ADF-SERIALS
Australian
& New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials & History
RAAF A8 Bristol 142 Blenheim IV
The plan had been for 50 Blenheim aircraft to be produced in Australia for the RAAF and the A8 series of serials was allotted for this purpose.
Shortly thereafter, the Australian Government invited a British Air Mission to discuss the defence needs of Australia and Singapore. Also on the Australian Government's agenda, was a rapid expansion of the Australian aircraft industry to meet the needs of both the RAAF and RAF in the region.
As the design for the Bristol Beaufort began to mature, the decision was taken to produce this aircraft for the RAAF instead of the Blenheim, due it's greater versatility and design potential. Hence, on 1 July 1939, orders were placed for 180 airframes and spares and the Beaufort Division was formed within the Commonwealth Department of Aircraft Production (DAP) to oversee production while the Blenheim project was cancelled.
The Beaufort was allocated the next series of serials in the A9 range and A8 was ultimately reallocated to the DAP built Beaufighter.
Bristol Blenheim MkI, IV & V aircraft did serve with three RAAF squadrons (454, 456 & 459 Squadrons) with RAF serials.
