Did you know…
Why was the Bristol 188 made of stainless steel?
Short answer
Because it had to exceed Mach 2 and withstand a considerable time with a skin temperature of around 300°C. Two special steels were chosen: a titanium-stabilised 18-8 austenitic steel and a 12% chromium gas-turbine steel, Firth-Vickers Rex 448, used unpainted on the outer skin.
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A flying test bed to exceed Mach 2
Operational requirement ER.134T, issued in February 1953, called for a flying test bed capable of reaching speeds above Mach 2. The aircraft was also expected to operate for a considerable time with a skin temperature of around 300°C.
Two special steel grades
Several materials were studied, and two special steel grades were selected: a titanium-stabilised 18-8 austenitic steel and a 12% chromium steel used in gas turbines, Firth-Vickers Rex 448. The 12% chromium stainless steel, with a honeycomb core, was used in the construction of the outer skin, which was left unpainted. Obtaining stainless steel sheet in sufficient quantity was itself a problem, compounded by factors such as the strength and uniformity required.
From design to flight
The Type 188 was originally to have two Rolls-Royce Avon engines, but in June 1957 these were replaced by two De Havilland Gyron Junior engines, each half a tonne lighter. Over 51 flights, the Type 188 reached a maximum speed of Mach 1.88 at 36,000 ft.
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