Bristol Bombay
Bristol Aeroplane Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1935 · transport aircraft
The Bristol Bombay was a twin-engine high-wing monoplane designed to serve as both a bomber and a troop transport for the RAF, reflecting the economy-minded dual-role concept popular in the interwar period. It served in the Middle East and Mediterranean theatres during World War II.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slab-sided fuselage with gun positions fore and aft |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing monoplane bomber-transport with fixed undercarriage
- Twin Bristol Pegasus radials in large nacelles
- Slab-sided fuselage with gun positions fore and aft
Identified by its high monoplane wing, fixed spatted undercarriage, large Pegasus radials, and long slab-sided fuselage with nose and tail gun positions — an ungainly but purposeful transport silhouette.
Specifications
- The Bristol Bombay has a length of 21.11 m (69 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 29.18 m (96 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 309 km/h (192 mph).
- Typical crew: 3 + 24 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1935 and entering RAF service in 1939, the Bombay was already near obsolescence by the outbreak of war but proved useful in transport and supply roles in Egypt, East Africa, and the Mediterranean. It participated in the evacuation of Greece and Crete and was used for special operations, including flying Churchill to conferences.
Variants
Only one main production variant, the Bombay Mk I, was built; 50 aircraft were produced by Short & Harland in Belfast under licence.
Where you'll see it
Served with RAF No. 216 Squadron and other Middle East units; largely retired by 1944 as more capable transports became available.
Related aircraft
- Bristol Beaufort
- Bristol Beaufighter
- Bristol Bulldog
- Bristol Brigand
- Avro Anson
- CANT Z.506 Airone
- Consolidated PBY Catalina
- Dewoitine D.333
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