Blenheim IV F with 20mm Cannon
 

Where there any Blenheims armed with 20mm Cannon(s)? I remember an articel over Blenheims in Nord Africa use this weapon for the ground support role. But I'm not for sure.

Re: Blenheim IV F with 20mm Cannon
 

At least one Blenheim in the Western Desert had a 20mm cannon fixed in the nose. It may have been a South African one. If I am remembering a photo clearly, the cannon appears too short to be a Hispano, so quite what it was is a bit baffling.

Re: Blenheim IV F with 20mm Cannon
 

Hans,

According to this RAF history article, there have been examples of Blenheims with 20-mm cannons: http://www.raf.mod.uk/history_old/blen7.html

Regards,

Leendert

Re: Blenheim IV F with 20mm Cannon
 

Hi Hans.
15 sqdn SAAF had many such Blenhiem Mk IV's.
It was a field conversion that was well known with the ground crew and aircrews.Not a dummy at all.
It was welded on the floor on the right side of the bombaimer's side.
Scince they were part of a wing that had other Blenheim sqdns, these a/c sometimes may have been sent to other sqdns that was not SAAF, but what I have seen from those sqdns eg 113 Helenic, the guns were removed but the openings in the perspex remained.
For years I have asked for info if anybody has a drawing of the conversion. No luck.
Even the Blenheim society in the UK, and Smudge Smith that is restoring the Blenheim at Duxford, has never seen one as well.
Regards

Re: Blenheim IV F with 20mm Cannon
 

Most of the 113 Squadron Blenheim Mk IV-F aircraft had the local modification of along barrel 20mm Hispano cannon mounted on the floor of the Observers position and projecting through the starboard panel on the bomb-aiming window. This 'lash up' blocked the emergency exit, and the ammunition feed caused the pitot tube to be moved forward.

'The Bristol Blenheim a Complete History' - Graham Warner.