Mid-century British Military Concept Vehicle, Bristol Siddeley Flying Car c.1960s
ABOUT
A mid-century proof of concept model of a hover vehicle, presented by the British Aircraft Corporation to the British Ministry of Defense, titled the "Bristol Siddeley" flying car. The model features two large rotors that spin inside the vehicle which, in concept, would allow for flight. Hard rubber tires.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
- CREATOR British Aircraft Corp. for the British Ministry of Defense.
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1960s.
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Plastic, Rubber.
- CONDITION Good-Fair. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor chips throughout. Missing some trim around windshield. Missing headlight. Cracks on one side, near bumper, on the inside trim and underneath near the back wheel. Steering wheel loose.
- DIMENSIONS H 10.5 in. W 23 in. D 11 in.
HISTORY
British Aircraft Corporation description: A flying two-seater reconnaissance vehicle or weapons carrier with cross-country ability is described which has the following features: 1) flight endurance of an hour and a speed of 70-80mph, with the cross-country ability of the Land Rover. 2)The lowest attainable fuel consumption with any method of lifting contained within the dimensions of the vehicle. 3)The ability to continue to fly if one engine fails. 4) The minimum possible disturbance to the stability of the vehicle from the action of the lifting fan when in flight. 5) Use of already existing engines for lifting, saving several years and millions of pounds for engine development. 6) A flat roof capable of serving as a weapons platform.
