While I was working on an article about aircraft with contra-rotating propellers, I found a unique looking plane that immediately intrigued me. After looking into it, I discovered it was designed to be a huge sky giant, maybe even the largest airliner at that time. Even though it was never produced on a large scale, this aircraft continues to captivate many in the aviation world. This is the Bristol Brabazon, a plane packed with luxury features of its time such as a small theater, sleeping areas, lounges, and more.
As a renowned pioneer in aviation, the UK has been home to many exceptional aircraft designs. One such iconic creation was the Bristol Brabazon, a massive propeller-driven airliner developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. With a goal to bridge the UK and the US, the airliner was christened Brabazon, honouring the Brabazon Committee and its leader, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who were instrumental in conceiving its specifications.
During World War II, Bristol was exploring opportunities to develop large aircraft intended as bombers. However, upon the release of a report by the Brabazon Committee, the company decided to transform their bomber proposal into an ambitious civil airliner. The proposed airliner was envisioned with a colossal 25-foot-diameter fuselage accommodating two full decks for passengers. Eight Bristol Centaurus radial engines powered this beast, driving eight paired contra-rotating propellers mounted on four forward-facing nacelles.
From Design to Prototyping
The Type 167, as it was initially known, was presented to the Air Ministry to fulfil Specification 2/44. After a short assessment period, Bristol was granted a contract to fabricate two prototypes. Upon its construction, the Brabazon emerged as one of the largest airplanes ever built, with dimensions comparable to modern-day Airbus A300 and Boeing 767 airliners. Yet, in contrast to its size, it was designed to carry only 100 passengers, ensuring a luxurious travel experience for each occupant.
On 4 September 1949, the first prototype took to the skies, marking a new chapter in aviation history. Following its successful flight test programme, the prototype made notable public appearances at events including the 1950 Farnborough Airshow, Heathrow Airport, and the 1951 Paris Air Show.
The Features that Made Brabazon Stand Out
The Type 167 stood out with a 25-foot-diameter fuselage, larger than a Boeing 747’s, housing two full-length decks. This space accommodated 80 sleeping berths, a dining room, a 37-seat cinema, promenade, and bar or alternatively, seats for 150 people during the day. A range of high-comfort amenities such as an onboard cinema, cocktail bar, and lounge area were proposed, reflecting the industry’s expectation that air travel would replace ocean liners for long-distance travel.
The Brabazon broke new ground as the first aircraft equipped with 100% powered flying controls, electric engine controls, and high-pressure hydraulics. It also introduced an innovative gust-alleviation system, which used servos activated by a gust-sensing probe installed on the aircraft’s nose. These and other pioneering features made the Brabazon a symbol of advanced design and engineering.
Challenges and the End of the Line
Despite its innovation and grandeur, the Brabazon faced significant hurdles. Manufacturing the Brabazon was a herculean task. The construction facilities at Bristol Filton Airport were insufficient for the colossal aircraft, and the runway was inadequate for its take-off. After much consideration, the decision was made to expand the Filton site to accommodate the Brabazon’s size.
However, in the end, the aircraft’s high cost per seat mile and the absence of both military and civil orders led to the unfortunate cancellation of the Brabazon. Announced by the Minister of Supply, Duncan Sandys, on 17 July 1953, only the single prototype ever took flight, and along with the incomplete Brabazon I Mk.II, it was dismantled in 1953 for scrap.
Specifications
| General Characteristics | Bristol Brabazon |
|---|---|
| Crew | 6 – 12 |
| Capacity | 100 passengers |
| Length | 177 ft (54 m) |
| Wingspan | 230 ft (70 m) |
| Height | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Wing area | 5317 sq ft (494.0 m^2) |
| Airfoil | root: T.P.4; tip: T.P.5 |
| Empty weight | 145,100 lb (65,816 kg) |
| Max takeoff weight | 290,000 lb (131,542 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 13,650 imp gal (16,393 US gal; 62,054 L) |
| Powerplant | 8 × Bristol Centaurus 18-cylinder air-cooled radial sleeve-valve piston engines, 2,650 hp (1,980 kW) each paired, driving contra-props through combining gearboxes. |
| Propellers | 3-bladed Rotol, 16 ft (4.9 m) diameter fully-feathering contra-rotating propellers |
| Performance | Bristol Brabazon |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 300 mph (480 km/h, 260 kn) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Cruise speed | 250 mph (400 km/h, 220 kn) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Range | 5,500 mi (8,900 km, 4,800 nmi) |
| Service ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,600 m) |
| Rate of climb | 750 ft/min (3.8 m/s) |
It’s truly amazing to learn that planes like this once existed. For someone who loves aviation like me, the Bristol Brabazon is a plane that needs to be talked about. However, it appeared at a difficult time, specifically when jet aircraft like the De Havilland Comet were becoming popular. Regardless, it’s now clear that many of the technologies we use today have been around for a quite a while.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
