About This Aircraft
This aircraft is a full-scale replica of the Bristol M.1C, a British First World War fighter. Bearing the serial C4994, it represents what was a revolutionary design for its time. Unlike most contemporaries, the M.1C was a sleek, shoulder-wing monoplane, powered by a Le Rhône rotary engine. This clean design gave it an impressive top speed of approximately 130 mph, making it one of the fastest fighters of the war. Despite its superior performance, the M.1C was viewed with scepticism by the War Office, partly due to concerns about the safety of monoplanes and the pilot's limited downward visibility. Consequently, it was largely relegated to secondary fronts in the Middle East and for training, and never saw widespread service on the Western Front where it could have had a significant impact. This replica serves as a tangible reminder of this innovative but underutilised aircraft.
Museums Featuring This Aircraft
Exhibits can change. To avoid disappointment, before visiting, please check the museum website for up-to-date exhibit listings.