Celebrating 75th anniversary of pioneering aircraft

The Bristol Brabazon took its maiden flight from Filton Airfield on 4 September 1949

The 75th anniversary of a pioneering aircraft, which laid the foundation for the development of Concorde, is being celebrated.

About 10,000 people gathered at Filton Airfield to witness the maiden flight of the Bristol Brabazon on 4 September 1949.

The ambitious project - designed to be the 'ocean liner of the sky' - promised a new era of luxury passenger travel.

Talks and displays on the history of the iconic aircraft are being hosted by the Aerospace Bristol museum throughout September.

'Hugely important'

"The Bristol Brabazon is a hugely important part of Bristol’s history, and we are thrilled to display aspects of this remarkable aircraft for the anniversary," said Amy Seadon, head of collections, learning and interpretation.

"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.”

The development of the Bristol Brabazon drew plenty of media attention, including from this BBC news crew

Bill Morgan’s father worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company and once took him inside the Brabazon's 25ft (7.6m) fuselage when it was still under construction.

"I recall that it was like being in the inside of a whale with all the fuselage frames defining the shape," he said.

The Bristol Aeroplane Company won the eventual contract to build the world's first supersonic passenger jet following its development of the Brabazon

Despite its technical brilliance, the Brabazon - originally known as Type 167 - 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.

But it earned a place in aviation history as it laid the groundwork for the Bristol Aeroplane Company's eventual contract to build the world's first supersonic passenger jet

The Brabazon Hangar and Filton runway, specifically built for the Brabazon, would later prove to be the ideal location for designing and building Concorde.