Aerospace Bristol will be showcasing the fascinating history of the pioneering aircraft that laid the foundation for the development of Concorde, the world’s first supersonic passenger jet.
On 4th September 1949, a small army of technicians swarmed Filton airfield, hundreds of cyclists gathered at vantage points, and around 10,000 more people arrived to witness the first flight of what promised to be a new era of passenger travel.
The Bristol Brabazon was an ambitious project aiming to offer passengers greater luxury than any other modern aircraft. Featuring on-board cinemas, cocktail bars, lavish lounges, and separate sleeping quarters, the Brabazon was designed to be the ocean liner of the sky.
Despite its technical brilliance, the Brabazon was a commercial failure. By the time it was ready, the market for expensive luxury travel was shifting towards smaller airlines with high-density seating and lower fares.
However, the development of the Brabazon laid the groundwork for the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s eventual contract to build the world’s first supersonic passenger jet. The Brabazon Hangar and Filton Runway, specifically built for the aircraft, would later prove to be the ideal location for designing and building Concorde.
Amy Seadon, Head of Collections, Learning, and Interpretation, said: “The Bristol Brabazon is a hugely important part of Bristol’s history, and we are thrilled to display aspects of this remarkable aircraft for the anniversary. Visitors will be able to see items such as the Brabazon’s cockpit window and tyre, and learn about the wider public reaction through newspaper clippings from the time.”
Bill Morgan’s father worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company and once took him inside the Brabazon fuselage when it was still under construction, he said: “I recall that it was like being in the inside of a whale with all the fuselage frames defining the shape. I don’t have any part of the aircraft but Mr Baker, who ran the Mock-up shop gave me a wooden representation of the toiletries box from a partly finished mock up. I used it at school to keep bits and pieces in and I still have it.”
Visitors to Aerospace Bristol can enjoy spotlight talks about the Brabazon and view a special display of Brabazon objects in the admissions area from Thursday, 5th September to Sunday, 29th September. Additionally, a larger Brabazon exhibit is featured within the museum’s Heritage Hangar, offering a deeper insight into this significant chapter of aviation history.
To find out more, visit aerospacebristol.org/brabazon-75