Design and development Bristol 188

bristol 188 @ raf museum, cosford.

the advanced nature of aircraft meant new construction methods had developed. several materials considered construction , 2 specialist grades of steel selected: titanium-stabilized 18-8 austenitic steel , 12%-cr steel used in gas turbines (firth-vickers rex 448). these had manufactured better tolerances in sufficient quantities construction start. 12% chromium stainless steel honeycomb centre used construction of outer skin, no paint applied. riveting potential method construction new arc welding technique using argon gas shield known puddle welding used. there long delays method, less satisfactory. w. g. armstrong whitworth company provided substantial technical , support bristol during period; produced major sections of airframe subcontractor.

a fused-quartz windscreen , canopy , cockpit refrigeration system designed , fitted never tested in environment had been designed.

the specification aircraft required engine installations permitted fitting of different air intakes, engines , propelling nozzles. 188 intended have avon engines gyron junior substituted in june 1957.

the gyron junior under development saunders-roe sr.177 supersonic interceptor , incorporated variable reheat, idle full power, first such application used in aircraft. unfortunately choice of powerplant resulted in 188 having typical endurance of 25 minutes, not long enough high-speed research tests required. chief test pilot godfrey l. auty reported while 188 transitioned smoothly subsonic supersonic flight, gyron junior engines prone surging beyond speed, causing aircraft pitch , yaw.

in order solve aerodynamic , flutter problems, large number of scale models tested. some, mounted on converted rocket boosters, launched rae aberporth, free-flight investigation.