Bristol_Brigand Bristol_Brigand

Bristol Brigand - Definition and Overview

Bristol Brigand I
Description
RoleMulti-role strike aircraft
Crew3
First flightDecember 4, 1944
Entered serviceJune, 1946
ManufacturerBristol Aeroplane Company
Dimensions
Length46 ft 5 in14.2 m
Wingspan72 ft 4 in22.1 m
Height16 ft 4 in5 m
Wing area718 ft²66.7 m²
Weights
Empty27,500 lb12,470 kg
Loaded38,200 lb17,320 kg
Maximum takeoff lb kg
Powerplant
Engine2 × Bristol Centaurus 57
Power (each)2,165 hp1,620 kW
Performance
Maximum speed358 mph @ 13,700ft576 km/h @ 4,180 m
Combat range2,100 miles3,380 km
Ferry range2,770 miles4,457 km
Service ceiling26,000 ft7,920 m
Rate of climb1,500 ft/min460 m/min
Armament
Guns4 x Hispano 20 mm cannon


1 x Browning 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine gun
16 Rocket projectiles

Bombs22 inch (559 mm) torpedo + 1000 lb (450 kg) bombs


or 2000 lb (900 kg) bombs


The Bristol Brigand was the outcome of a 1942 specification (H. 7/42) calling for a faster edition of the Beaufighter for long range torpedo work and anti-shipping strikes.

The design produced by Bristol utilised the wings, tail and undercarriage of the Buckingham with a new fuselage of oval cross-section. The 3 crew - pilot, navigator/bomb aimer and radio-operator/gunner were grouped together in the forward cockpit.

The type 164 Brigand is notable as both the first purpose-built multi-role strike aircraft built for the RAF, and its last piston-engined bomber. It could carry either a torpedo under the fuselage with two 500lb (220 kg) bombs beneath the wings, or one 2,000lb (900 kg) or two 1,000lb (450 kg) bombs beneath the fuselage; and had under-wing racks for 16 rocket projectiles.

147 were built, and they served in Malaya and Kenya until replaced by the Canberra jet bomber.

Related content
Related development
Similar aircraft
Designation series

156 - 160 - 163 - 164 - 166 - 172 - 174

Related lists

List of aircraft of the RAF

List of Aircraft | Aircraft Manufacturers | Aircraft Engines | Aircraft Engine Manufacturers

Airlines | Air Forces | Aircraft Weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation

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