Bristol Belvedere facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bristol Belvedere
Role	Military transport helicopter
National origin	UK
Manufacturer	Bristol.
First flight	1958.
Introduction	1961
Status	Out of service.
Primary user	Royal Air Force
Number built	26 examples.

The Bristol Belvedere was a special type of helicopter built in the United Kingdom. It was designed for military transport, meaning it carried soldiers and supplies for the armed forces. This helicopter was unique because it had two main rotors, one at the front and one at the back. This design is called a tandem-rotor. It was powered by two strong engines called turboshafts.

What Was the Bristol Belvedere?

The Bristol Belvedere was a large helicopter developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company in the UK. It was created to meet the needs of the Royal Air Force (RAF) for a powerful transport helicopter. The design aimed to lift heavy loads and carry many people over long distances.

How the Belvedere Flew

Unlike most helicopters you see today, the Belvedere had two main rotors. These rotors were placed one behind the other, which is why it's called a tandem-rotor helicopter. This design helped the helicopter lift more weight and made it very stable during flight. Each rotor was powered by its own turboshaft engine. These engines were like small jet engines that turned the rotors.

Key Features of Its Design

The Belvedere was built to be tough and reliable. Its two rotors spun in opposite directions, which helped to balance the aircraft. This also meant it didn't need a tail rotor, which is common on single-rotor helicopters. The design allowed it to carry a lot of cargo inside its body or slung underneath.

The Belvedere in Service

The Bristol Belvedere first flew in 1958. After more testing and development, it was officially introduced into service with the Royal Air Force in 1961. The RAF was its main user. They used it for various tasks, including moving troops, carrying equipment, and even helping with search and rescue missions.

Where It Was Used

Belvedere helicopters served in different parts of the world where the RAF had bases. They were especially useful in places with challenging terrain, like deserts or mountains, where traditional aircraft couldn't land easily. Their ability to lift heavy loads made them valuable for supporting military operations.

How Many Were Built?

Only 26 examples of the Bristol Belvedere were ever built. While it was a capable helicopter, it was eventually replaced by newer, more advanced designs. The Belvedere was taken out of service after several years of operation. It played an important role in the RAF's transport fleet during the 1960s.

Images for kids

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  This is a small model of the Bristol Belvedere, used for testing its design in a wind tunnel before building the real helicopter.

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  Here you can see a Belvedere HC.1 helicopter from 26 Squadron RAF, flying in Aden.

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  Belvedere XG459 at the SBAC show in Farnborough on September 9, 1961.