The first prototype of the Bristol Brabazon, designed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, was constructed in 1945, and performed its maiden flight in 1949. The factory at Bristol Filton Airport was initially too small to accommodate the construction of the Bristol Brabazon, but instead of relocating production the site was expanded. Laing also extended the runway westwards at Filton Airfield; the new runway was 2,725 yards long and 100 yards wide. The lengthening of the runway came at the cost of the village of Charlton: the village was demolished and the residents were relocated to Patchway.
This image was catalogued as part of the Breaking New Ground Project in partnership with the John Laing Charitable Trust in 2019-20.
This is part of the Volume: JLP01/01/004 Filton airfield and runway, Patchway, and Bristol; within the Series: JLP01/01 John Laing Photographic Collection Project Albums; within the Collection: JLP01 John Laing Photographic Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Mid 20th Century Aircraft, Mid 20th Century Hangar, Air Transport
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