Bristol F.3A

British & Colonial Aeroplane Co

Industry	Aircraft manufacturing
Founded	1910
Headquarters	United Kingdom

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The Bristol F.3A was a British-designed, single-engine biplane with seating for three, created in 1916 by the British & Colonial Aeroplane Co as a fighter intended to counter Zeppelin threats. Although two prototypes were commissioned by the Royal Flying Corps, construction was never completed and the initiative was ultimately abandoned. In 1923, this model was given the retrospective designation Type 7.

Development

The firm received an invitation to submit a design for two prototype escort fighters capable of combating Zeppelins, utilising two 250 hp Rolls-Royce engines supplied by the Admiralty. The concept drew heavily on the company's twin-engine local defence fighter, the T.T.A.. A key requirement was a patrol endurance lasting seven hours. On 16 May 1916, an order was placed with the company to produce two prototypes for service with the Royal Flying Corps. Many components from the T.T.A., such as the wings, rear fuselage, and tail assembly, were incorporated into the design. The aircraft featured two gunners positioned in separate nacelles atop the upper wing, each equipped with machine guns capable of firing forwards and backwards.

Following advancements in aircraft fitted with synchronised guns, the project was discontinued and neither prototype was constructed.