Founded in 1910, the Bristol Aeroplane Company was both one of the first and most important British aviation companies. One of its most famous creations, the Bristol Beaufighter, took its first flight on 17 July 1939, and shortly after became a highly effective night-fighter with the RAF during the Second World War. It also went on to have extensive service in Australia, New Zealand, Poland and the United States, to name a few. Beautifully illustrated, this book charts the design, development and service of this impressive multi-role aircraft.