Bristol Brigand
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| Bristol Brigand I | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Description | ||
| Role | Multi-role strike aircraft | |
| Crew | 3 | |
| First flight | December 4, 1944 | |
| Entered service | June, 1946 | |
| Manufacturer | Bristol Aeroplane Company | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 46 ft 5 in | 14.2 m |
| Wingspan | 72 ft 4 in | 22.1 m |
| Height | 16 ft 4 in | 5 m |
| Wing area | 718 ft² | 66.7 m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 27,500 lb | 12,470 kg |
| Loaded | 38,200 lb | 17,320 kg |
| Maximum takeoff | lb | kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engine | 2 × Bristol Centaurus 57 | |
| Power (each) | 2,165 hp | 1,620 kW |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 358 mph @ 13,700 ft | 576 km/h @ 4,180 m |
| Combat range | 2,100 miles | 3,380 km |
| Ferry range | 2,770 miles | 4,457 km |
| Service ceiling | 26,000 ft | 7,920 m |
| Rate of climb | 1,500 ft/min | 460 m/min |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 4 x Hispano 20 mm cannon
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| Bombs | 22 inch (559 mm) torpedo + 1000 lb (450 kg) bombs
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The Bristol Type 164 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 Brigand B.1 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 500 lb (220 kg) bombs beneath the wings, or one 2,000 lb (900 kg) or two 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs beneath the fuselage; and had under-wing racks for 16 rocket projectiles.
The Brigand Met.3 was a meteorological reconnaissance aircraft. Only 16 aircraft were ever built. Another variant was the Brigand T.4 trainer version, which was used to train airborne interception (AI) radar operators. The Brigand T.5 was another training version, which like the T.4 before it, was used to train airborne interception (AI) radar operators.
147 were built, and they served in Malaya and Kenya until replaced by the Canberra jet bomber.
[edit] Operators
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related development | |
| Similar aircraft | |
| Designation series |
Type 156 (Beaufighter - Type 160 (Blenheim) - Type 163 (Buckingham) - Type 164 (Brigand) - Type 166 (Buckmaster) - Type 167 (Brabazon) Type 170 (Freighter and Wayfarer) Type 172 (Sycamore - Type 174 |
| Related lists | |
