H.P.61 Halifax III
The definitive Halifax.
The prototype B.III was a converted B.II series 1, and so it was the only Hercules Halifax to have the Z-nose and original fins. As the development of the B.III was coincident with the development of the B.II and B.V the development of all aircraft proceeded in the same direction (except for the finally perfected tailwheel which was never adopted in the Merlin aircraft), so that the production B.III had all the improvements of the Merlin aircraft.
The B.III was to be fitted with the H2S radar, but initial aircraft were built without. Some aircraft were fitted with a ventral turret in the radar's location.
During the production run extended wingtips were included, and many early aircraft were retrofitted with the longer wingtips.
The large internal size of the Halifax (courtesy of it's secondary transport role), allowed the aircraft to be fitted with the bulky early electonic countermeasures equipment; Airborne Cigar, Window, Pipe Rack and Mandrel, both in Europe and to a lesser extent in the Pacific.
The A.III version lacked the dorsal turret, and was used to tow the Horsa and Hamilcar gliders for the glider assaults at the end of the war.
The use of the GR.IIIA in Coastal Command service was limited, and likewise the Met.IIIA aircraft received little service before the end of the war.
While no freighter version of the Mk.III was produced, some aircraft were converted to freighters to become the C.III. Although unarmed C.III's retained the rear turret.