Bristol Type 188
Serial Number:
XF926
Period:
Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 83/A/1112
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, Research & Development
Built mainly of stainless steel, this aircraft was designed
to investigate the effects of heat on aircraft structures at very high
speeds. To protect the pilot against heat build-up a special cockpit refrigeration
system was installed. Nicknamed 'Flaming Pencil', only two Bristol 188s
ever flew, a third being used for ground tests.
Data collected during test-flying could be transmitted directly to a ground
station for immediate evaluation. The data provided was essential for
the development of the proposed Avro 730 high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance
aircraft. The prototype 188, XF923, made its maiden flight on 14 April
1962 and its public debut at Farnborough in September of that year.
Both Bristol 188s were powered by de Havilland Gyron Junior engines; the
first British engine designed for sustained running at supersonic speeds.
Experience gained with this engine was later applied to the Olympus engines
which power Concorde.
Although a maximum speed of Mach 1.88 was reached this fell short of the
required Mach 2 performance. This, combined with fuel leaks, an endurance
of only 25 minutes and the cancellation of the Avro 730, led to the cancellation
of the Bristol 188 project in 1964.
Test Pilot: Godfrey Auty
Godfrey Auty was a company test pilot for many years. He flew the Bristol 188 on its maiden flight.
The Bristol is made of stainless steel, held together by an unusual method known as puddle welding.
