Even just building Aifix models of the beaufighter as a kid I thought the type was menacing. Those huge engines meant it could carry a formidable armament turning the type into a very effective night-fighter or ground-attack aircraft. In total 5562 Beaufighters were built serving with 52 operational RAF Squadrons, indeed the last flight was not until 1960 at RAF Seletar. Although displayed with D-day stripes this airframe never flew with the RAF, rather served with the Portuguese Navy as BF-13.

The Beaufighter was one of the most significant British aircraft of the middle years of the Second World War. It was a very effective ground-attack aircraft and night fighter. After the War it was used by Coastal Command for shipping protection. This aircraft previously served with the Portuguese Navy as BF-13.

Hardly beautiful, the Beaufighter was developed from the Beaufort torpedo bomber. In WWII it was used at first as a night fighter at then as a long-range strike fighter, especially against Axis shipping.