Bristol 160 Blenheim V and Bisley

The Bristol Type 160 Bisley I (initially designated Type 149CS) was a ground support variant of the Bristol Blenheim IV. It was initially designed by Bristol Aeroplane Company with a solid nose section with four forward-firing Browning machine guns. Enhanced armour protection was fitted and the up-armoured dorsal turret was modified to fit two Browning guns and to allow firing through a full 360-degree arc.

 

After detailed changes to the design, the type was re-designated the Bristol Type 160 Blenheim V and entered production. It was intended for either direct support at low level, or for high level bombing. The first prototype (AD657) flew for the first time on 24th February 1941 and was followed by a second aircraft (AD661).

 

In the high-level role, the forward firing guns were replaced by a navigator / bomb aimer station and two rearward firing guns were fitted under the nose. Performance at its increased weight was lower than that of the Bristol Blenheim IV, but the aircraft had improved defensive armament and armour protection.

 

942 Bristol Blenheim V were ordered to be produced by Rootes Securities at Speke.

 

Operationally, the type, despite these improvements, was ineffective in the face of modern fighter opposition and was generally used on missions where a fighter escort could be provided.

 

13 and 18 Squadron RAF sustained very high losses in daylight operations, following the Operation Torch landings in North Africa, against Bf109F and Fw190 opposition.