Bristol Bullfinch
In July 1920, Captain Frank Barnwell, with a group of engineers, began developing a new project for an all-metal parasol-wing fighter. It was envisioned that the aircraft would be produced in single-seater and two-seater variants. The Ministry of Aviation ordered the construction of three prototypes, which received the official designation Bristol Bullfinch in March 1922.
Early Prototypes and Testing
By early 1923, the first two prototypes, in their single-seater variant, were completed. These aircraft featured wooden wings and a fuselage made of steel tubing. They were equipped with a 425-horsepower Bristol Jupiter III engine and armed with two synchronized 7.7mm Vickers machine guns. Throughout 1923, the aircraft underwent testing at the RAF research center. Despite good flight characteristics, a decision for serial production was not made.
The Two-Seater Bullfinch II and Project Cancellation
The third prototype of the aircraft, designated Bullfinch II, was completed in a two-seater variant. Its first flight took place on February 15, 1924. The aircraft received a second wing and a separate cockpit for the gunner, equipped with a 7.7mm Lewis machine gun on a movable Scarff turret. As a result, the aircraft’s flight weight increased by 400 kilograms (including the second pilot), leading to a noticeable reduction in flight performance—the 425 hp engine simply could not cope with the increased mass of the aircraft. This ultimately led to the project’s demise.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bullfinch I |
| Wingspan, m | 11.71 |
| Length, m | 7.44 |
| Height, m | 3.27 |
| Wing area, m2 | 24.80 |
| Empty weight | 986 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 1454 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Bristol Jupiter III |
| Power, hp | 1 x 425 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 217 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 192 |
| Flight endurance, h | 4 |
| Service ceiling, m | 6096 |
| Crew | 1 crew member |
| Armament | two synchronized 7.7-mm Vickers machine guns |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bristol Bullfinch
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ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.