One more question about the Beaufighter cockpit if I may ask please?
 

Thanks to the historians here I now know what the 'contraption' is above the Pilots head.

My final question for now, if someone could help, is with the following image.

I'm just trying to work out how the windows opened that are marked? Did they slide down or open inwards (or presumably not practical, outwards). Sorry, I know it sounds a trivial question but I'm just trying to get a handle (no pun) on how this worked.

In-fact, are they windows or armour plated (toughened) glass?

Cheers, MP

Image here:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a...psnolspvzs.jpg

Re: One more question about the Beaufighter cockpit if I may ask please?
 

I can't help you very much but since the Beaufighter was a night fighter I would say the front windows were made of bullet proof glass.

Re: One more question about the Beaufighter cockpit if I may ask please?
 

http://www.404squadron.com/images/gallery/PL41040.jpg
404 Squadron Beau showing frame for armoured glass, whilst letting some air in: note smaller pocket windows on front section.

You need to get yourself a "Pilots Notes on Beaufighter" as it has all these marked.

Regards

Andy Bird

Re: One more question about the Beaufighter cockpit if I may ask please?
 

Hi Andy, trust me I have searched for the Beaufighter MK.1 Pilot Notes with no luck, in either paper or pdf version. I have managed to find the Beaufighter II Pilot notes but tracking down the MK.I pilot notes seems akin to finding the Holy Grail :(

Thanks for your help, very much appreciated, cheers, MP

Re: One more question about the Beaufighter cockpit if I may ask please?
 

Hi MP,

http://www.flight-manuals-on-cd.com/Beaufighter.html

Hope this helps,
Bruce

Re: One more question about the Beaufighter cockpit if I may ask please?
 

Thanks Bruce :)

Re: One more question about the Beaufighter cockpit if I may ask please?
 

All I can say that usually only the front panel was made from bullet-proof glass and the marked "sidelights" were not.
The lower part of "sidelights" are probably pushed up, there seems to be a locking devise on the lower back corners.

Juha