BRITANNIA AIRCRAFT PRESERVATION TRUST

G-ALRX

Type: Bristol 175 Britannia Series 101
Construction no.: 12874
Registration: G-ALRX
Status: Forward fuselage
Built: Bristol Aeroplane Company, Filton, 1953
Powerplant (when fitted): four 3,900hp Bristol Proteus 705 turboprops
First Flight: 23rd December 1953
Last Flight: 4th February 1954

This aircraft was the second prototype Britannia, and first flew from Filton on December 23rd, 1953. Just over one month later, on February 4th, 1954, it force-landed on the mud flats in the Severn Estuary, when an oil fire started in the starboard inner engine. It caused great embarrassment at the time, as it was on a demonstration flight for KLM, and several senior Bristol executives were on board. Although the mud doused the fire, the aircraft could not be rescued before the tide rose, and it was damaged beyond economic repair by salt water.

The fuselage returned to Filton, and served as a crew trainer for many years. Later it was reduced to a forward fuselage, and was used by the Aeromedical and Safety School at MoD Boscombe Down. In 1995 it was donated to the Britannia Aircraft Preservation Trust, and joined the Bristol Aero Collections store at Banwell in December, moving to Kemble the following year.

During her period with the MoD, RX gained an RAF-style "lightning" cheatline. In 2003 work was started on repainting the fuselage in a more authentic BOAC colour scheme, which she carried during her brief flying career. The exterior was stripped down and repainted in time for her 50th birthday. Work still continues on the interior, and is performed by volunteers of the Bristol Aero Collection.

The fuselage is accessible, and is open for inspection on days when the Bristol Aero Collection is open - generally Sundays and Mondays during the summer months, and Mondays only during the winter. The BAC hangar is also open on many Kemble airfield events.

Read the full history of G-ALRX by clicking here.