Bristol 167 Brabazon

The Type 167 Brabazon was designed as a fully pressurised passenger airliner specifically for operating the direct London to New York service without having to refuel en route in the west-bound direction. Designated Mk 1, the first aircraft (the second not being completed) began its flight trials on 4 September 1949 powered by eight 1,863kW Bristol Centaurus 20 18-cylinder two-row radial engines. The second aircraft would have been powered by Bristol Proteus turboprops in coupled pairs. It was expected that the Mk 1 would be retained for experimental flight research into the problems associated with very large aircraft, while the Mk 2 would be furnished to carry 100 passengers by day or night, plus a flight crew of seven and eight stewards. However, although the Mk 1 flew well and BEA wanted to use it between London and Nice, France, fatigue cracks in the propeller mounting and other problems ended the project.

FACTS AND FIGURES

© The Brabazon was the first aircraft with 100% powered flying controls, necessary due to the great size and distance of the control surfaces from the pilots' muscle power.

© The extremely thin nacelles only covered the propeller shafts. The coupled Centaurus engines were mounted within the thick wing. The wings were so long and heavy that they needed bumpers to prevent scraping on landing.

© The passenger cabin would have mainly been arranged in small compartments, with a cinema, cocktail bar and lounge. The space per passenger was about the same as the interior of three modern saloon cars.

Bristol 167 Brabazon on YOUTUBE

3-View

A three-view drawing (700 x 549)