Bristol Braemar

Bristol & Colonial
Industry	Aircraft manufacturing
Founded	1917
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Aircraft (e.g. Bristol Braemar)

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The Bristol Braemar was a British heavy bomber aircraft developed towards the conclusion of the First World War for use by the Royal Air Force. Only two prototype units were ever completed.

Development

The Braemar prototype was conceived following the formation of the Independent Air Force in October 1917, intended as a bomber capable of executing long-range missions, including strikes on Berlin. It was a large triplane design featuring internal bomb bays that could accommodate up to six 250 lb (110 kg) bombs.

Originally, the design incorporated a distinctive engine arrangement where all four engines were housed within a central engine compartment. These engines were to be mechanically linked in pairs, transmitting power via shafts to four propellers. This concept was abandoned early in the development phase. Instead, both completed Braemars utilized a more conventional setup, with engines mounted in inline tandem pairs driving both pusher and tractor propellers. Notably, the central engine room concept was later revisited in the development of the proposed steam-powered Tramp.

On 26 February 1918, Bristol & Colonial received an Air Board contract to build three prototypes. The first Braemar took flight on 13 August 1918, powered by four 230 hp (170 kW) Siddeley Puma engines. While the prototype demonstrated generally satisfactory performance with a maximum speed of 106 mph (171 km/h), test pilots expressed concerns regarding limited cockpit visibility and control responsiveness,^[1] leading to the development of an improved model designated Braemar Mk.II. This version was equipped with four more powerful 400 hp (300 kW) Liberty L-12 engines, resulting in an enhanced top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

The Braemar did not enter operational service with the RAF, with only two prototypes constructed. The third prototype was completed as a Pullman, configured as a 14-passenger civil transport.

Variants

File:Bristol-Braemar-1919.jpg

The Bristol Braemar II in flight, 1919.

Type 24 Braemar I: Initial prototype powered by four 230 hp (172 kW) Siddeley Puma engines; one unit built, first flown on 13 March 1918.
Type 25 Braemar II: Enhanced prototype fitted with four 400 hp (298 kW) Liberty L-12 engines; one unit built, first flown on 18 February 1919.
Type 26 Pullman: Civil variant designed to carry 14 passengers, powered by Liberty L-12 engines; one unit built, first flown in May 1920.

Specifications (Braemar Mk.II)

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References

Citations

↑ The pilots were no longer able to feel sideslip through the wind on their faces (Flight 12 February 1960 p208)

Bibliography

Barnes C.H., Bristol Aircraft Since 1910, Putnam & Company Ltd, 1964.
Two Tri-Quads, Flight, 5 March 1942, p. 209.

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[1] The pilots were no longer able to feel sideslip through the wind on their faces (Flight 12 February 1960 p208)

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