Product descriptionThe Bristol Type 170 emerged as a private venture to engage the company workforce at the end of wartime mass production. Of simple, rugged construction based partly on the Bristol Bombay, it was designed to be an economical freighter and/or passenger transport which was also adopted for military use in significant numbers. First flown on 2nd December 1945, the type received the first post-war Certificate of Airworthiness for a new British aircraft on 7th May 1946. This was followed by extensive sales tours worldwide, while taking part in the Berlin Airlift enhanced the 170’s reputation with potential operators.
The first cross-Channel car ferry operation, by Silver City on 14th July 1948, inaugurated probably the best-remembered Freighter, Wayfarer and Superfreighter application although the type served in six continents in a wide variety of roles, often in primitively-equipped locations. The final delivery of the 214th example of all marks built took place in March 1958 but the final flight of any Freighter did not occur until 6th September 2004.
This book, compiled by Derek A. King, supported by a host of worldwide contributors, provides technical description, operational and anecdotal information, details of the civil and military operators, production and individual aircraft histories, including 375 black & white illustrations, 32 pages of colour photographs, incorporating memorabilia and artwork by Mike Zoeller. 288 pages