk 21 features 1369 hp engines for the maximum altitude of 9382 meters. This, combined with the upgraded armament makes it far more suitable to engage enemy bombers, even though the climb rate is still rather unimpressive 14.6 m/s (AB, Upgraded).
+The flight characteristics of the airplane are very similar to its predecessor, the [[Beaufighter Mk X]] but the added weapon mass makes flight performance worse. Both fighters carry Bristol Hercules XVII engines, however, Mk X carries variant optimized for low-altitude performance, featuring 1,581 hp engines that can carry the plane up to 4,575 m, while the Mk 21 features 1,369 hp engines for the maximum altitude of 9,382 m. This, combined with the upgraded armament makes it far more suitable to engage enemy bombers, even though the climb rate is still rather unimpressive 14.6 m/s (AB).
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
@@ Line 146: / Line 146: @@
 The final Beaufighter in the research tree can be characterized primarily by its main armament.  In its BR there's barely anything that comes close to the combination of 4 x 20mm cannons and 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns, especially considering the superior layout of the cannons, with all four clustered right under the cockpit, making precise aiming far easier. If there's anything to be desired - it's the Minengeschoß of the [[M3 (20 mm)|German counterpart]] for the 20 mm cannons. Beaufighter can swiftly tear apart enemy fighters and bombers alike, typically in a single sweep if aimed accurately. This makes it a potent fighter in a number of circumstances and giving it a fighting chance even if its an underdog in the encounter.
-In the Arcade Battles, the most favorable encounters are against unsuspecting targets, and ideally, only such should be picked, preferably diving in and out of the main battle, or picking off strugglers nearby. Good survivability, combined with outstanding firepower allows it to quickly take the enemies down before they manage to react. What should be avoided at all costs are turn fights or prolonged chases. Mk 21 neither has speed nor a turning rate to stand a chance against anything but bombers or other heavy fighters. Similarly fighting against high-altitude fighters (such as [[Fw 190 A-4]]) might be extremely problematic due to their superior climb rate, which will give them the energy advantage, and through that - an opportunity to easily outfly you at any given time.
+In the Arcade Battles, the most favorable encounters are against unsuspecting targets, and ideally, only such should be picked, preferably diving in and out of the main battle, or picking off strugglers nearby. Good survivability, combined with outstanding firepower allows it to quickly take the enemies down before they manage to react. What should be avoided at all costs are turn fights or prolonged chases. Mk 21 neither has speed nor a turning rate to stand a chance against anything but bombers or other heavy fighters. Similarly fighting against high-altitude fighters (such as the [[Fw 190 A-4]]) might be extremely problematic due to their superior climb rate, which will give them the energy advantage, and through that - an opportunity to easily outfly you at any given time.
 === Manual Engine Control ===
@@ Line 170: / Line 170: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Very heavily armed; has arguably the heaviest offensive firepower of any British aircraft
+* Powerful offensive armament
 * Fairly rugged aircraft that can survive a fair share of damage
 * Radial engines don't overheat easily
 * Can carry rockets for the ground attack role
-* Fuselage mounted cannons assist in accuracy
+* Fuselage-mounted cannons assist in accuracy
-* Excellent at strafing ground targets
+* Crew is well protected against attacks from behind
 '''Cons:'''
-* Astonishingly slow at all altitudes; will be outpaced even by the slowest of enemies
+* Slow at all altitudes
-* Chronic lack of energy retention and climb rate
+* Poor energy retention and climb rate, handles like a heavy bomber
 * Large control surfaces are torn off easily by enemy fire
 * Cannons overheat quickly, even when upgraded
-* Turret is very ineffective, given the small weapon calibre of 7.7 mm
+* The turret is very ineffective, given the small weapon calibre of 7.7 mm and the tail-gunner dead-zone
 * Torpedoes have notoriously bad drop requirements
-* As with most British aircraft, the cockpits frontal armoured glass is thin, at only 38 mm
+* The cockpit's frontal armoured glass is thin, at only 38 mm
 * All M2 Brownings are placed centre-wing away from the fuselage, requires setting close convergence of guns to be effective
@@ Line 204: / Line 200: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=beaufighter_mk21 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 ;Videos
@@ Line 212: / Line 207: @@
 == See also ==
 ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''