Destined to replace the famous Bristol Beaufighter, the Bristol Brigand was developed as a torpedo-bomber and made its maiden flight in December 1944. Arriving too late to take part in WW2, when the need for torpedo-bombers had disappeared, the bulk of the Brigands were built as light bombers. Entering service at the end of the 1940s they were dispatched to Malaya where Operation Firedog was under way. The Brigands were used against the Communist uprising during the next four years until they were withdrawn in 1954 and replaced by the de Havilland Hornet.
The Brigand consisted of a crew of three men and was 46ft 5in. long with a wingspan of 72ft 4in. It was capable of a maximum speed of 385mph at 13,700ft. It was originally conceived of as a faster version of the Beaufighter for long range torpedo work and anti-shipping strikes. However an official decision changed its role to that of a bomber. The Brigand served in Malaya and Kenya before a number of design flaws such as suspect mainspars caused it to be withdrawn from service.
The full story of the Brigand in RAF service is described In 48 pages including maps, colour profiles and over 30 photos.
