During early development, Bristol had formalised multiple configurations for the prospective aircraft, including variations such as a proposed three-seat bomber outfitted with a dorsal gun turret with a pair of cannons, the Type 157 and what Bristol referred to as a "sports model", with a thinner fuselage, the Type 158. Bristol proceeded to suggest their concept for a fighter development of the Beaufort to the Air Ministry. The timing of the suggestion happened to coincide with delays in the development and production of the Westland Whirlwind cannon-armed twin-engine fighter.Buttler 2004, p. 38. While there was some scepticism that the aircraft was too big for a fighter, the proposal was given a warm reception by the Air Staff.
During early development Bristol had formalised multiple configurations for the prospective aircraft, including variations such as a proposed three-seat bomber outfitted with a dorsal gun turret with a pair of cannons, the Type 157 and what Bristol referred to as a "sports model", with a thinner fuselage, the Type 158. Bristol proceeded to suggest their concept for a fighter development of the Beaufort to the Air Ministry. The timing of the suggestion happened to coincide with delays in the development and production of the Westland Whirlwind cannon-armed twin-engine fighter.Buttler 2004, p. 38 While there was some scepticism that the aircraft was too big for a fighter the proposal was given a warm reception by the Air Staff.