The Brabazon 1 undertaking preliminary taxying trials at Filton on the day before its first flight. Photo obtained from Bristol.

The prototype Bristol 173 twin rotor helicopter making its maiden flight form Bristol's factory at Filton. Now preserved at Kemble by the Bristol Aero Collection.

The prototype Bristol Britannia is towed out of Filton's "Brabazon Hangar" where it has just been completed. After ground running tests, the aircraft made the type's maiden flight on 16 August 1952. Obtained from Bristol in the 1950s.

The Brabazon has had its fuselage skinning and tail fin fairing added inside the Filton flight shed. It will shortly be moved to the new large assembly hangar. From Bristols 60 years ago.

The prototype Bristol 173 powered by two Leonidas Major piston engines, before application of registration and first flight on 24 August 1952. From Bristol in the 1950s.

The Brabazon has been fitted with wing roots and undercarriage and moved out of initial assembly in the flight shed. It will now be completed in the newly erected "Brabazon Hangar" in the background. From Bristols 60 years ago.

Bristol's demonstrator Britannia 300 Series has just been painted in full Cubana colour scheme prior to a 27,000 mile sales tour around South America. The smallest runway used was at B.A. Aeroparque - 5100 ft. Cubana ordered several Britannias and operated them until 1990 - the longest service of any B175 operator. From Bristols 50 years ago.

In the foreground is Aviacion y Comercios EC-ADI and behind is EC-ADH (c/n 12776). They are awaiting delivery from Filton. EC-ADI crashed at Barajas on 9 Mqy 1957 and EC-ADH was damaged beyond repair landing at Mahon on 13 March 1959. Photo obtained from Bristol Aeroplane Co.

A Blenheim Mk.V, initially known as the Bisley, fitted with an under-nose gun position. Note that, unlike the Mk.IV, the Mk.V cross section in front of the cockpit is symmetrical from just behind the nose to the windshield. The type was used by Bomber and Coastal Commands (who operated this example). It was built by Avro and Rootes in addition to Bristols, from whom photo was obtained.

The sole Brabazon on finals to its Filton birthplace at the conclusion of its 2 1/2 hour second test flight. Powered by eight Centaurus piston engines coupled in pairs. A second example, to be powered by Proteus turboprops was registered as G-AIML but broken up when half complete. G-AGPW was dismantled at Filton in October 1953. Photo obtained from Bristol.