Bristol 188 "Flaming Pencil".

Bristol Type 188, the 'Flaming Pencil' was a British highspeed research aircraft. Designed to meet operational requirement ER.134T for a testbed capable of speeds greater than Mach 2. Due to the anticipated effects of kinetic heating at high Mach numbers, the fuselage was constructed of stainless steel. Two aircraft were built, XF923 and XF926. First flight of XF923 was on 14th April 1962 and then XF926 with upgraded Gyron Junior engines on 29th April 1963. Ironically, the Maximum speed achieved was Mach 1.88 at 36,000 ft. Although the top speed of the Type 188 was disappointing, the airframe advanced understanding and knowledge of structures, oils, electrics, hydraulic fluid, bearings, tires, windows and cabin environment at high temperatures as well as telemetry which was used during the development of Concorde. Last flight was 11th January 1964. One Bristol Type 188 remains at the RAF Museum, Cosford.

General characteristics:

Crew: one

Length: 77 ft 8 in (23.68 m)

Wingspan: 25 ft 1 in (10.70 m)

Height: 13 ft 11 in (4.23 m)

Wing area: 396.25 ft² (36.85 m²)

Gross weight: 37,500 lb (17,010 kg)

Powerplant: 2 × de Havilland Gyron Junior DGJ.10R turbojet, 10,300 lbf (44.4 kN) dry, Reheat 14,000 lbf (62.2kN), 20,000 lbf (88.9 kN) at 36,000 ft.

Landing approach speed 188 knots.

Top Speed: Mach 1.88.

Aircraft Highlights Include:

Two variants of the Bristol 188, XF923 and the faster XF926 airframe. Original External and Internal models built from scratch. Custom built cockpit with custom gauges. Animated Gauges, Throttles, Stick, Rudder Pedals. Fully Animated Exterior Control Surfaces and Air Brakes. Animated Auxiliary Air Intake Doors and engine Variable Inlet Guide Vanes. Blanks and Covers. Modern MSFS Fuel system. In sim Checklist. Custom and optional engine reheat/afterburner and exhaust smoke effects. Includes a very Basic Autopilot as the T188 did not have one! Note: This aircraft is built for entertainment purposes only - Not designed for study level simulation.