Is it the cockpit or the bridge? Bras D'or  was  designed by aircraft manufacturer deHavilland Canada. It has the look and feel of an aircraft cockpit.  However in the book " The Flying 400" it is called the bridge  The cockpit was located on the topmost deck (#1)   The windows were made from bullet-proof  glass. Behind the two seats is a small jump seat and a folding desk for the navigator. Also see Note 1  Click on photo to enlarge.

Engineer's console contained the engine instruments. It was located in the aft portion of the ship.  The crew accommodation and galley were in the forward portion. Click on image to enlarge..

The engine room of Bras  D'or. The gas turbine engine was mounted immediately abaft of the bridge in it’s own enclosure. A diesel engine propelled the ship to a maximum of 12 knots when in hull-borne mode and 60 knots in foil-borne mode.   Click on image enlarge.

Layout of  the aft section showing the PAXMAN diesel and proposed VDS compartments. Click on image to enlarge. (The Flying 400)

Bras D'or on display at the Bernier Maritime Museum at L'Islet-sur-Mer, Quebec. She had three decks. Deck 1 - Bridge  Deck 2 - Operations room: radio, radar and sonar. Deck 3 -  Machinery space.  Click on image to enlarge.

View of the forward foils. Both  the forward and aft foils were made from extremely high strength steel (18% NiCoMo) that had a yield strength of 250,000 psi. This would ensure that the foils could withstand the high stresses experienced at full speed. Steering was effected by hydraulic rams turning the forward foil structure at the bow.

View of the aft foil which was fixed.

Closeup of one propellor.

Officers quarters

Petty Officer's compartment.

The Galley contained a microwave oven , a conventional stove and refrigerator. When it was difficult to cook, the crew ate prepared airline-type meals. Conventional meals were cooked when the conditions allowed it. The ship was provisioned to be at sea for a maximum of 14 days.

NOTE #1

The article on Bras D'or which appeared  in Warship International No.2 1982, says that the two seats on the bridge were occupied by the Captain (left) and a helmsman (right). The same goes for the book "The Flying 400" An unconfirmed report says that the Captain's place would normally be in the Operations area. Can anyone clarify this? Contact: jerry.proc@sympatico.ca

Credits and References:

 
1) Jacques Hamel. - Founding President of the former Musée Québécois de la radio. Web: http://www.va2mqr.ca
2) Pat Barnhouse.  - Assistant Project Manager for the Fighting Equipment (FE) .on the Bras D'or
3) Canadian Warships Since 1956.  Page 36.  Roger G. Steed. Vanwell Publishing 1999

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Nov 15/23