Bristol Biplane Type 'T'

British and Colonial Aeroplane Company

Industry	Aviation
Founded	1910
Headquarters	United Kingdom

Template:Infobox aircraft The Bristol Biplane Type 'T', occasionally referred to as the Challenger-Dickson Biplane, was a variant influenced by the Bristol Boxkite. Constructed in 1911 by the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company, it was specifically created as a long-distance racing aircraft for pilot Maurice Tabuteau.

Development

Although the Type 'T' was not a direct evolution of the Bristol Boxkite, it incorporated insights gained from its development. The design was led by George Challenger, who received practical input from Captain Bertram Dickson, a well-known aviator of that era. Retaining the "Farman" layout characteristic of the Boxkite, the Type 'T' notably featured an enclosed nacelle for pilot accommodation. The front elevator's supporting framework was considerably altered: it was positioned lower, aligned with the lower wing, and the undercarriage skids extended forward and upward to integrate with the elevator's mount. Unlike the Boxkite, the twin rudders at the rear were balanced.

The initial model (Bristol No. 45) was constructed to participate in the 1911 Circuit de l'Europe event, piloted by Maurice Tabuteau and powered by a 70 hp (52 kW) Gnome Gamma rotary engine. Tabuteau delivered a commendable performance, successfully completing all nine stages of the competition.

Subsequently, four additional units were produced for the 1911 Daily Mail Circuit of Britain Air Race. These aircraft featured alterations including a redesigned nacelle and repositioned rudders set farther from the engine's slipstream.

• No. 51 was intended for Graham Gilmour to fly during the race; however, he was unable to participate due to suspension of his licence. Afterward, this aircraft was equipped with a 50 hp Gnome engine and sold to Gerald Napier. Tragically, on 2 August 1911, it crashed at Brooklands resulting in Napier's death.
• No. 52 was powered by a 70 hp Gnome engine and flown by Collyns Pizey.
• No. 53 also utilized a 70 hp Gnome engine and was piloted by Gordon England, but it was withdrawn owing to engine difficulties.
• No. 54, fitted with a 60 hp Renault engine, was assigned to Howard Pixton, who crashed during the race and failed to complete it.

Maurice Tabuteau also competed using the original Type T No. 45; nevertheless, none of the Type T biplanes managed to finish the race. Following the fatal accident involving No. 51, all Type T aircraft ceased flying operations. Additionally, an extra airframe, No. 59, underwent modifications by Gordon England and became known as the Challenger-England biplane. Another unit, No. 78, intended to be equipped with a 100 hp Gnome engine, remained unfinished.

The Challenger-England Biplane

Guided by Gordon England, one example of this aircraft was subsequently modified to feature a tractor configuration and was equipped with a 60 hp (45 kW) E.N.V. Type F water-cooled V-8 engine.

External links

• Bristol Aircraft since 1910 - image featured in Flight 1950