George Henry Challenger

George Henry Challenger
Born 3 June 1881
Neath, Glamorganshire, Wales
Died December 1947
Taunton, Somerset, England
Nationality United Kingdom
Occupation Aero-engineer
Spouse(s) Emily Beatrice

George Henry Challenger (1881-1947[1]) was a British aviator and aero-engineer, originally with the Bristol Aeroplane Company and later with Vickers he designed a number of aircraft and held a number of aviation related patents.

Early life

Challenger was born on 3 June 1881 at Neath in Glamorganshire, Wales. He was originally employed as an engineer at Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company where his father was Chief Engineer.[2]

Bristol

With the formation of the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company in 1910 which started with leased premises from the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company Challenger moved across to the new aeroplane company as works manager and engineer.[3] With the creation in 1911 of an experimental department Challenger was sent to Larkhill to learn to fly and on 14 February 1911 he obtained his Royal Aero Club Aviators Certificate (No. 58). Among his designs at Bristol was the Bristol Boxkite and Bristol Glider.[4] He left Bristol to work for the aviation department of Vickers as chief designer and engineer.[2]

Vickers

With the formation of an aeronautical division by Vickers Challenger left Bristol to work for the new company. Challenger was the involved in numerous patents, including those for a ring mounting and a gun synchroniser, both for machine-guns. He left Vickers in 1918[5]

References

Notes

  1. "Challenger Collection for Sale" Flight 17 June 1948 p669
  2. 2.0 2.1 Flight 12 July 1913
  3. Barnes 1988, p. 13
  4. Barnes 1988, p. 19
  5. "G. H. CHALLENGER" Flight 15 January 1948 p76

Bibliography

  • Barnes, ed. (1988). Bristol Aircraft since 1910. London, United Kingdom: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-823-2. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)