BRISTOL 175 BRITANNIA

Title: Bristol 175 Britannia No’s 1 and 2

The Bristol Britannia first flew in 1952, but initial teething problems with the engines meant that commercial services did not commence until 1957, by which time the concept had been overtaken by the emerging jet airliners. The definitive versions of the Britannia were the Series 300, incorporating a 10 ft fuselage stretch over the original 100 series and permitting up to 133 passengers.

The type was closely tailored to the requirements of BOAC airlines but this limited its appeal to other operators and consequently just 85 were built. 25 of these were used by the RAF as long range freighters with large cargo doors and a unique “floating” floor which limited fatigue loads. The type found a niche with charter airlines in the 1970s but the last flight of one took place in 1997 when the last airworthy example was flown into preservation at Kemble.

We offer two titles on this type. The first includes both the civil manufacturers Crews Notes, and the RAF flight manual (titled Pilot’s Notes) for the Britannia, and an interesting manufacturer’s report on the type’s development. The second contains the BOAC Operations manual in two volumes, plus a manufacturer’s brochure on the Freighter variant of the Britannia. The files has been scanned from the original manuals and retains any colour pages. Each title is US$9.95.