George Henry Challenger
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.
George Henry Challenger | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 June 1881 Neath, Glamorganshire, Wales |
| Died | December 1947 Taunton, Somerset, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Aero-engineer |
| Spouse | Emily Beatrice |
Early life
Challenger was born on 3 June 1881 at Neath in Glamorganshire, Wales. He was originally employed as an engineer at the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company[2] where his father was chief engineer.
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 were the Bristol Boxkite and Bristol Glider.[4] He left Bristol to work for the aviation department of Vickers where he was 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 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
- "Challenger Collection for Sale" Flight 17 June 1948 p669
- "Aeronautical Society's New Associate Fellows" Flight No. 28, Volume V, 12 July 1913 p775
- Barnes 1988, p. 13
- Barnes 1988, p. 19
- "G. H. CHALLENGER" Flight 15 January 1948 p76
Bibliography
- Barnes, C.H., ed. (1988). Bristol Aircraft since 1910. London, United Kingdom: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-823-2.