Though largely replaced by the Mk IV in front-line bomber roles by WWII’s start, the Bristol Blenheim Mk I found new purpose. Around 200 were converted into Mk IF night fighters, fitted with AI radar and a ventral gun pack of four forward-firing .303s. These aircraft scored the first AI-assisted aerial victory on 2–3 July 1940. Blenheim L1327, operating from RAF Digby in mid-1940, was typical of these early night fighters—visually similar to standard bombers, with black paint schemes not adopted until later that year.
