Bristol M.1 Monoplane Scout
Bristol Aeroplane Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Bristol M.1 was a single-seat monoplane fighter of the First World War and the only British monoplane fighter to reach production during the conflict.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Smooth, circular-section fuselage with a rotary engine in a rounded nose |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engined monoplane, unusual for a British fighter of its day
- Smooth, circular-section fuselage with a rotary engine in a rounded nose
- Single open cockpit and one fixed forward-firing machine gun
Look for a clean, streamlined monoplane with a rounded nose, a single open cockpit and a single fin and rudder.
Specifications
- The Bristol M.1 Monoplane Scout has a length of 6.22 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.37 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Frank Barnwell designed it as a private venture in 1916 and the first prototype, the M.1A, flew on 14 July 1916 with F.P. Raynham at the controls. Only 130 were built, largely because the War Office and many Royal Flying Corps pilots distrusted monoplanes.
Variants
The M.1A was the first prototype. Production aircraft were powered by a 110 hp Le Rhone 9J rotary engine.
Where you'll see it
It served with the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force, and the Chilean Air Force also operated it. The only surviving example is displayed at Minlaton in South Australia.
Related aircraft
- Bristol F.2 Fighter
- Bristol Braemar
- Bristol Scout F
- Bristol Babe
- Airco DH.5
- Albatros D.I
- Albatros D.II
- Albatros D.IV
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