Bristol and Gloucestershire Aerospace Industry

Steph Gillett explores the fascinating history of aviation in the Bristol and Gloucestershire area.

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The British & Colonial Aeroplane Company was established in 1910 at Filton on a site that is now an Airbus design and engineering centre. BAE Systems also has facilities at Filton. Bristol aircraft engines were first built at the nearby Patchway site in the 1920s, part of which Rolls-Royce uses to manufacture aero engines. From Boxkite to Concorde, many famous aircraft were built at Bristol.

Beginning with fighter aircraft manufactured during the First World War, Gloster Aircraft went on to produce aircraft until closure in 1964, including the RAF’s last biplane and its first jet fighter. Dowty developed landing gear and fuel control systems and acquired Rotol Airscrews. Parnall constructed aircraft and gun turrets at sites in Bristol and Yate.

This book covers the wider aspects of the aerospace industry, including its industrial heritage, social impacts, technological developments, and continuing significance, utilising a number of archives to create a unique and well-illustrated view of aviation around Bristol and Gloucestershire.