The Bristol Type 156 Beaufighter (nicknamed the Beau) is a British multi-role aircraft developed during the Second World War by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Originally conceived as a heavy fighter variant of the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber, the Beaufighter proved to be an effective night fighter which entered RAF service during the Battle of Britain.

Its large size allowed it to carry heavy armament and early aircraft interception radar without major performance penalties. The Beaufighter received the nicknames Rockbeau for its use as a rocket-armed ground attack aircraft and Torbeau as a torpedo bomber against Axis shipping.

In later operations, it served mainly as a maritime strike/ground attack aircraft, RAF Coastal Command operating the largest number of Beaufighters amongst all other commands at one point. The Royal Australian Air Force made extensive use of the type as an anti-shipping aircraft, such as during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.

The Beaufighter saw service with 59 RAF squadrons, 15 Fleet Air Arm squadrons, plus the RAAF (seven squadrons), RCAF (four), USAAF (four), RNZAF (two), SAAF (two), and one Polish Air Force squadron.