News / Aerospace Bristol
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Bristol Brabazon
The Bristol Brabazon was a pioneering aircraft that laid the foundation for the development of Concorde and has more recently given its name to a new neighbourhood being built on the site of the former Filton Airfield.
To mark the 75th anniversary of its first flight on September 4 1949, Aerospace Bristol are holding a series of events and a special display
The Brabazon offered passengers greater luxury than any other modern aircraft.
Featuring on-board cinemas, cocktail bars, lavish lounges and separate sleeping quarters, it was designed to be the ocean liner of the sky but 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.
Despite its lack of commercial success, the development of the Brabazon laid the groundwork for the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s eventual contract to build Concorde, the world’s first supersonic passenger jet.
The Brabazon Hangars – now the proposed site of the YTL Arena – and the runway at Filton, specifically built for the aircraft, would later prove to be the ideal location for designing and building Concorde.
Inside the Brabazon hangars – photo: Bristol24/7
Aerospace Bristol’s head of collections, learning & interpretation, said that the Bristol Brabazon “is a hugely important part of Bristol’s history”.
She said: “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.”
An aerial view of the Brabazon hangars – photo: P Dean
For more information about the anniversary, visit www.aerospacebristol.org/brabazon-75
Main photo: Aerospace Bristol
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