Bristol Type 149 Blenheim / Bolingbroke - G-BPIV 
Bristol Blenheim G-BPIV is a truly unique
British aircraft. As a type, the aircraft’s history is long and formative
and an important milestone in the history of British aviation. Although this
particular aircraft’s background is fraught it has survived, and is being
repaired to carry into the future a lasting flight heritage and living
memorial for the nation. Blenheim Duxford Limited is committed to ensuring
this important machine will survive.
The History
Built in 1934 as a small airliner, a private
venture by the Bristol Aircraft Company, the aircraft was funded by Lord
Rothermere. Named ‘Spirit of Britain’, it was presented to the nation and
after modification as a bomber became the first stressed skin aircraft
accepted by the RAF. It was the fastest light bomber of the day, faster than
the fighter aircraft then on order and it became the backbone of the light
bomber force. At the start of WWII” the RAF had more Blenheims in service
(1089) than any other aircraft. It bore the brunt of the early war bombing
effort and its crews paid a heavy price defending the nation. Pressed into
roles it was not designed for such as a long range fighter and night
fighter, it became the first multi role aircraft. The crews liked the
Blenheims and Winston Churchill paid homage to their bravery comparing them
to the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’.
The Project
The first Blenheim project, recovered in a
derelict state in Canada, was restored to fly after a twelve year
engineering project by a small but skilled volunteer staff led by a full
time licensed engineer. It made its debut flight in May 1987 but was
tragically wrecked only four weeks after its return to the air. The
restoration team determined after all that effort that a Blenheim would fly
again and the decision was made to resurrect a new Blenheim. After a five
year long restoration, largely undertaken by the same volunteer workforce,
this aircraft, in June 1983, became once again internationally known as the
only flying example of an early war RAF light bomber. One of only two
British WWII bombers flying, the RAF Lancaster being the other, it featured
in many air shows, films, television broadcasts and magazine articles. The
aircraft flew with great success for ten years with an enviable
serviceability record among the vintage aircraft fraternity before once
again, in August 2003, suffering significant damage during a landing
accident at Duxford. A decision was made to repair the aircraft, but this
time to ensure that its longevity is guaranteed a trust is being formed so
that the aircraft’s future in the air and on the ground is ensured. The
first two projects were successfully completed using large inputs from a
small group of volunteers. This time, although volunteers still work on the
project, to speed the repair, Blenheim Duxford Limited have engaged the
Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford to supply two full time engineers to
work on the project. To ensure that the old aeroplane manufacturing skills
are kept alive, many of which are now lost to the nation, apprentices are
regularly put through periods of learning on the project. Hundreds of
visitors view the work in progress and when flying again, the aircraft will
be exposed to very large audiences at UK and overseas air shows.
Progress so far……
Progress on the repairs has been good, with
both wings and centre section complete although there is some fitting out to
finish. It is intended to return the aircraft to the air as a Mk I Blenheim
and work is now concentrated on the nose section. The main area of work is
centred around the MK 1 nose which is approaching the completion of the
structural and skin repairs this will allow it to be removed from the jig so
work can start on the glazing and systems. It is hoped that the nose section
will be trial fitted to the fuselage later this year.
A number of engine components are being worked
on now, the main part being the supercharger blower casing. Other pieces
have been sent away for cadmium plating.
As with all vintage aircraft, repairs take a
great deal of time and money, both of which will dictate when the aircraft
finally returns to the air. Sponsorship of this project would be most
welcome. Companies or individuals wishing to support this project may
request a donation form and further information from: Blenheim (Duxford)
Ltd., Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridge. CB2 4QR. Tel: 01223 835313 |
