Bristol Coanda Monoplanes
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1910 |
| Founder | Sir George White |
| Headquarters | Bristol , United Kingdom |
| Products | Aircraft, including Bristol Coanda Monoplanes |
| Website | www |
The Bristol Coanda Monoplanes represent a collection of monoplane trainer aircraft crafted by the Romanian innovator Henri Coandă for the British enterprise British and Colonial Aeroplane Company.
From 1912 onward, multiple iterations of this aircraft were constructed, featuring both tandem and side-by-side cockpit configurations. The War Office acquired several units to serve as training machines within the Royal Flying Corps. Additionally, these monoplanes were exported to countries including Italy and Romania. One preserved example is housed at the Gianni Caproni Museum of Aeronautics, located in Trento, Italy.
Design and development
In January 1912, Romanian aeronautical engineer Henri Coandă joined Bristol and promptly designed a two-seat monoplane trainer. This design evolved from the earlier Bristol Prier Monoplane and utilised wing warping for control. The prototype completed its maiden flight in March 1912.[1] Following this, a series of similar models emerged, incorporating both tandem and side-by-side seating arrangements, which became known as the School Monoplane and the Side by Side Monoplane respectively.
A more robust version was developed specifically for the 1912 competition aimed at selecting aircraft for the British War Office. Two such aircraft, referred to as Competition Monoplanes, participated alongside two Bristol Gordon England biplanes. These planes were piloted by Harry Busteed, Bristol’s chief test pilot, and James Valentine.[2]
The Competition Monoplanes performed commendably, achieving a joint fifth place. Contemporary reports praised them as "well-designed and well-constructed" but noted drawbacks including being "heavy relative to wing area" and underpowered.[3] Consequently, these aircraft were procured by the War Office to serve as trainers within the Royal Flying Corps.[1] Building upon these two models, Bristol developed an enhanced military trainer named the Military Monoplane, distinguished by an enlarged wingspan.
This Military Monoplane subsequently served as the foundation for the development of the Bristol TB.8, with several units later converted into TB.8 variants.
Operational history
The initial deployment of the School and Side by Side monoplanes took place within flying schools managed by Bristol at Larkhill and Brooklands. Export sales included one tandem and two side-by-side aircraft to Italy, while Romania acquired four tandem and three side-by-side models.
Following the Military Aircraft Competition, the War Office procured the two Competition Monoplanes, which were subsequently utilized as training aircraft by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). Tragically, on 10 September 1912, a Competition Monoplane crashed near Godstow Road in Lower Wolvercote, Oxfordshire, resulting in the deaths of Lieutenants Edward Hotchkiss and Claude Bettington. The investigation attributed the accident to the detachment of one of the bracing wires, leading to a five-month prohibition on all monoplane flights within the RFC's military division.
Despite this suspension, both Romania and Italy continued to acquire Military Monoplanes. Additionally, a production license was granted to Caproni, although this authorization was later revoked after only two aircraft were constructed under license.
Variants
- School Monoplane
- Designed as a trainer featuring tandem seating arrangements. Equipped with a 50 hp (40 kW) Gnome piston engine. Total of six units produced.
- Side by Side Monoplane
- Trainer model with side-by-side cockpit configuration. Powered by a 50 hp (40 kW) Gnome engine. Six examples built.
- Competition Monoplane
- Two units constructed specifically for the War Office Military Aeroplane Competition. Fitted with an 80 hp (60 kW) Gnome engine.
- Daimler Monoplane
- A single aircraft powered by a 70 hp (50 kW) Daimler engine. Found to be overweight and unsuccessful.
- Military Monoplane
- An enhanced version of the Competition Monoplane featuring an increased wingspan. Powered by an 80 hp (60 kW) Gnome engine. Twenty-one built.
Operators
Aircraft on display
Only one Bristol Coanda Monoplane remains today, preserved at the Gianni Caproni Museum of Aeronautics in Trento, Italy. It holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving Bristol aircraft. This particular airframe was originally sent to Caproni as a prototype for licensed manufacturing but was never flown. The aircraft has since been fully restored for exhibition purposes at the museum.
Specifications (Military)
See also
References
External links
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