C.Barnes Bristol Aircraft since 1910 (Putnam)

The Bristol Monoplane (1911)

   The first Bristol monoplane was designed by George Challenger and Archibald Low in January 1911 and was a single-seater incorporating both Bleriot and Antoinette features, having the warping wing of the former and the slim, triangular-section fuselage of the latter. The 50 h.p. Gnome engine was mounted in a steel frame, and the undercarriage was a simple arrangement of two wheels and a central skid anticipating that of the famous Avro 504 biplane. Two of these monoplanes (Nos. 35 and 36) were constructed in February 1911, and the first was sent to Larkhill for preliminary testing before returning to Filton to be prepared for the Olympia Exhibition in March. It attracted great interest there and the second monoplane was similarly shown at St. Petersburg from 23 to 30 April. When flight tests of No. 35 were attempted by Versepuy at Larkhill, the monoplane failed to take-off and was damaged, and no attempt was made to repair it, in view of Pierre Prier's impending arrival as a monoplane designer.

   SPECIFICATION AND DATA
Type: Tractor Monoplane (1911)
Manufacturers: The British & Colonial Aeroplane Co. Ltd., Filton, Bristol
Power Plant: One 50 hp Gnome
Span: 33 ft 6 in
Length: 31 ft 6 in
Wing Area: 215 sq ft
Empty Weight: 580lb
All-up Weight: 760lb
Speed: 55 mph (estimated)
Accommodation: Pilot only
Production: 2
Sequence Nos.: 35,36