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Bristol 161 from "Bristol Aircraft Since 1910" by C H BarnesInitially Bristol came up with a recoil operated feed but it was rejected by MAP. A different feed with a compressed air motor was installed on R2055 for comparison with the 60-round drums on R2054. The drum feed was accepted by MAP as a temporary measure for the first 50 aircraft until the belt capacity could be increased from 120 to 240 rounds. The feed completed gunnery trials satisfactorily. Two other designs were submitted by AVRO and Hydran but Bristol's was felt to be better. Free French officers brought examples of the Chatellerault recoil operated feed and this was standardised by MAP as the Mk I feed. Its operation was similar to Bristol's original recoil operated feed but didn't work as well with AP cartridges. As a result the Mk I feed went into service on the 401st Beaufighter in September 1941, a year later than either Bristol feed.
Bristol 161 from "Bristol Aircraft Since 1910" by C H Barnes
Initially Bristol came up with a recoil operated feed but it was rejected by MAP. A different feed with a compressed air motor was installed on R2055 for comparison with the 60-round drums on R2054. The drum feed was accepted by MAP as a temporary measure for the first 50 aircraft until the belt capacity could be increased from 120 to 240 rounds. The feed completed gunnery trials satisfactorily. Two other designs were submitted by AVRO and Hydran but Bristol's was felt to be better. Free French officers brought examples of the Chatellerault recoil operated feed and this was standardised by MAP as the Mk I feed. Its operation was similar to Bristol's original recoil operated feed but didn't work as well with AP cartridges. As a result the Mk I feed went into service on the 401st Beaufighter in September 1941, a year later than either Bristol feed.
