The Bristol Type 138
The Bristol Type 138 was a low-wing, single-seater monoplane powered by a supercharged Pegasus engine. It was conceived by Frank Barnwell in 1933 and manufactured by the Bristol Aeroplane Company as a high-altitude research aircraft. The Type 138A (serial K4879) was a modification of the 138 and first flown at Filton on 11 May 1936 with a Pegasus IV engine.
After further modifications, Squadron Leader F R D Swain flew the aircraft from Farnborough on 28 September 1936 with the intention of setting a new world altitude record. He achieved this by reaching a height of 49,967 feet (15,230 metres).
There were economic incentives for the Bristol Aeroplane Company to achieve aviation records of this kind - not only were they a source of international influence and national prestige, but they gave the company a commerical and technical advantage over its competitors.
After further modifications, Squadron Leader F R D Swain flew the aircraft from Farnborough on 28 September 1936 with the intention of setting a new world altitude record. He achieved this by reaching a height of 49,967 feet (15,230 metres).
There were economic incentives for the Bristol Aeroplane Company to achieve aviation records of this kind - not only were they a source of international influence and national prestige, but they gave the company a commerical and technical advantage over its competitors.