News / aviation
Major conservation project to restore historic freighter
Aerospace Bristol has launched a major new conservation project to restore Europe’s only remaining Freighter Type 170 aircraft.
One of the rarest surviving British aircraft, the aeroplane played a significant role in post-war aviation.
The Freighter is famous for its unique clamshell doors, which can transport large amounts of cargo, vehicles and even animals, and is one of only 12 surviving worldwide.
Formerly used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, it served during the Cold War era, adding to the aircraft’s historical significance.
Designed and built in Bristol between the early 1940s and the late 1950s, the aircraft was not returned to Bristol until 2018, following operations across Southeast Asia during the Cold War and decades of storage in New Zealand.
The Bristol Freighter Type 170 is believed to be the last remaining aircraft of its kind in Europe
A team of volunteers skilled in engineering and conservation are undertaking the restoration.
This will involve careful removal from its current hangar, reattachment of the aircraft’s wings, corrosion removal and weatherproofing to ensure long-term protection.
Volunteers are expected to contribute over 10,000 hours to the project, which will be completed over the next few years.
The freighter will be gradually dismantled, restored and reassembled by volunteers over the coming years as part of a live conservation display
During this process, visitors will have the opportunity to watch these detailed conservation efforts up close and when complete, may attend live talks and talk to volunteers behind the project.
Aerospace Bristol plans to move the Freighter outside by the end of summer.
Interpretation lead at Aerospace Bristol, Kate Rambridge, called the project a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and highlighted its ability to bring forgotten stories “to life for new generations”.
Chief executive, Sally Cordwell said the project “represents everything Aerospace Bristol stands for”, namely its preservation and celebration of Bristol’s aviation legacy.
Aerospace Bristol is offering a programme of special spotlight talks highlighting the Bristol Freighter’s history and ongoing conservation.
For more information, visit aerospacebristol.org/the-bristol-freighter-t170
All photos: Aerospace Bristol
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