Note: This package was uploaded on 11 June, 2018 as a separate model package to lessen confusion with the many variants of the Blenheim model series. Accordingly, this is the "late" model with the dual-gun chin turret.
Even before war broke out it was realized that the Blenheim Mk. I had severe shortcomings in regard to speed, defensive armament, and all-round performance. In an effort to solve these problems, several changes took place - the most obvious being the lengthened nose which created a bomb-aimer/navigator position, the firepower in the dorsal turret was increased by replacing the single Vickers K gun with twin Browning belt-fed machine guns (still .303) and later a single Browning in a rear-facing chin turret was added. This was later replaced with a twin .303 turret.
Despite these efforts the new Mk. IV showed itself to be just as vulnerable as the earlier version on contact with the enemy. Blenheim bomber squadrons suffered many casualties on ops against German forces in France, and against targets in Germany and the North Sea area. However, until better aircraft came on stream, Blenheims continued to be used in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East theatres until 1943.
Submitted by baldy
Even before war broke out it was realized that the Blenheim Mk. I had severe shortcomings in regard to speed, defensive armament, and all-round performance. In an effort to solve these problems, several changes took place - the most obvious being the lengthened nose which created a bomb-aimer/navigator position, the firepower in the dorsal turret was increased by replacing the single Vickers K gun with twin Browning belt-fed machine guns (still .303) and later a single Browning in a rear-facing chin turret was added. This was later replaced with a twin .303 turret.
Despite these efforts the new Mk. IV showed itself to be just as vulnerable as the earlier version on contact with the enemy. Blenheim bomber squadrons suffered many casualties on ops against German forces in France, and against targets in Germany and the North Sea area. However, until better aircraft came on stream, Blenheims continued to be used in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East theatres until 1943.
Submitted by baldy
