Bristol Racer

This advanced monoplane was designed in 1921 around the new 480 hp Bristol Jupiter radial. The huge, full-span ailerons nearly twisted the wings right off on it's first flight in 1922, they were reduced in size twice and external bracing wires were fitted on the wings. The Racer was abandoned after many problems with instability and the spinner, it had flown eight times. The picture above shows it before the second flight. 

First Flight:

July 1922

Racer:

1 - The Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd

Type Specification

Applies to:

Bristol Racer

Type:

Single seat racing monoplane

Wing:

Braced mid wing monoplane. Spars steel and wood, wings are fabric covered. Wing braced with streamline wires

Fuselage:

Circular streamline fuselage, rear fuselage of monocoque construction of wood and metal

Tail Unit:

Cantilever tail unit with unbalanced control surfaces

Landing Gear:

Main gear retracts into wing root and in hinged on the centreline. Tail skid

Power Plant:

One 510 hp Bristol Jupiter air cooled engine

Accommodation:

Cockpit for pilot level with trailing edge of wing

Dimensions

Span:

25 ft 2 in

Length:

21 ft 7 in

Height:

8 ft 9 in

Wing Area:

Unknown

Weights

None known

Performance

Max Speed:

220 mph (estimated)