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{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
 
|name = T.B.8
 
|name = T.B.8
 
|image = Bristol two seater.jpg
 
|image = Bristol two seater.jpg
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{{Infobox aircraft type
 
{{Infobox aircraft type
 
|type = Trainer
 
|type = Trainer
|manufacturer = [[Bristol Aeroplane Company]]
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|manufacturer = Bristol Aeroplane Company
 
|designer = [[Henri Coandă]]
 
|designer = [[Henri Coandă]]
 
|first flight = 12 August 1913
 
|first flight = 12 August 1913
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}}
 
}}
 
|}
 
|}
The '''Bristol T.B.8''', or '''Bristol-Coanda T.B.8''' was an early (1913–14) [[United Kingdom|British]] biplane built by the [[Bristol Aeroplane Company]], which was produced in significant numbers (54 were built) for the time. While mainly used as a trainer, T.B.8s were briefly used as [[bomber]]s at the start of the [[World War I|First World War]] by the [[Royal Naval Air Service]] (RNAS).
+
The '''Bristol T.B.8''', or '''Bristol-Coanda T.B.8''' was an early (1913–14) [[United Kingdom|British]] biplane built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, which was produced in significant numbers (54 were built) for the time. While mainly used as a trainer, T.B.8s were briefly used as [[bomber]]s at the start of the [[World War I|First World War]] by the [[Royal Naval Air Service]] (RNAS).
   
 
==Design and development==
 
==Design and development==
[[Henri Coandă]], chief designer of the [[Bristol Aeroplane Company]], developed the T.B.8 as a biplane development of his earlier [[Bristol-Coanda Monoplanes|Bristol-Coanda Monoplane]] to meet an order from the British [[Admiralty]], the first aircraft, a conversion of a Bristol-Coanda monoplane, flying on 12 August 1913.<ref name ="mason bomber">{{Cite book |author=Mason, Francis K |title=The British Bomber since 1914 |publisher=Putnam Aeronautical Books |location= London |year=1994 |isbn= 0-85177-861-5}}</ref> This aircraft was tested with both wheeled undercarriage and floats.
+
[[Henri Coandă]], chief designer of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, developed the T.B.8 as a biplane development of his earlier [[Bristol-Coanda Monoplanes|Bristol-Coanda Monoplane]] to meet an order from the British [[Admiralty]], the first aircraft, a conversion of a Bristol-Coanda monoplane, flying on 12 August 1913.<ref name ="mason bomber">{{Cite book |author=Mason, Francis K |title=The British Bomber since 1914 |publisher=Putnam Aeronautical Books |location= London |year=1994 |isbn= 0-85177-861-5}}</ref> This aircraft was tested with both wheeled undercarriage and floats.
   
The T.B.8 was a single engined, two seat biplane, with two bay wings and a slender fuselage. While early T.B.8s used [[wing warping]], later production aircraft were fitted with [[ailerons]]. They were normally fitted with a distinctive four wheel undercarriage. T.B.8s were powered by a variety of rotary engines, including [[Gnome et Rhône|Gnome]] and Le Rhône engines with power ranging from 50&nbsp;hp Gnomes to 100&nbsp;hp [[Gnome Monosoupape]] engines.<ref name="bristol 1910"/> T.B.8s were produced both by conversion of Coanda Monoplanes, and by new production.
+
The T.B.8 was a single engined, two seat biplane, with two bay wings and a slender fuselage. While early T.B.8s used [[wing warping]], later production aircraft were fitted with ailerons. They were normally fitted with a distinctive four wheel undercarriage. T.B.8s were powered by a variety of rotary engines, including [[Gnome et Rhône|Gnome]] and Le Rhône engines with power ranging from 50&nbsp;hp Gnomes to 100&nbsp;hp [[Gnome Monosoupape]] engines.<ref name="bristol 1910"/> T.B.8s were produced both by conversion of Coanda Monoplanes, and by new production.
   
One T.B.8 was fitted with a prismatic [[Bombsight]] in the front cockpit and a cylindrical bomb carrier in the lower forward fuselage capable of carrying twelve 10&nbsp;lb (4.5&nbsp;kg) bombs, which could be dropped singly or as a salvo as required.<ref name ="mason bomber"/> This aircraft was displayed at the Paris [[Paris Air Show|''Salon de l'Aéronautique'']] and evaluated by the [[France|French]] military before being purchased by the RNAS.
+
One T.B.8 was fitted with a prismatic [[Bombsight]] in the front cockpit and a cylindrical bomb carrier in the lower forward fuselage capable of carrying twelve 10&nbsp;lb (4.5&nbsp;kg) bombs, which could be dropped singly or as a salvo as required.<ref name ="mason bomber"/> This aircraft was displayed at the Paris ''Salon de l'Aéronautique'' and evaluated by the French military before being purchased by the RNAS.
   
 
==Operational history==
 
==Operational history==
T.B.8s were purchased for use both by the [[Royal Naval Air Service]] and the [[Royal Flying Corps]] (RFC), with the RFC's T.B.8s being transferred to the RNAS shortly after the start of the [[World War I|First World War]].<ref name ="mason bomber"/> Three T.B.8s, including the aircraft displayed at Paris in December 1913, and fitted with bombing equipment, were sent to France following the outbreak of war, serving with the RNAS squadron commanded by [[Charles Rumney Samson]]. One of these T.B.8s carried out a bombing attack on [[Germany|German]] gun batteries at [[Middelkerke]], [[Belgium]] on 25 November 1914, the only bombing sortie flown by the T.B.8.<ref name ="mason bomber"/> The T.B.8 was considered too slow for front line operations, and was relegated to training operations, serving until 1916.<ref name="janes encyclopedia">{{cite book |last= Taylor |first= Michael J. H. |title=Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation |year=1989 |publisher=Studio Editions |location=London |pages= 204}}</ref><ref name="thetford naval">{{Cite book |author=Thetford, Owen|title=British Naval Aircraft since 1912 |edition =Fourth Edition |publisher=Putnam |location= London|year=1994 |isbn= 0-85177-861-5}}</ref>
+
T.B.8s were purchased for use both by the [[Royal Naval Air Service]] and the [[Royal Flying Corps]] (RFC), with the RFC's T.B.8s being transferred to the RNAS shortly after the start of the [[World War I|First World War]].<ref name ="mason bomber"/> Three T.B.8s, including the aircraft displayed at Paris in December 1913, and fitted with bombing equipment, were sent to France following the outbreak of war, serving with the RNAS squadron commanded by [[Charles Rumney Samson]]. One of these T.B.8s carried out a bombing attack on German gun batteries at [[Middelkerke]], Belgium on 25 November 1914, the only bombing sortie flown by the T.B.8.<ref name ="mason bomber"/> The T.B.8 was considered too slow for front line operations, and was relegated to training operations, serving until 1916.<ref name="janes encyclopedia">{{cite book |last= Taylor |first= Michael J. H. |title=Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation |year=1989 |publisher=Studio Editions |location=London |pages= 204}}</ref><ref name="thetford naval">{{Cite book |author=Thetford, Owen|title=British Naval Aircraft since 1912 |edition =Fourth Edition |publisher=Putnam |location= London|year=1994 |isbn= 0-85177-861-5}}</ref>
   
 
The T.B.8 was also used by [[Romania]], with six Bristol-Coanda Monoplanes operated by the [[Romanian Air Force|Romanian Military Aviation]] school being converted by Bristol into T.B.8s.<ref name="bristol 1910"/>
 
The T.B.8 was also used by [[Romania]], with six Bristol-Coanda Monoplanes operated by the [[Romanian Air Force|Romanian Military Aviation]] school being converted by Bristol into T.B.8s.<ref name="bristol 1910"/>
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*[[Royal Naval Air Service]]
 
*[[Royal Naval Air Service]]
   
==Specifications (T.B.8) ==
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==Specifications (T.B.8)==
 
{{aircraft specifications
 
{{aircraft specifications
 
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{{Commons|Bristol T.B.8}}
 
{{Commons|Bristol T.B.8}}
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{Bristol aircraft}}
 
{{aviation lists}}
 
   
 
{{Wikipedia|Bristol T.B.8}}
 
{{Wikipedia|Bristol T.B.8}}
   
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bristol Tb.8}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bristol Tb.8}}
[[Category:British military trainer aircraft 1910–1919]]
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[[Category:1910s British military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:British bomber aircraft 1910–1919]]
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[[Category:1910s British bomber aircraft]]
 
[[Category:Rotary-engined aircraft]]
 
[[Category:Rotary-engined aircraft]]
 
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
 
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 01:33, 30 January 2020

T.B.8
Bristol two seater
Role Trainer
Manufacturer Bristol Aeroplane Company
Designer Henri Coandă
First flight 12 August 1913
Introduction 1913
Retired 1916
Primary users Royal Naval Air Service
Royal Flying Corps
Romanian Air Force
Number built 54
Developed from Bristol-Coanda Monoplanes

The Bristol T.B.8, or Bristol-Coanda T.B.8 was an early (1913–14) British biplane built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, which was produced in significant numbers (54 were built) for the time. While mainly used as a trainer, T.B.8s were briefly used as bombers at the start of the First World War by the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

Design and development

Henri Coandă, chief designer of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, developed the T.B.8 as a biplane development of his earlier Bristol-Coanda Monoplane to meet an order from the British Admiralty, the first aircraft, a conversion of a Bristol-Coanda monoplane, flying on 12 August 1913.[1] This aircraft was tested with both wheeled undercarriage and floats.

The T.B.8 was a single engined, two seat biplane, with two bay wings and a slender fuselage. While early T.B.8s used wing warping, later production aircraft were fitted with ailerons. They were normally fitted with a distinctive four wheel undercarriage. T.B.8s were powered by a variety of rotary engines, including Gnome and Le Rhône engines with power ranging from 50 hp Gnomes to 100 hp Gnome Monosoupape engines.[2] T.B.8s were produced both by conversion of Coanda Monoplanes, and by new production.

One T.B.8 was fitted with a prismatic Bombsight in the front cockpit and a cylindrical bomb carrier in the lower forward fuselage capable of carrying twelve 10 lb (4.5 kg) bombs, which could be dropped singly or as a salvo as required.[1] This aircraft was displayed at the Paris Salon de l'Aéronautique and evaluated by the French military before being purchased by the RNAS.

Operational history

T.B.8s were purchased for use both by the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), with the RFC's T.B.8s being transferred to the RNAS shortly after the start of the First World War.[1] Three T.B.8s, including the aircraft displayed at Paris in December 1913, and fitted with bombing equipment, were sent to France following the outbreak of war, serving with the RNAS squadron commanded by Charles Rumney Samson. One of these T.B.8s carried out a bombing attack on German gun batteries at Middelkerke, Belgium on 25 November 1914, the only bombing sortie flown by the T.B.8.[1] The T.B.8 was considered too slow for front line operations, and was relegated to training operations, serving until 1916.[3][4]

The T.B.8 was also used by Romania, with six Bristol-Coanda Monoplanes operated by the Romanian Military Aviation school being converted by Bristol into T.B.8s.[2]

Variants

The Romanian government were pleased with their T.B.8s and placed an order for an improved version, for which they provided a 75 hp (56 kW) Gnome Monosoupape engine. The resulting aircraft, designated the G.B.75 was significantly different in appearance,[5] with a streamlined front fuselage and rounded cowling enclosing the rotary engine. The characteristic Coanda fin was replaced with an unbalanced rudder plus fin. Maximum speed was up a little to 80 mph (130 km/h). It first flew on 7 April 1914 and required the removal of the spinner and an increase in stagger to adjust the centre of pressure, but was judged ready for delivery in June. It did not go to Romania, however and instead served the RFC at Farnborough, powered by a standard Gnome engine.

T.B.8H
One Bristol Coanda Monoplane was converted into the T.B.8 prototype and was fitted with twin floats as the T.B.8H "Hydro" variant.

Operators

Flag of Romania Romania
Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom

Specifications (T.B.8)

Data from Bristol Aircraft Since 1910 [2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two
  • Length: 29 ft 3 in (8.92 m)
  • Wingspan: 37 ft 8 in (11.48 m)
  • Height: ()
  • Wing area: 450 ft² (41.8 m²)
  • Empty weight: 970lb (441 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 1,665 lb (757 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Gnome Rotary engine, 50,80,100hp (~60 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 56 - 61 knots (65-70 mph, 105 - 113 km/h)
  • Endurance: 5 hours
  • Climb to 3000 ft (915 m): 11 min

Armament

  • 12 x 10 lb (4.5 kg) light bombs
  • Some were equipped with a 7.92 machine gun
  • References

    1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Mason, Francis K (1994). The British Bomber since 1914. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. ISBN 0-85177-861-5. 
    2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Barnes, C.H. (1964). Bristol Aircraft Since 1910 (First Edition ed.). London: Putnam. 
    3. Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 204. 
    4. Thetford, Owen (1994). British Naval Aircraft since 1912 (Fourth Edition ed.). London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-861-5. 
    5. Barnes, C.H. (1964). Bristol Aircraft Since 1910 (First Edition ed.). London: Putnam. p.81-2, 85
    All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
    The original article can be found at Bristol T.B.8 and the edit history here.