Beaufort VC In November 1939, just one month following the outbreak of World War 2 a purposeful, twin-engine monoplane was delivered for flying trials to No.22 squadron at Thorney Island. No.22 was a torpedo bomber unit attached to Coastal Command and for some years it was equipped with the outdated Vickers Vildebeest. The new aircraft was the Bristol Beaufort, which offered a speed and range double that of the elderly biplane.