Bristol Glider

British & Colonial Aeroplane Company

Industry	Aerospace
Founder	Sir George White
Headquarters	Filton, Bristol , United Kingdom
Key people	George Challenger (Chief Engineer)

Bristol Glider

The Bristol Glider was an early British two-seat biplane glider developed in the 1910s. Its design was credited to George Challenger, with construction undertaken by the British & Colonial Aeroplane Company at Filton Aerodrome, Bristol.

As chief engineer of the British & Colonial Aeroplane Company, Challenger created the glider specifically for Sir George White, the company's founder. White commissioned the aircraft to be presented to the Bristol and West of England Aero Club following his appointment as club president in October 1910.

Challenger’s earlier work included the Bristol Boxkite, which drew significant inspiration from designs by Henri Farman. The Bristol Glider adopted a similar structural arrangement, featuring a prominent foreplane positioned well ahead of the main wings. This foreplane was supported by wire-braced wooden booms that also carried the undercarriage, consisting of a pair of extended skids equipped with small wheels. Four tapering booms converged in elevation to support a single tailplane, differing from the Boxkite’s twin tailplanes. Both foreplane and tailplane operated in unison to manage pitch control. A modest pair of rudders were installed between the booms near the tail section, while lateral stability was maintained through ailerons attached to the upper wing.

The glider’s maiden flight occurred on 17 December 1910 at Keynsham’s landing ground, with Challenger himself as pilot. Launching involved hand-towing into the air and retrieving uphill using a two-wheel dolly. Although it sustained damage in February 1911, repairs were made promptly. A more significant mishap on 4 September 1911 resulted in repair costs amounting to £30. The aircraft remained extant until 1912; however, its ultimate disposition remains undocumented. Although designed to accommodate a 30 hp (22 kW) engine, this powerplant was never installed.