Bristol Filton Airport

Filton Airport

Company type	Private
Industry	Aviation
Founded	1910
Fate	Closed 31 December 2012
Headquarters	Filton and Patchway , England, United Kingdom
Area served	Bristol area
Owner	BAE Systems Aviation Services Limited (final owner)

Filton Airport, also known as Filton Aerodrome Template:Airport codes, was a privately operated airfield situated in Filton and Patchway, within South Gloucestershire, approximately 4 NM (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) north of Bristol, England.

Description

The airfield was enclosed by the A38 road on its eastern side and the former London to Avonmouth railway line, known as the Henbury Loop Line, along its southern boundary. To the north, it was bordered by the Filton Bypass. A significant roadway now intersects this bypass, traversing former airfield grounds and connecting Filton and Patchway to Cribbs Causeway. The residential area of Charlton Hayes occupies the portion of the airfield located within Patchway.

Filton held an Ordinary Licence (number P741) issued by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, authorising it to conduct public passenger transport flights and flight instruction under the licensee's authority. The airfield also served as a base for several private jets.

The runway at Filton was notably wider than typical, measuring 91 m (300 ft) across, and extended to a length of 2,467 m (8,094 ft). This extension was implemented in 1949 to accommodate the inaugural flight of the Bristol Brabazon airliner. The ample runway dimensions proved advantageous during the late 1960s and early 1970s for the development and production of the supersonic Concorde aircraft.

Ownership of Filton changed hands multiple times. After assessing its commercial prospects, the final proprietor, BAE Systems Aviation Services Limited, opted to cease operations at the airfield effective 31 December 2012. Subsequently, BAE divested portions of the industrial facilities and land to Airbus, which has since expanded its footprint on the site. As of 2016, Airbus remains the principal occupant, having constructed new office buildings and refurbished Pegasus House—one of the original listed 'Aircraft Works' structures—as well as restoring the historic Filton House. Planning approvals were granted for Airbus to establish a new Engine Development Centre and, in 2016, for facilities dedicated to Wing Building and Wing Development.

Approximately a decade prior to the airfield’s closure, a regional letter sorting depot for the West of England Royal Mail was established on part of its grounds.

As of 2016, flight operations at Filton were limited to helicopters operated by the National Police Air Service and an Air Ambulance helicopter run by the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Both services relocated to a new base in nearby Almondsbury in October 2018.

History

The origins of aircraft manufacturing date back to 1910 when Sir George White, proprietor of Bristol Tramways, founded the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company within the maintenance sheds of Bristol Tramways. By 1911, a modest 'flying ground' had been established opposite Fairlawn Avenue at the summit of Filton Hill.

First World War

During the First World War, the company experienced rapid expansion, producing thousands of Bristol Fighters along with other aircraft models. In 1915, as the Aircraft Works grew beyond the initial flying area, the Royal Flying Corps set up Filton Airfield in fields situated at the base of Filton Hill. Access was routed through the hamlet of Charlton, which was requisitioned by the War Office. Residents were relocated, and most buildings were demolished, although a few remained until the airfield's closure and subsequent development into the Charlton Hayes housing estate.

Military facilities constructed during this period primarily consisted of wooden huts; however, more durable buildings such as Barnwell Hall were later added. RFC Filton mainly served as an aircraft acceptance center throughout the war.

Adjacent to the airfield runway, a flying school operated, and this location eventually became integrated into the Engine Division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company.

Inter-war years

File:Aerial travel for Business or Pleasure - Thos Cook & Son - 1919 - pp 16+ (map).jpg

A 1919 publication titled "Map of Air Routes and Landing Places in Great Britain," temporarily arranged by the Air Ministry for civilian aviation, depicts Filton as a "civil station" connected to Hounslow near London

Aero-engine manufacturing commenced near Filton Airfield following the acquisition of Cosmos Engineering in 1920. That same year marked the rebranding of the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company to the Bristol Aeroplane Company, commonly abbreviated as BAC. Starting in 1929, No. 501 (City of Bristol) Squadron RAF was stationed at RAF Filton. By 1939, this squadron operated Hawker Hurricane fighters and was among the British units deployed to France.

Second World War

Prior to World War II, Filton's runways were composed solely of grass surfaces. The rearmament initiative from 1935 until hostilities began led to further enlargement of the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s operations. Facilities such as East Works on Gypsy Patch Lane and Rodney Works along Gloucester Road North were established specifically for aircraft engine production.

Initially, it was believed German bombers lacked sufficient range to target Filton; however, following Nazi Germany's invasion of France in 1940, this assumption changed drastically. To protect aircraft manufacturing plants, anti-aircraft artillery was installed on a pasture at Filton Hill adjacent to Filton Golf Club. On 25 September 1940, German bombers operating from France launched an attack on Filton that inflicted severe damage on factory buildings and resulted in significant casualties when several air-raid shelters were struck. Subsequently, a squadron equipped with Supermarine Spitfire fighters was based at Filton.

In preparation for D-Day, American aircraft components imported through Avonmouth docks were assembled at Filton Aerodrome. Following the June 1944 landings, Filton became a key reception point for US military casualties, many transported to Frenchay Hospital. Aircraft constructed at Filton during this period included the Blenheim, Beaufort, Beaufighter, and Brigand. Additionally, during 1941 and 1942, Filton Aerodrome underwent upgrades featuring a concrete runway surface.

Post war

Following the conclusion of the Second World War, the concrete runway at Filton Aerodrome was lengthened westward by John Laing & Son to accommodate the safe takeoff of the massive Bristol Brabazon airliner. This expansion necessitated the demolition of the hamlet of Charlton and resulted in the disruption of the pre-existing Filton bypass. Constructed in the late 1940s under the supervision of T. P. O'Sullivan, the three-bay Brabazon Aircraft Assembly Hall (AAH) featured hangar doors and a railway level crossing for aircraft that were, at that time, the largest worldwide. Following a fatal accident where a worker was crushed while resting within one of the door folds, a warning siren was installed to alert personnel during door operations.

In the late 1940s through the early 1950s, BAC diversified its portfolio to include production and development of prefabricated structures, plastics, helicopters, guided missiles, luxury automobiles, gas turbines, and ramjet engines. During this period, both the Bristol Britannia (nicknamed Whispering Giant) airliner and Bristol Freighter were manufactured.

In 1948, 501 Squadron received De Havilland Vampire jets, which became a familiar presence in Filton’s airspace throughout the early to mid-1950s. The squadron was disbanded on 3 February 1957; in protest, one pilot attempted to fly under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, but tragically crashed into a hillside near Sea Mills, Bristol on the Leigh Woods side of the Avon Gorge, resulting in his death.

Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) operated their Lockheed Constellation and Boeing Stratocruiser aircraft into Filton for servicing within the newly completed Brabazon Hangar—the largest hangar globally at that time. These maintenance flights ceased once appropriate hangars were established at London Heathrow Airport. In 1954, BAC inaugurated a technical college dedicated to apprentices and trainees located at the base of Filton Hill. This institution was later incorporated into Filton Technical College, which had opened across Filton Avenue in 1961. The aero engine divisions of Bristol Aeroplane Company and Armstrong Siddeley merged in 1958 to create Bristol Siddeley Engines. Subsequently, Rolls-Royce acquired Bristol Siddeley Engines in 1966. On 4 February 1971, Rolls-Royce faced bankruptcy due to financial pressures from developing the RB211 engine for the Lockheed L-1011 Tristar. Given Rolls-Royce’s critical role supplying engines to the Royal Air Force, government intervention led to nationalisation of the company. At that time, local MP and Minister for Aviation, Frederick Corfield, likely influenced this uncommon decision within a Conservative government.

In 1960, aircraft interests of the Bristol Aeroplane Company were absorbed by the British Aircraft Corporation. That same year, an RAF Vulcan bomber approaching from the west encountered heavy rain while landing at Filton. Upon braking, it began to aquaplane and aborted its landing attempt. Although it successfully took off again and landed elsewhere later, its four Bristol Siddeley Olympus 201 engines produced jet blast powerful enough to severely damage a filling station located at the runway’s eastern end, spin cars on the A38 trunk road, and destroy steel railings along the boundary fence. Witnesses reported that the aircraft narrowly cleared engine test beds adjacent to the Bristol to South Wales railway embankment. As a result, the filling station was relocated further north for safety reasons. During this period, a new Filton bypass was constructed roughly parallel to its predecessor; this route eventually became part of the M5 motorway. The development and manufacture of Concorde took place throughout the 1960s and 1970s at Filton alongside further runway extensions. The prototype Concorde 002 performed its maiden flight on 9 April 1969 from Filton Aerodrome. All other British-built Concorde aircraft also utilized Filton's main runway for their initial flights. Due to intense jet blast effects during takeoff, gates and traffic signals were installed to close off sections of the A38 road. Additionally, several Lightning fighters were produced during this era.

File:VulcanB2atFilton1960s.jpg

An Avro Vulcan B1A V bomber stationed at one rapid dispersal point during a public air display in Filton in the 1960s

The extended runway length combined with its lack of passenger traffic made Filton an optimal dispersal location for Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent throughout the Cold War. During February 1962’s Cuban Missile Crisis, Vulcan Bombers were deployed on short notice standby at this airfield. On 3 December 1962, Bristol Siddeley Engines operated Vulcan XA894 as a flying test platform for the Olympus 22R engine intended for use in the ultimately cancelled BAC TSR-2 bomber. Positioned on an apron near what was once an RAF station at Filton, with exhaust routed through a de-tuner, maximum reheat power was applied. However, an LP turbine disc failed catastrophically, puncturing two fuel tanks and igniting a fire that quickly engulfed both aircraft and a nearby fire truck positioned ahead of it. Despite rapid escalation leaving little chance for firefighting efforts, test engineers evacuated without major injuries.

Following disbandment of squadron 501, apprentices from Bristol Siddeley Engines and British Aircraft Corporation utilized Barnwell Hall—formerly an RAF Officers Mess—for accommodation purposes. Meanwhile, Bristol University Air Squadron continued operating from some remaining RAF facilities. Currently many RAF buildings stand derelict while Barnwell Hall itself has been demolished. For several years after Concorde’s retirement, one surplus Concorde aircraft (G-BBDG) was stored inside one hangar where it was cannibalized for spare parts by British Airways. Eventually it was relocated to the Brooklands Museum for restoration. A further extension downhill of the main runway was constructed during Concorde development in the late 1960s. Additionally, Filton had a shorter concrete runway oriented roughly north–south; this strip occasionally served Dakota aircraft ferrying key BAC personnel to Fairford during early Concorde development in the early 1970s but has since been removed to make way for housing developments at Charlton Hayes.

1977 onwards

Starting in 1977, British Aerospace, which held a stake in the entity that evolved into Airbus, became a significant shareholder of the site. Activities carried out included manufacturing parts for both the BAe 146 and Airbus aircraft. From the late 1990s through to 2010, Douglas DC8 and Airbus A300 B4 planes frequently operated in and out of Filton. Airbus A300 B4 aircraft were often positioned in rows, awaiting conversion from passenger to cargo configurations by BAE Systems. Maintenance work was also performed on Boeing 747-200 models. In 2002, BAE Systems exited the civil aviation development and production sector to restructure as a defense manufacturer specializing in military aircraft, naval vessels, and related products. Airbus remains active at the location, although the runway is planned to be replaced by residential developments.

On 26 November 2003, Concorde 216 (G-BOAF) completed its final journey, marking the last flight of any Concorde still in operation. Departing from Heathrow, it flew over the Bay of Biscay before performing several low-altitude flybys over Bristol, including a pass above the Clifton Suspension Bridge where spectators had assembled, before touching down at Filton. In 2017, a new institution named Aerospace Bristol opened north of the former runway. This followed the closure of an earlier visitor center in 2010 after a fatal incident involving a fall from a walkway. Concorde remains a key exhibit within the Bristol Aero collection.

A public inquiry convened by South Gloucestershire Council on 21 November 2006 addressed plans to construct 2,200 homes on the airfield's (Patchway) section. The initial occupants settled into Charlton Hayes starting October 2010.

The aviation assets originally belonging to British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) are now divided among Airbus, GKN, and BAE Systems (the latter being BAC’s successor), while aero engine operations fall under Rolls-Royce ownership. The guided weapons facilities are managed by MBDA.

Airbus completed renovations of Filton House and Pegasus House—both designated as Grade II listed buildings—as part of a large-scale office development finalized in 2013. Pegasus House, also known as New Filton House, was officially reopened by the Duke of Gloucester after being unoccupied for two decades. Originally constructed in 1936 as the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s headquarters, this expansive Art Deco structure features sculptures, plaster reliefs, and foyer flooring created by Denis Dunlop.

Adjacent to the A38 road, Airbus UK acquired 26 acres (110,000 m²) of land from the former Rolls-Royce Rodney Works to establish a wing design and manufacturing facility. This project was completed after obtaining planning approval from South Gloucestershire Council in 2016.

Units

Throughout its history, a variety of units have been stationed at this location:

• No. 2 Aircraft Preparation Unit
• No. 2 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School RAF
• No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School RAF
• No. 2 Ferry Pilots Pool RAF
• No. 2 Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit
• No. 7 Radio Maintenance Unit
• No. 7 Radio Servicing Section
• No. 8 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF
• No. 10 Group Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Flight
• No. 10 Group Target Towing Flight
• No. 12 Reserve Flying School RAF
• No. 15 Ferry Unit RAF
• No. 19 Squadron RAF
• No. 20 Squadron RAF
• No. 25 Squadron RAF
• No. 33 Squadron RAF
• No. 42 Squadron RAF
• No. 62 Squadron RAF
• No. 66 Squadron RAF
• No. 101 Squadron RAF
• No. 110 (Anti-Aircraft Co-operation) Wing
• No. 118 Squadron RAF
• No. 236 Squadron RAF
• No. 263 Squadron RAF
• No. 286 Squadron RAF
• No. 501 Squadron RAF
• No. 504 Squadron RAF
• No. 528 Squadron RAF
• Bristol UAS
• Centaurus Flight

Closure

BAE Systems divested portions of the land comprising Filton Airfield in a transaction valued at £120 million.Template:Fix/category

Revival

In late 2017, a number of hangars were reopened to establish Aerospace Bristol, a museum dedicated to aerospace and the region’s aviation manufacturing legacy, featuring a specially constructed hangar housing Concorde G-BOAF, the final Concorde assembled at Filton.

Current situation

South Gloucestershire Council has designated the former airfield site for the development of approximately 2,675 residential units. This new community, named Brabazon, is being developed by YTL Corporation, with construction commencing in 2020 and initial occupancy expected by 2021. By 2023, sections of the former runway have been removed, and building activity on areas that previously served as taxiways and aprons is progressing steadily as the project advances.

Images

• A preserved ex-British Airways Concorde displayed at Filton Airfield before relocation to Aerospace Bristol for public viewing.
  A preserved ex-British Airways Concorde displayed at Filton Airfield before relocation to Aerospace Bristol for public viewing.
• An aerial view of the Filton vicinity near Bristol circa 1935.
  An aerial view of the Filton vicinity near Bristol circa 1935.
• The control tower alongside a visiting Learjet 60 business jet.
  The control tower alongside a visiting Learjet 60 business jet.
• Bell 206B Jet Ranger III observed in 2006, utilized for electricity pylon inspections based at Filton.
  Bell 206B Jet Ranger III observed in 2006, utilized for electricity pylon inspections based at Filton.
• The Western Counties Air Operations Unit’s Eurocopter EC135 T2, which supported law enforcement and medical services for the Avon and Somerset Police and Gloucestershire Police forces while stationed here; this function has since transitioned to the National Police Air Service.
  The Western Counties Air Operations Unit’s Eurocopter EC135 T2, which supported law enforcement and medical services for the Avon and Somerset Police and Gloucestershire Police forces while stationed here; this function has since transitioned to the National Police Air Service.

External links

File:Commons-logo.svg Media related to at Wikimedia Commons

• Official website – archived September 2012
• Filton's Aviation Heritage – South Gloucestershire Council, archived 2007
• Google Earth view of Bristol Filton Airport