BRISTOL BLENHEIM V and BRISTOL BISLEY

BRISTOL TYPE 160 BLENHEIM V AND BISLEY (Bristol Type 142M Blenheim Isee also the and the Bristol Type 149 Blenheim IV)- The Bristol 160 was proposed during 1940 as a variant of the Type 149 Blenheim IV specifically intended for short-range bomb-ing operation in support of the Army, with a secondary role as a bomber. Specification B.6/40 was written round the proposal and two prototypes were ordered, initially as Bristol Bisley I but renamed Bristol Blenheim V before the first flight on February 24, 1941. Production totalled 942, by Rootes at Blythe Bridge, with 950 hp Mercury 25 or 30 engines. Direct-support version armed with four Browning 0.303-in (7.7-mm) guns in redesigned nose, plus two similar guns in Bristol B.X dorsal turret. High-altitude bombing version had navigation/bomb-aiming station in redesigned nose with two rearward-firing Brownings in Frazer Nash mount. Initial deliveries to No 18 Sqn, sum-mer 1942, for operations in North Africa (where some were later transferred to the Turkish Air Force); also used in Malayan campaign. Some Bristol Blenheim Vs with dual controls and without dorsal turrets used by Fighter Command OTUs.

Max speed, 260 mph (418 km/h). Service ceil-ing, 31,000 ft (9,450 m). Range, 1,600 mis (2,574 km). Empty weight, 11,000 Ib (4,994 kg). Gross weight, 17,000 Ib (7,718 kg). Span, 56ft 1 in (17.09 m). Length, 43 ft 11 in (13.38 m). Wing area, 469 sq ft (43.57 m2).