Bristol Bulldog

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Bulldog

The Bristol Bulldog was a British Royal Air Force single-seat biplane fighter
designed during the 1920s by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. More than 400
Bulldogs were produced for the RAF and overseas customers, and it was one of the
most famous aircraft used by the RAF during the inter-war period.

The prototype Bulldog first flew on 17 May 1927. Initial testing was entirely
satisfactory and it was delivered to RAF Martlesham Heath in June. After initial
consideration of all the types entered to meet the specification, the Bulldog
and the Hawker Hawfinch were selected for more detailed evaluation. While the
Bulldog's manoeuvrability and strength were praised by the RAF, it had poor spin
recovery properties. This was solved by fitting an enlarged fin and rudder, but
this modification led to difficulties in taxying in a crosswind.

Accordingly, a second prototype with a lengthened rear fuselage was ordered for
further evaluation in comparison with the Hawfinch. In this form, designated the
Type 105A or Bulldog Mk. II, it was first flown by Cyril Uwins on 21 January
1928 and shortly afterwards delivered to Martlesham Heath. Performance was so
close to that of the Hawfinch that a decision was deferred until the aircraft
had been evaluated by service pilots; the eventual choice of the Bulldog was
made largely because it was easier to maintain. An initial contract for 25
aircraft was placed: Bristol accordingly laid down 26 airframes, the additional
example being intended as a company demonstration aircraft. The first of these
were delivered on 8 May 1929 and deliveries were complete by 10 October.

Later production aircraft were of a refined version designated the Mk. IIA. This
had revised wing spars and a stronger fuselage and was powered by the uprated
Jupiter VII F. One production aircraft was modified for use as an advanced
trainer: after evaluation by the Central Flying School at Upavon this was
ordered by the RAF, the production aircraft differing from the prototype in
having slightly swept wings and an enlarged fin to improve spin recovery
character.


Role
Fighter

Manufacturer
Bristol Aeroplane Company

Designer
Frank Barnwell

First flight
17 May 1927

Introduction
1929

Retired
1937

Primary users
Royal Air Force
Latvian Air Force
Finnish Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force

Number built
443 (including prototypes and licence built)

The Bulldog never saw combat with the RAF, although during the Abyssinia Crisis
of 1935–36, Bristol Bulldogs were sent to the Sudan to reinforce Middle East
Command.

Douglas Bader, better known for his Second World War actions, lost both of his
legs when his Bristol Bulldog crashed while he was performing unauthorised
aerobatics at Woodley airfield near Reading.

The Bulldog was withdrawn from RAF Fighter Command in July 1937, being primarily
replaced by the Gloster Gauntlet. The Bulldog's RAF career was not over though,
for the type continued to serve for a few years with Service Flying Training
Schools.

The Bulldog was exported to foreign air forces, seeing service with Australia,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Japan, Latvia, Siam and Sweden.

Specifications (Bulldog II)

General characteristics
Crew: one
Length: 25 ft 2 in (7.67 m)
Wingspan: 33 ft 10 in (10.3 m)
Height: 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m)
Wing area: 307 ft² (28.5 m²)
Airfoil: Upper wing Bristol 1A: lower wing Clark YH
Empty weight: 2,205 lb (1,000 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 3,490 lb (1,586 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Bristol Jupiter VII radial piston engine, 440 hp (328 kW)

Performance
Maximum speed: 155 kn (178 mph, 287 km/h)
Service ceiling: 29,300 ft (8,930 m)

Armament

Guns: 2 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns
Bombs: 4 × 20 lb (9 kg) bombs



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