Bristol Aircraft Worldwide Survey News

Beaufighter project sold in Australia

2011-04-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

Tim Moore (Skysport Engineering) has reportedly sold his Bristol Beaufighter project in Australia, and it is expected that it will be shipped there during 2011. The project is a substantial collection of Beaufighter parts, based on a Old Mixon-built Mark IF fuselage and centre wing section (serial X7688), which had been used by No.1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton as a instructional airframe. From the early 1950s through to 1971 the aircraft, which was attached to a brick hut, was used to train apprentices on engine start up and running procedures. Prior to this, the Beaufighter was an engine test bed at Filton, and it retained its unique four-propeller Hercules 130 configuration during its years at Halton. Tim had also acquired the rear fuselage of an Australian Beuafighter (serial A19-148). At this stage it is not known who has bought the project or what their intensions are, but it is well known that Tim was very keen for the aircraft to fly one day. One considerable stumbling block (as with the Duxford Beaufighter project) is sourcing suitable Hercules engines.

Plans to restore Sycamore to fly

2011-04-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

Plans have been unveiled to restore Bristol Sycamore HR Mk.52 HB-RXB to flight. For many years this helicopter was the last airworthy Sycamore in the world, and was owned and maintained by Peter Schmid at Altenrhein in Switerland. Having not flown for several years, this Sycamore has been puchased by The Flying Bulls and moved to their facility at Salzburg in Austria in November 2010, for a complete overhaul and return to flight. Although HB-RXB is a former West German Forces machine, it was flown in ‘mock’ 32 Squadron RAF colours as ‘XG 544’. Its new home in Austria is fitting as the Sycamore was designed by Austrian Raoul Hafner during his tenure at Bristols.

Brigand moves to Cosford

2011-04-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

The remains of the sole surviving Brigand, RH746, left Kemble in May 2010 for the RAF Museum at Cosford. It had been in storage with the Bristol Aero Collection, as there was not enough room to display it following their move to a smaller area a few years ago. It is hoped that some restoration work can now take place.

Bristol Bulldog comes home

2010-02-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

In a surprise move, The RAF Museums Bristol Bulldog appeared at the BAC 100 launch party at Filton on 19th February 2010. The event marked the start of a year of activities to celebrate 100 years of aircraft production at Filton. The launch took place in the east bay of the Brabazon Hangar, and included the naming of an Easyjet Airbus A.319 after Sir George White, founder of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. The Bulldog was the only Bristol aircraft, however there were several aircraft models, and other Bristol products - cars, buses and aero engines.

The Bulldog arrived at Filton a few days before the event, and was scheduled to return to Hendon soon after.

2009 updates

2010-02-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

There were only a few movements in the Bristol Aircraft world to report in 2009. Keith Williams and Mike Thorn finished the restoration of their Bristol Scout replica, to a far higher standard than the 'original' airframe, built in 1962. It has gone on display with the Shuttleworth Trust at Old Warden in Bedfordshire, pending the planned museum at Filton.

Elsewhere, steady progress has been made on the restorations of Britannia 'Charlie Fox' in Liverpool, the Helicopter Museum Belvedere at Weston-super-Mare, and the Blenheim Society's recreation of a Mark I Blenheim.

Concorde-wise, G-BOAC at Manchester has gone under cover in its purpose-built 'hangar', and G-BOAD has returned to Manhattan following the major renovation of the Intrepid Museum in New York.

Omaka Freighter comes back to life

2008-06-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

Following the recent news that Alistair Marshall has been working on the Bristol Hercules engines of the Bristol Freighter at Omaka in New Zealand, the port engine successfully run up on 13th June 2008. The Starboard engine was briefly run a few days later. Click below for video of the event.

A high resolution version of this video is available at www.aviationfilm.com.

Mk.I nose trial fitted to Duxford Blenheim

2008-05-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

A significant moment in the restoration of the Duxford Blenheim took place in May 2008, when the Blenheim Mk.I nose was trial-fitted to the Blenheim fuselage. The aircraft, which had represented a 'long nose' Mk.IV Blenheim since its first post-rebuild flight in 1993, was damaged in a landing accident in 2003. This gave the team the opportunity to incorporate the short nose of a Mk.I Blenheim in the repairs. Other major components such as the centre wing section, rear fuselage and outer wings had been restored and mated previously. The addition of the Mk.I nose gives a shape that has not been seen for many decades.

The Mk.I nose is still just a shell, and there is much work to do in fitting it out with equipment and cabling. It will be detached from the fuselage soon so the rebuild work can continue.

Plans to bring Omaka Freighter back to life

2008-05-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

A member of the Marlborough Aero Club at Omaka in New Zealand has started the huge task of bringing the clubs Bristol Freighter back to life. The aircraft, ZK-CPT, arrived at Omaka in 1986, and the engines were inhibited in the 1990's. The intention is to get the Bristol Hercules engines running, and it may even be possible to taxi the Freighter in the future. Progress is regularly reported on the
Wings Over New Zealand Aviation Forum.

Sycamore swap at Weston-super-Mare

2008-02-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Helicopter Museum have recently acquired a VIP Sycamore HR.14, but have disposed of their existing Sycamore HC.14. The Sycamore HR.14, serial XJ829, had previously been not far away in the Bristol Industrial Museum, which has closed for major renovation. It was formerly with the RAF 32 VIP communications Squadron, and arrived on 17th October 2007, going on display on 12th January 2008. For details and photos of the delivery, see http://www.hmfriends.org.uk/sycamorexl829.htm.

The museum has taken the opportunity to exchange their existing Sycamore, XG547, with a type they don't have - an ex-Belgian Army Alouette II. A lowloader arrived at Weston-super-Mare with the Alouette on 19th February 2008, and returned to Belgium with the Sycamore on 21st. XG547 will go on display in the Royal Army and Military History Museum in Brussels in due course. The Belgian Army operated three Sycamores in the Belgian Congo, but none of these survive.

Click here for BBC news video.

Beaufighter found in Aegean sea

2007-10-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

The remains of a Bristol Beaufighter were discovered in June 2007, near the Greek island of Naxos. A team of divers had been searching for the wreck for over a year, following stories that a Beaufighter had ditched in the area during World War 2. It was discovered off the coast of Cape Kouroupas, to the west of Naxos, at a depth of 34 metres. The aircraft, identified as a Beaufighter TF.X serial JM225, was part of a flight attacking enemy ships in Naxos Harbour on 30th October 1943. It was hit by ground fire, and the two crew - F/O W.E.Hayter and W/O T.J.Harper, both New Zealanders - baled out before the aircraft hit the water. They were rescued by locals, treated and later smuggled off the island. JM255 was based in Cyprus with No.47 Squadron RAF.

The aircraft is on its belly and surprisingly intact, apart from a broken back. Some smaller items, such as the nosecone, are unattached and resting on the sea bed nearby. The propeller from the starboard engine is missing, so it may have come off when the Beaufighter hit the water. Naxos Diving Centre can arrange visits for experienced divers, see naxosdiving.com.

Australian Boxkite replica for 2014 centenary

2007-07-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

A small dedicated team in Australia have embarked on a project to build an airworthy Bristol Boxkite replica, in time for the centenary of the first military flight in Australia. On the morning of March 1st, 1914, Lieutenant Eric Harrison, an aviator instructor, took Bristol Military Biplane CFS-3 into the air at the newly acquired Army flying field at Point Cook, Victoria. This was the home of the Central Flying School (CFS). That historic flight is now recognised as the starting point of all military flying in Australia.

This Australian replica Boxkite will be built over a period of four to five years. This will ensure that the aeroplane is available in sufficient time to take part in celebrations that will occur in March 2014. With Project 2014 having started in 2006, ample time is available to allow for the resolution of unforeseen problems that may arise during the building of this machine, and the subsequent test flying.

The first wing ribs under construction. Courtesy of Project 2014

The Project Manager, Ron Gretton AM, was the driving force behind the RAAF Museum’s Supermarine Walrus (HD874) restoration. Assistant Project Manager Geoff Matthews joined Ron on the Walrus restoration, and they are both highly experienced ex-RAAF engineering officers with a wealth of the skills required in this project. They are already well into the organisational phase and have already started to cut wood and form shapes for the ribs, booms and undercarriage. Many of the metal fittings have been cut, welded and plated.

The engine will be an Australian seven cylinder 110hp (82kw) radial Rotec R2800, designed and manufactured by Rotec Engineering Pty Ltd at Moorabbin, Victoria. Rosebank Engineering has kindly supplied the engine and all the timber for the project. Mobile Network has supplied the wheels and structural metal, and Aerostructures, and Macdonald Technologies International have also provided significant support. The project is, of course, supported by both the RAAF Museum and the Air Force itself.

http://www.boxkite2014.org

Restoration of Finnish Blenheim starts

2007-06-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Restoration work on Blenheim Mk.IV BL-200, the sole surviving 'true' Bristol Blenheim, has started in Finland. The aircraft has been in storage at Tikkakoski in Finland, but spent many decades on display at the main gate there and in other museums. Work started on 18th May 2007, with a paint strip and preparation work. On completion, the aircraft will be housed in a dedicated building at Keski-Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Aviation Museum of Central Finland).

55 Blenheim Mk.Is and IVs were assembled in Finland by Valtion Lentokonetehdas at Tampere, using many components from Yugoslavia. BL-200 was built in 1944, and flew on in peace time doing survey work. It was withdrawn in 1956, making it one of the last 'true' Blenheims to fly. Several present-day aircraft have been painted up or structurally modified to become Blenheims, but these are infact Canadian-built Fairchild Bolingbrokes, a licence built Blenheim with a few home-grown differences.

Blenheim BL-200 under restoration - www.k-silmailumuseo.fi

The restoration project has its own internet Blog to show progress. It is in Finnish, but still worth a look even if you don't know the language! - http://www.ilmasotakoulunkilta.fi/IlmaSK/ilmaskmma.nsf/sp?Open&cid=Content9993D

Pima Bolingbroke unveiled

2007-06-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Pima Air and Space Museum near Tucson, Arizona has unveiled is newly restored Bolingbroke. The aircraft, formerly stored in a compound at Chino, California, has been rebuilt and painted up as a Blenheim Mark IV, in a 1941-era desert camouflage. The Bolingbroke was one of three acquired by David Tallichet around 1973, and moved from Canada to California. For many years it was stored fully assembled in the MARC compound at Chino, stripped of paint. In 2004 the Pima Museum made a deal to acquire a number of unrestored airframes from David Tallichet, including a rare A-20 Havoc.

The Bolingbroke was rolled out on 15th May 2007 in North Africa Western Desert camouflage. It represents an RAF Bristol Blenheim Mark IV, serial Z9592, although structurally the aircraft is still a Canadian-built Bolingbroke. It is thought that this aircraft was originally RCAF 10076.

Repaint for Cosford Brit

2007-06-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Following the completion of the Cold War building at Cosford, work is now starting on other exhibits. Scaffolding has been erected around Britannia G-AOVF, which was repainted in BOAC colours shortly after its arrival in 1984. It will be repainted in Royal Air Force colours, even though this aircraft never actually saw service with the RAF. Hopefully the work will restore some of the corrosion on the aircraft, which has been outside for 23 years. Unfortunately the Brit was not selected to go indoors during the recent reshuffle, and the restoration work will hopefully ensure her survival for a few more years.

Montrose Sycamore on the move

2007-04-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

The May 2007 issue of Flypast Magazine hs reported that Sycamore XJ380, which has been stored at the Montrose Air Station Museum since 1994, left in February 2007 for Lincolnshire. It will eventually go to a 'major museum' in the South of England.

UPDATE: XJ380 is earmarked for the Boscombe Down Museum.

New home for Britannia Charlie Fox

2007-03-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

After a year in open storage at Kemble, a new home for Britannia G-ANCF has been found. During February and March 2007, the components of 'CF were moved to the apron in front of the former Speke Airport terminal, now a Mariott Hotel. The Jetstream Club are the new custodians, and it will be displayed alongside their other aircraft, including a Jetstream 41. The fuselage and main wing sections arrived on site on 7th March, and arranged so that the aircraft can be assembled during the spring. Once complete, the Britannia will be painted in the colours of British Eagle, as it flew with this airline from Speke in the mid-1960's.

Bristol Fighters disperse

2007-01-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

At two UK air displays in 2006, spectators were treated to the sight of three Bristol Fighters in formation. In addition to the Shuttleworths F2B (G-AEPH), The Fighter Collections F2B (G-ACAA) returned to the air in the summer of 2006 and the Historic Aircraft Collections F2B (G-AANM) flew for the first time after a long restoration on 25th May 2006.

The rare sight of three Brisfits in formation, by Ollie Holmes

Now the UK airworthy F2B populatation is back to one. The Fighter Collections F2B has been sold to New Zealand collector Peter Jackson. Peter also owns a Ranger-powered F2B reproduction, and a Fighter restoration project, all based at Omaka. The Historic Aircraft Collections F2B has now gone to the Canada Aviation Museum at Rockcliffe, Ontatio, in exchange for a potentially airworthy Heinkel He-162, and a number of rare engines.

Beaufighter unveiled at Dayton

2006-10-29T02:13:00.000-08:00

Following many years of restoration, the National Museum of the Air Force at Dayton, Ohio, USA unveiled their Bristol Beaufighter on 18th October 2006. The ex-Australian aircraft has been completed to represent a Beaufighter Mk. VIf of the USAAF, based in the Mediterannean with the Twelfth Air Force. It is marked as KV912, which was flown by Capt. Harold Augspurger, commander of the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, who shot down an He 111 carrying German staff officers in September 1944 and is a volunteer with the museum.

There are now four complete Beaufighters on display, two more in Australia and one in the UK.

HAC Bristol Fighter flies

2006-06-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Historic Aircraft Collection Bristol F2B Fighter (G-AANM/D7889) took to the air for the first time on 25th May 2006. The Brisfit has made several air tests at RAF Henlow, piloted by Stuart Goldspink. It was flown to its new home at Duxford in early June. Although the airframe rebuild was completed in 1999, it had been waiting on the restoration of its Rolls-Royce Falcon III engine.

The aircraft consists of genuine original parts, and is based on a frame recovered from a barn in Weston-on-the-Green in the 1960’s. It includes many restored components from the original D7889, hence the chosen identification. G-AANM is the third flying F2B in the UK, following those of the Shuttleworth Trust and The Fighter Collection. The latter has been grounded since 2001 with engine problems, although these have now been resolved, and it is expected to flying again in 2006. It is hoped that all three Brisfits will be able to fly together during the 2006 summer air show season, although the TFC Fighter is expected to be sold in New Zealand very soon.

Bristol Freighter set for homecoming

2006-04-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

In September 2004, this website reported on the last ever flight of a Bristol Freighter, when C-GYQS was delivered from Terrace, British Columbia, to Wetaskiwin, BC. It had been donated by Hawkair to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, and its flight marked not only the last flight of a Freighter, but the last of any surviving UK-built Bristol aircraft. It now appears that this may not be its final flight, as it has been secured by Graham Kilsby, who wants to fly it from the West of Canada back to its birthplace in Bristol.

Freighter C-GYQS on its last flight, taken by Richard de Boer

The aircraft was put up for auction, as Hawkair has gone into administration, and the freighter is still deemed as an asset. Preparations are now being made to bring the aircraft back to life, and prepare it for a 50-hour flight across the Atlantic. In order to achieve this, a fund has been set up to raise the £75,000 costs involved. There are no Freighters in Europe, and infact it is probably the only commercially successful British aircraft where there is no example preserved in the UK or Europe. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund should call +44 (0)117 962 1105 in the UK. Progress on this project will appear on this website when available.

Bristol Aero Collection prepares for Bolingbroke

2006-04-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Bristol Aero Collection is preparing to receive a Bolingbroke from the USA later this year. The aircraft, RCAF 9048, has been stored in Southern California for over 30 years, mostly with the Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation at Chino. It is unrestored, and a restoration to display condition will commence once it arrives in the UK. 9048 has been donated to the BAC by Graham Kilsby, who runs the Bristol Heritage Collection in Tennessee, and started the Bristol Aero Collection in 1988. The aircraft is unusual in that unlike most surviving Bolingbrokes, it was not built as a trainer, and has a combat history patroling for both U-Boats on the East Coast and Japanese submarines on the West Coast of Canada and in Alaska. It is expected that it will be painted in the colours of 8 (BR) Squadron RCAF, with which it served from November 1941 to August 1943.

Historic Aircraft Collection F2B to fly in 2006

2006-03-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Historic Aircraft Collections Bristol F2B Fighter is set to take to the air some time in 2006. The aircraft has recently had its Rolls Royce Falcon engine fitted, by Skysport Engineering in Bedfordshire. The Falcon, restored by Vintec at Little Gransden, is thought to be the oldest running Rolls Royce engine. The Fighter will be based at Duxford, and will hopefully form a threeship with Fighters of the Shuttleworth Collection and The Fighter Collection. The latter is also due to fly this year, having been grounded since 2001 with engine problems.

Duxford Beaufighter to be sold

2006-03-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Following recent rumours on the Flypast forum, The Fighter Collection has confirmed “it is quite possible” that the Beaufighter project at Duxford “may move to new owners later in the year”. There are several comings and goings anticipated this year, and the sale of the Beaufighter will make space for the new arrivals. The project has been a complex one, and has been underway for around 15 years. Much has been achieved, but there is still much work to do before the Beaufighter will fly. One of the biggest problems has been sourcing engines. No suitable military Bristol Hercules engines have been found, and later versions used on commercial transports would require major modifications to the aircraft. Restoration work is still continuing, and it is hoped that the new owners can accelerate the pace of restoration.

Shuttleworth M1C to return to the air in 2006

2006-01-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

Following its mid-air engine failure in 2002, the Shuttleworth Trusts Bristol M1C has been repaired and should be flying again in the Spring. The monoplanes Le Rhone rotary engine had thrown a con-rod, severely damaging the engine, but this has now been rebuilt. It was ground tested during the summer months, but excessive vibration was apparent. This was tracked down to unbalanced cylinders, which have now been re-balanced. Engine runs were performed during the Autumn Air Show on 2nd October 2005, but other minor problems prevented a take off.

Rockcliffe Beaufighter goes under cover

2006-01-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

In November 2005, the Canadian Aviation Museum at Rockcliffe, Ottowa, completed their new storage hangar, and the entire collection including the Beaufighter is now under cover. The aircraft had been stored outside since its arrival in 1969, although its dilapidated appearance had more to do with the state it arrived in than the Canadian weather. Contoversy surrounded the Beaufighter when it was acquired, as the museum were expecting a restored aircraft in exchange for the Bristol Bolingbroke sent to the RAF Museum. Now that the aircraft is inside, it is hoped that restoration work will start soon.

Home needed for Britannia

2006-01-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

Over the winter months the Bristol Aero Collection at Kemble has been moving from its home of 10 years to another hangar on the Kemble airfield. This has resulted in a reduction in floor space, and the collection has been rationalised. Bristol Britannia G-ANCF has been excluded from the move, as the dismantled fuselage takes up a lot of space. The airliner has been on loan from the Britannia Aircraft Preservation Trust, and will be returned. This unfortunately leaves the Britannia without a home, and the BAPT are actively seeking a new location to store or display the aircraft.

'Charlie Fox' was dismantled at Manston in the late 1980's, and it was soon earmarked for the Bristol Aero Collection. The intention was to not reassemble the aircraft until a permanent museum was built at Filton. The front and rear fuselage sections had resided at the back of the BAC hangar. The nose of Britannia G-ALRX will be moved to the new hangar, and the complete Britannia, XM496, will remain where it is under the care of the Bristol Britannia XM496 Preservation Society.

Oakey Boxkite undergoes refurbishment

2005-09-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Museum of Australian Army Flying at Oakey, QLD, has recently moved its Boxkite replica to Toowoomba for refurbishment. The aircraft was dismantled and transported to the Aerotec Queensland Pty. facility for a complete overhaul, including re-finishing the wood, and stripping and repainting the metal parts. When complete it will be returned to Oakey and reassembled, but not before the museums new exhibition hall is complete.

Kemble Britannia in period livery

2005-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Britannia XM496 has been painted in the RAF Transport Command livery that it carried during its military career. The port side was painted in June 2005, and unveiled at the Kemble Air Day later that month. The starboard side is due to be completed by the end of the year. The aircraft has also received a makeover inside, and is now fitted with a ten rows of period RAF seats, as well as new display boards.

Britannia XM496, shortly before it was towed to the Kemble Air Day arena.

The Britannia Aircraft Preservation Trust has now passed support for XM496 to the Bristol Britannia XM496 Preservation Society, who will continue to maintain the aircraft. The intention is still to bring the aircraft up to a state where it can taxi under its own steam, and will require a change of the number 2 engine.

New colours for New Zealand Brisfit

2005-04-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

The New Zealand based Bristol F2B Fighter replica, ZK-JNU, has recently emerged in a new colour scheme. It took part in the 2005 Classic Fighters air show over the Easter weekend at Omaka, one of New Zealands major air displays. It has been repainted in the colours of No. 22 Squadron Royal Flying Corps, and marked with serial B1112 and coded F. 22 Squadron flew F2B's from August 1917 on the Western Front.

Bristol Fighter Replica B1112 at the Classic Fighters Show, Omaka. Courtesy of 'Turbo_NZ'.

Prior to the show, the Brisfit took part in a filmed re-enactment of a race between a Bristol Fighter and T.E.Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia") on a Brough Superior motorbike. The 14 mile race was written about in one of Lawrences own books, but had never before been re-created. The film was shown on large screens while the Fighter and Brough were performing at the show.

New Beaufort project at Moorabbin

2005-02-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

The Australian Aircraft Restoration Group, who run the Australian National Aviation Museum at Moorabbin, in Melbourne, Australia, have announced that they are about to start on a Bristol Beaufort restoration project. The Australian-built Beaufort will be built to static condition, and will go on display at the museum, which also has examples of the Bristol Beaufighter, Bristol Sycamore and Bristol Freighter.

The project is based on major components and parts from two Beauforts - A9-501 and A9-230. A9-501 was displayed at RAAF Gove for many years, but it was substantially damaged when an attempt to cut the wings off with an oxy-torch caused residual fuel in the tanks to explode. The forward fuselage was later restored by the Beaufort Restoration Group for the RAAF Gove museum. Although the museum website refers to A9-320, this is thought to actually be A9-230. A9-320 was converted to a Mk.IX Beaufort during WW2, reserialled A9-742, and subsequently scrapped, whereas the cockpit of A9-230 was acquired by The Beaufort Restoration Group from Mildura War Birds in 1985.

A9-501 being recovered in 1999 (courtesy of the Beaufort Restoration Group website)

The project also hopes to acquire the cockpit of A9-150, which has been restored by the Beaufort Restoration Group in Brisbane.

Progress at Duxford

2005-01-03T04:42:00.000-08:00

The restoration of Blenheim G-BPIV following it accident in 2003, continues. In the latter half of 2004, the forward fuselage section was detached, and it now sits in front of the rear fuselage section. The centre wing section is currently being restored in Building 66, behind the main hangars. The teams unrestored Mark I Blenheim nose has been placed beside the Blenheim, and it has been suggested that the aircraft will fly with this nose fitted instead of the the Mark IV nose. The Mk.I nose had been converted into a car after World War 2, and was placed in on an Austin 7 chassis. It still requires a lot of attention, but the present restoration work gives an oppertune moment to fit it. The appearance of a Mark I Blenheim in the skies will be a very rare sight, as there are no airworthy or static Mk.I's anywhere in the world.

Blenheim G-BPIV at Duxford in October, with the Mk.I nose to the right, photo taken by Martin Claydon

Also at Duxford, The Fighter Collection have fitted their Bristol F2b Fighter (G-ACAA, "D-8084") with its Rolls Royce Falcon II engine, and it will hopefully fly again soon. Another Bristol Fighter has turned up at Duxford - this is G-AANM "D-7889", which belongs to the Historic Aircraft Collection. It is currently being stored here, but there are plans to get it in the air in 2005 for the first time.

Australian Beaufort step closer to first flight

2004-12-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

Beaufort A9-141 coming together at Brisbane, Photo by John Parker

The Beaufort Restoration Group at Brisbane, Australia, made a significant step forward in early December, by assembling the major structural components into one unit. The forward and rear fuselage sections were mated with the centre wing section, and the project now looks a lot more like an aircraft. There is still much to do before the Beaufort (RAAF serial A9-141, registered VH-KTW) can leave the ground, but when it does, it will be the first of its type to fly for many decades. More details on the project can be found at http://www.beaufortrestoration.com.au.

The mated stern frame, rear fuselage and centre wing section, Photo by John Parker

Bristol Freighter makes its last flight

2004-09-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Bristol Freighter C-GYQS has made its last flight, which also happened to be the last flight of a Bristol airliner. The Freighter left Prince George, on the last stage of its delivery flight from Terrace, BC, Canada to Wetaskiwin, Alberta, on 6th September at 1:30pm local, and arrived at its new home three hours later. As with the earlier stages, the Captain was Scott Swanson, co-pilot was Lori Skinner and engineer was Paul Hawkins.

Freighter C-GYQS on its last flight, taken by Richard de Boer

Not only was the aircraft the last airworthy Bristol Freighter, it was the last airworthy example of any Bristol airliner. It will now be put on display at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. The choice of this museum was due to its relative close proximity to Terrace, making the delivery flight much easier than for other parts of Canada. The donation of the aircraft to a Canadian museum has resulted in a federal tax credit worth 300,000 USD to Hawkair.

Future assured for last airworthy Bristol Freighter

2004-08-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Although it has not flown since 1999, it is hoped that Bristol 170 Freighter C-GYQS will fly to its new home later this month. The Freighter has been in storage at Terrace, British Columbia, since its owners, Hawkair, ceased mine work in the remote locations of Western Canada. It has now been donated to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, at Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada. In early August, the fuel tank bags were replaced, and maintenance was performed on the engine blower shafts. Both Bristol Hercules engines were started for the first time in 2 years without a hitch.

The starboard Bristol Hercules starting for the first time in 2 years - photo courtesy of Sean Keating

Update 27th Aug: The aircraft made a successful 38 minute test flight on 27th August. The Captain was Scott Swanson, co-pilot was Lori Skinner and
engineer was Paul Hawkins - one of the founders of Hawkair. Delivery to Wetaskiwin is planned for 31st August, depending on weather.

Update 29th Aug: The Bristol Freighter took off from Terrace at 10.30am Local time on 29th August, and after a low pass over the airfield, it left on delivery to Wetaskiwin. The Weather over the Rockies closed in, and after about 200 miles and two hours the crew landed at Fort St. James to await better weather.

Update 30th Aug: On Monday 30th August, Quebec Sierra left Fort St. James, but this time landed at Prince George, only 80 miles further on, due to weather. The aircraft can only fly under Visual Flight Rules, and the crew have found many of the valley to be 'blocked' by cloud. The Freighter will now have to wait for a week before another attempt is made to fly her to her new home.

Engine fitted to Duxford Brisfit

2004-08-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

In early August, The Fighter Collections Bristol F2b Fighter (G-ACAA, "D8084") was noted with its engine installed. The aircraft has been grounded at Duxford since 2001, when a problem was found in a cylinder of its Rolls Royce Falcon Mark 3 engine. The fault was found to be chrome contamination, and the crankcase and cylinders have now been overhauled. The engineers at TFC are usually very busy, especially around 'Flying Legends' time in July, and it seems they have now found the time to reassemble the engine.

The Fighter is based on one of several original frames found in a barn at Weston-on-the-Green in the 1960's, and was rebuilt by Skysport Engineering, making its first post-restoration flight on 30th June 1998.

Bolingbroke nose acquired by Manx Aviation Museum

2004-06-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

21st June 2004 saw the delivery of the forward fuselage of Bolingbroke 9041 to the Manx Aviation Museum at Ronaldsway on the Isle of Man. The complete aircraft had been part of a static restoration by the Nanton Lancaster Memorial, who have donated this section to the Museum. The wings and rear fuselage remain at Nanton.

Photographs show that the forward fuselage has been stripped to bare metal, and most fittings have been removed, however several original components were included in container. The museum is actively seeking authentic components, and hope to restore it using 85% original items. Once restored, it will become a memorial to the RAF and RCAF crews based on the island during World War 2.

Home found for Wangaratta Freighter

2004-05-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

After months of uncertainty, Bristol 170 Frieghter VH-ADL has been assured a future by the Australian National Aviation Museum, at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne, Australia. The Freighter had been put up for disposal in early 2003, following the closure of the Airworld Collection at Wangaratta in Victoria, Australia in 2002. It had been earmarked for preservation in the UK, but sadly the cost of transportation seems to have detered the acquisition. Instead, the pristine 170 was left semi-dismantled, and could have been sold for scrap. There are no Bristol 170's in the UK, or Europe for that matter, and it in unlikely that one in this condition will become available again, so this missed opertunity as disappointed many people in the county of its birth.

Update: July 2004 - VH-ADL has now been delivered to Moorabbin, and work to re-assemble the aircraft will start soon.

BA Concorde dispersal

2003-10-29T09:22:00.000-08:00

After months of speculation, the lucky custodians of the British Airways Concorde fleet have now been revealed from proposed flight plans :

G-BOAA - East Fortune (Museum of Flight)
G-BOAB - Heathrow (Terminal 5)
G-BOAC - Manchester Airport Viewing Park
G-BOAD - New York Intrepid Air and Space Museum
G-BOAE - Seattle Museum of Flight
G-BOAF - Filton (Airbus/proposed new museum)
G-BOAG - Barbados

The fate of the remaining unairworthy Concorde at Filton (G-BBDG) is not yet clear.

Air Sea Rescue Sycamore goes on display at Hendon

2003-09-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

RAF Sycamore HR Mk.12 WV783 has now gone on display at the RAF Museum at Hendon. The helicopter has been immaculately restored and repainted in the Air Sea Rescue colours with which it flew in the 1950's. It spent many years in storage, with a brief spell on display at RNAY Fleetlands, and was completely rebuilt from a near-derelict state to pristine condition by the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society in less than two years. The RAF Museum at Hendon has been completely re-organised this year, in preparation for the grand re-opening on 17th December 2003, to commemorate 100 years of powered flight.

Blenheim landing accident

2003-08-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

The sole airworthy Bristol Blenheim, G-BPIV "R3821", suffered a serious landing accident at its Duxford base on 18th August, fortunately with no injuries to those on board. The full extent of the damage will not be known until a full survey has been done. It appears that the aircraft suffered a starboard engine failure on approach, leading to a loss of height, causing the undercarriage to hit a mound near the runway. The gear collapsed on landing, with the aircraft ending up on its belly. Apart from the obvious damage to the gear and underside, the starboard engine and its mountings appears to have sustained some damage.

It has been reported that the Blenheim is repairable, but will certainly be out of action for some time. The Bristol Blenheim was notorious for single engine flying, so it is a great credit to the pilot, John Webb, that the aircraft landed without more serious damage, and without injury.

Bristols at RIAT '03

2003-07-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

The Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford on 19th and 20th July is celebrating 100 years of powered flight. They are aiming to bring many historic aircraft from museums and collections around the UK to the site, forming an impressive line up of significant aircraft over the past century. It is believed that Bristol Scout A1742 was originally requested, but unfortunately the restoration will not be ready in time. Another rumoured Bristol aircraft is Sycamore XG547 of The Helicopter Museum, which was noted on a trailer at Yeovilton on 23rd June. Bristol Blenheim R3821 (G-BPIV) of the Aircraft Restoration Company will be in the static display this year.

Duxford Fighter update

2003-06-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

The following has been placed on The Fighter Collections website, regarding their F2b Fighter rebuild, D8084 (G-ACAA).

".... we have received the Bristol F2b Fighter's Rolls Royce Falcon crankcase back from Vintage Engine Technology who have reconditioned it following the chrome contamination. The contamination occurred when a piston ring picked up on a liner and removed some of the chrome from it.

Thankfully the crankshaft bearings survived undamaged without having to be replated, but some corrosion was found in the crankshaft sludge traps which has been polished out and treated. The Cylinders have been received back from Poetons who have stripped and rechromed them after we found problems with the previously applied ceramic chrome. The engineers are working to try and get the engine back together in time for Legends [12th/13th July 2003], but its an uphill struggle with every thing else that we have going on."

Concorde update

2003-05-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Air France have announced the intended new homes for their Concorde fleet:

Concorde 205 - F-BVFA - destined for the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles Airport, part of the Smithsonian

Concorde 207 - F-BVFB - destined for the Auto und Technik Museum, Sinsheim in Germany, next to their Tupolev Tu-144. It will fly to the nearest airfield, be dismantled, and transported to the museum on a barge, in the same fashion as their Tu-144

Concorde 209 - F-BVFC - destined to go on display outside the Airbus A.380 plant at Toulouse

Concorde 213 - F-BTSD - destined to go to the Musee de l'Aire at Le Bourget, and may be delivered during the Paris Air Show

Concorde 215 - F-BVFF - destined to go on display at Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris

Interestingly, two of the sites listed (Toulouse and Le Bourget) already have Concordes on display. As regards the British Airways fleet, Filton, Brooklands, Heathrow, Cosford and Seattle seem like the front runners in the race to acquire one.

Concorde for retirement

2003-04-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

As has been widely covered in the media, British Airways and Air France have jointly announced that they will now cease Concorde services this year. British Airways have said that they will donate their entire fleet to museums and other display sites, after services finish on 30th September. A number of museums outside the UK have stated for some time that on retirement they would like a Concorde - namely the Smithsonians Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles Airport, and The Auto & Technik Museum at Sinsheim in Germany, who already have a Tupolev Tu-144. These may be Air France or British Airways examples.

It is believed that around 30 museums have requested a Concorde - the front runners must be the Bristol Aero Collection, who plan to move to Filton, (where British Concordes were assembled) this winter, and the Brooklands Aviation Museum, where a large number of major sections were built. The Bristol Aero Collection have requested G-BOAF (Concorde 216), which was the last one built in the UK. Other museums thought to be in the running are the Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford, the Museum of Flight at East Fortune, the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, the new Airliner Park at Manchester Airport, and the Bristol Heritage Collection in Nashville,Tennessee. British Airways also wish to retain a Concorde for display at Heathrow Airport, probably on the entrance road.

Of the 7 strong fleet, four are believed to be currently in service - G-BOAC, G-BOAD, G-BOAE and G-BOAG - and will continue until the end of September. G-BOAA has been withdrawn from use for some time, with no plans to make it airworthy. G-BOAB has also been grounded, but kept airworthy, and would have been the next aircraft to be brought up to post-Paris standards. G-BOAF is out of hours, and was due for a 3 month check. Therefore, both 'AB and 'AF are airworthy, but could not be used for passenger services.

UPDATE - G-BOAF returned to service during the summer.

Beaufort rebuild starts in Tennessee

2003-03-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

Graham Kilsby of the Bristol Heritage Collection in Tennessee has announced that a Beaufort rebuild project is just about to start. Several Beaufort sections, recovered from Papa New Guinea in the 1970's, have been stored at Chino in California for the past few decades. Transportation of the sections to Tennessee has started, with a forward fuselage, rear fuselage and tail section being trucked the 2,600 miles across the USA on 21st March. The sections arrived at Stripmasters Inc. of Nashville on 25th March. Here they will be identified, photographed etc., before being cleaned by beed blasting, and also blasting with dry ice, a relatively new method that removes the old paint and years of surface corrosion without actually harming the metal.

From there, the sections will be taken to Hassel Field, Clifton, Tennessee home of the new BHC restoration shop to join the Lysander and the Swordfish, where the various sections will be set in jigs prior to the long restoration. As the sections are from Australian-built Mk VIII Beauforts, they had Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines, which makes it a little easier to find engines and parts in the US. The Mk.I's built in the UK were the sole users of the Bristol Taurus, and it is thought that none survive. In April the main large wing centre section and outer wing sections will be moved in from California and the same process applied, before starting on moving the Bolingbroke sections into Tennessee. Bristol Heritage Collection is a 501(c)3 tax exempt charity as recognised by the IRS and any help in the form of donations or pledges, especially from Australians in the US would be warmly welcomed. Graham Kilsby can be contacted on (615) 383 9090.

Update: It had been determined that the rear fuselage section is from A9-555, which flew with No.100 Squadron RAAF as QH-S, and the stern fuselage section is from A9-182, which flew with No.7 Squadon RAAF. The forward fuselage has been confidently identified as also coming from A9-555.

Australian War Memorial Beaufort goes on display

2003-03-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

The Australian War Memorial, at the Treloar Technology Center in Canberra, has recently completed the restoration of its static Beaufort, A9-557. The preparation of each section has been performed by several organisations, for example the Beaufort Restoration Group were tasked with cleaning up the rear fuselage. The sections were mated together again earlier this year, and the finished example went in display in the ANZAC Hall on 8th March. The official unveiling will take place on 28th March, by the Australian Prime Minister and the Chief of the Air Force.

Bristol Freighter to the UK?

2003-02-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

It has been revealed that tender for Bristol Frieghter VH-ADL has been won by Roger Hargreaves, trustee of the Bristol Aero Collection, and founder of the Britannia Aircraft Preservation Trust. The plan is that the aircraft will be transported by sea to the UK, and will be loaned to the Bristol Aero Collection for display when it moves to Filton Airfield. The cost of shipping will be substantial, and funding is needed if the UK wants to see an example of this much-needed aircraft on its shores.
Update: The deal to move the Freighter to the UK fell through, but the aircraft has been saved, and it moved to Moorabbin in 2004.

Unusual use for a Bristol Freighter

2003-01-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

When airliners reach the end of their useful lives, most are scrapped, but a few are saved for preservation. Others end up as themed restaurants, night clubs or even as homes. A new and unusual use has been found for ex Royal New Zealand Air Force Freighter ZK-EPC/NZ5906. Towards the end of 2002, it was converted into two self contained motel units in Woodlyn Park, near the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand. The rooms can be booked for NZ$95 per night, on-line at http://www.woodlynpark.co.nz.

New home for Bristol Scout

2003-01-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

Several publications have recently highlighted the fact that Bristol Scout D replica A1742 is nearing the end of its restoration. It is due to go on display at the Bristol Aero Collection at Kemble, UK, in the summer of 2003. Some authentic items have now been fitted, including the undercarriage, a wicker seat, a replica Lewis gun, and a restored propeller. The aircraft still has an electric motor driving the propeller. As of January 2003, the wings need to be fitted, along with the associated rigging, and the fuselage does not have any fabric.

Freighter movements

2002-12-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Not one but two Bristol 170 Freighters are scheduled to be moved soon. Former Argentine Air Force TC-330, part of the Museo Nacional de Aeronautica in Buenos Aires, is in the process of being dismantled for transportation to the museums new home at Morón Air Base. It has been with the museum at the Jorge Newbery Aeroparque since its withdrawal from service in 1967. It is the oldest surviving Bristol Freighter.

The other is VH-ADL, formerly of the Airworld Collection at Wangaratta in Victoria, Australia. The Collection closed its doors in February 2002, with the local council taking over the museum artifacts. The first tender block closed on October 25th, and a buyer was found for the Freighter. The identity of the new owner is not yet public knowledge, but it is expected that it will be transported to the United Kingdom for display. The Freighter is said to be in excellent condition, but it seems unlikely that it will ever return to the skies. For one thing, there are no Freighter propellers in existence that are not time expired, and it would be expensive to manufacture new ones.

One Beaufort - two noses

2002-09-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

The Australian War Museum are restoring their Beaufort, serial A9-557, with the help of the Beaufort Restoration Group. Although the serial on the data plate of the RAF Museums Beaufort at Hendon, UK, would indicate that they had the nose from A9-557, this is only partly correct. During A9-557's service with the RAAF, its cockpit sustained serious damage from an electrical fire. The design of the Beaufort is such that sections are easily interchangeable, and at the time it was simpler to replace the forward fuselage with one from another aircraft. A9-557 continued flying with its new cockpit until a landing accident on January 20th 1945. The AWM now have all the sections from this aircraft. The original nose is presumed to have been dumped in Papa New Guinea, and this the section recovered from Papa New Guinea to Chino in the 1970's, and used in the RAF Museums Beaufort. The identity of the Beaufort that originally carried the AWM's cockpit is not currently known. The AWM have stated that they expect the restoration of the Beaufort to be complete by the end of 2002.
Update: New information indicates that the second forward fuselage for A9-557 came from A9-461, which crashed at Tadji, Papa New Guinea on 12th November 1944. The aircraft went on display in March 2003 - see later news item.

RAF Museum Beaufort - true identity revealed

2002-09-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Some information has recently come to light about the true identities of each section of the Beaufort on display at the RAF Museum, at Hendon, UK. The data plates of the Beaufort at RAF Museum Hendon have recently been examined, giving the following information:

Forward Fuselage (cockpit section) - serial FF559 dated 4-9-43 (from A9-557, but see other news item)
Rear Fuselage - serial RF557 dated 26-10-43 (from A9-559)
Stern Fuselage - (tail section) - serial SF478 dated 20-7-43 (from A9-478)
Centre Section - (wing root) - serial CR591 dated 14-9-43 (possibly from A9-593)

All of these sections were recovered from Papa New Guinea in the 1970's and transported to Chino, California. The aircraft was rebuilt from restored sections, with no internal fittings, painted in RAF markings and delivered to the RAF Museum in 1991.

Wrecks and Relics 18th edition

2002-06-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

The latest edition of this essential guide to preserved, instructional and derelict airframes in the British Isles has brought to light a few changes to the survey: The Tremar Sycamore (XG544) is reported as sold in November 2000, moving to somewhere in Wales; The RAF Museums spare Sycamore (WV783) is under restoration at Rochester in Kent; and finally a Bristol F2B restoration in King's Lynn becomes substantial enough for an entry. Wrecks and Relics is published by Midland Publishing, at UKP 15.99

Bristol F2B Fighter replica N624 sold in NZ

2002-05-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

Having spent the 2001 airshow season in New Zealand, replica Bristol Fighter N624 "J7624" has now been sold there. Its US registration was cancelled in Feb 2002, and ZK-JNU was registered 8th May to Peter Jackson, the New Zealand filmmaker and avid World War One aircraft collector. This immaculate replica was built by Ed Storo, who is now concentrating on building a replica Bristol Bulldog.
The Fighter will be based at Omaka, Blenheim, with the rest of Peter Jackson fleet of WW1 aircraft, who also owns an original Bristol Fighter frame, currently under rebuild at Omaka.

DAP Beaufort A9-557 restoration

2002-04-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

On 10th April the Beaufort Restoration Group at Brisbane received the rear fuselage of Beaufort A9-557 for cleaning and minor repairs. The work is being done for the Australian War Memorial at Canberra, and they are already working on the undercarriage. The Beaufort Restoration Group are also working on the cockpit of A9-501, and are restoring a complete Beaufort, A9-141, to airworthy condition. The BRG rely on donations, and offer a comprehensive membership package for 25AUD (10UKP). http://www.awm.gov.au

Bristol 173 prototype XF785 on display after 40 years

2002-01-03T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Bristol Type 173 has emerged from over 40 years in deep storage, latterly Cosford, to be loaned to the Bristol Aero Collection at Kemble. It made the journey to Kemble on the 3rd January, exactly 50 years from its first untethered flight at Filton. On hand to receive the helicopter was Charles 'Sox' Hosegood, who was the test pilot at the controls on its first flight. The first flight was an eventful one, as it was soon realised that the only direction in which the helicopter could be flown was backwards. The fault was rectified, and test flights resumed in August 1952.
The rare helicopter will be cleaned up ready for the museums opening on the Easter weekend.

Bristol Brigand RH746 delivered to Bristol Aero Collection

2001-04-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

The sole surviving Brigand fuselage, from B Mark 1 RH746, was moved to a new home at Kemble on 19th April. The battered fuselage, previously at the North East Aircraft Museum in Sunderland, is now on display with the Bristol Aero Collection. It had been in storage in Sunderland since the early 1980's when it was rescued from a scrap yard at Failsworth. The Bristol Aero Collection are looking for any Brigand parts for the its display.

Bristol Beaufighter RD220/BF-10 moves to UK

2000-10-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Museum of Flight at East Fortune near Edinburgh have acquired a Bristol Beaufighter TF Mk.10 from the South African Air Force Museum at Swartkop. The aircraft, formerly RD220, is expected to arrive in November 2000. During World War 2 Beaufighters were stationed at several Scottish bases, including East Fortune. Although many Beaufighters were built at Filton, this example was built at the Old Mixon 'shadow' factory at Weston-super-Mare.

Bristol M1C replica G-BWJM/C4918 flies

2000-09-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Shuttleworth Collections replica Bristol M.1C took to the air for the first time on 29th September 2000, at Old Warden in Bedfordshire. The aircraft carries the serial 'C4918', and is in 72 Squadron RAF colours. It is registered G-BWJM, and was built by Northern Aeroplane Workshops. 125 production M.1C's were built at Filton towards the end of World War I.