Yes, I didn't even think of the Brigand kitnut617!😯
Although quickly needing to refresh my memory of the obscure Brigand and it's operational traits, alas the re-reading of it short operational history only highlighted to me that the design had inherent problems operating in the tropics:
- Problem with the Brigand became apparent during operations in Malaya, with undercarriages failing to lower. This was traced to rubber seals in the hydraulic jacks deteriorating in the hot, humid climate;
- A propensity for aircraft damage and loss during strafing runs employing the four 20 mm cannon. An accumulation of gases in the long cannon blast tubes, which ran under the cockpit, were igniting through use of high-explosive shells. This in turn severed hydraulic lines, which would burn. This was cured by drastically reducing ammunition loads and using only ball rounds;
- The Brigand also had a tendency to shed a propeller blade, leading to complete propeller failure; this in turn would lead to the engine being wrenched off the wing and an inevitable crash. This was found to be caused by corrosion in the propeller locking rings;
- Another design flaw arose in the leather bellows used to deploy the air brakes during dives. In the tropical climate, the leather would rot, causing the brakes to fail. This led to Brigands losing wings in dives due to excessive airspeed or rotation as only one brake deployed. When this problem was discovered the air brakes of all Brigands were wired shut, decreasing the aircraft's dive bombing capabilities.
I'm trying to remember, did the Beaufighter have such issues with rubber seals in the hydraulic jacks deteriorating in the hot, humid climate? or a tendency to shed a propeller blade caused by corrosion in the propeller locking rings?
I hear and agree with you 110% tankmodeler regarding the Mohawk, Pucara and the Bronco; and if I may, I'd like to add the much forgotten and overlooked Sud-Aviation SE.117 Voltigeur (Skirmisher) to that list of tailored-designed and employed COIN aircraft.
2- to 6-seat capacity, armed with two 30-mm DEFA cannon in semi-external, fuselage pods. Underwing loads could include one 1000-lb and two 500-lb bombs, 24 rockets, or four AS.11 missiles. The pilot and co-pilot/observer's view through extensively glazed nose compartment, well ahead of the low-mounted wing; large dive brakes, and a range of 1100 miles and endurance was more than 5 hours.
M.A.D