Bristol F.3A

The Bristol F.3A was a British three seat, single engined biplane designed by the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company in 1916 as an anti-Zeppelin fighter. The firm was invited to bid for two prototype escort and anti-Zeppelin fighters using two 250 hp Rolls-Royce engines made available by the Admiralty, and the design was based on the company's twin engined T.T.A. local defence fighter, reusing many of its components including the wings, rear fuselage and tail. Two gunners sat in nacelles on the top wing. An order for two prototypes for the Royal Flying Corps was received on 16 May 1916, but with the arrival of aircraft with synchronised guns the programme was cancelled and the aircraft were not built. In 1923 the type was retrospectively designated the Type 7.