Despite its technical brilliance, the Brabazon – originally known as Type 167 – was a commercial failure.
By the time it was ready, the market for expensive luxury travel was shifting towards smaller airlines with high-density seating and lower fares.
But it earned a place in aviation history as it laid the groundwork for the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s eventual contract to build the world’s first supersonic passenger jet
The Brabazon Hangar and Filton runway, specifically built for the Brabazon, would later prove to be the ideal location for designing and building Concorde.