Planes and Choppers Photos

Bristol started out as the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company, formed by personal investment by Sir George White, Baronet, in 1910. The first successful aircraft was the Bristol Boxkite, an improved version of the popular Farman. WW1 production included the Scout biplane and M.1C monoplane fighter. To avoid excess war profits, the business was transferred in 1920 to the Bristol Aeroplane Company (which had already been registered in 1910). The Engine Department was formed at the same time, and became more important that aircraft manufacture, although between the wars some fighters and transports were produced. WW2 saw the Blenheim, Beaufighter and Beaufort. Post-war production and development led to the Brabazon debacle, the Freighter and Sycamore helicopters. The Belvedere twin-rotor design passed to Westland. The final designs were the Britannia and Bristol 188 stainless-steel research aircraft. Bristol Aircraft, as it had become by then, was absorbed into BAC in 1960.