R.A.F. S.E.5a

The S.E.5 was found to be a capable plane, and when the geared 200hp version of the Hispano-Suiza became available, it was mounted, the result being the R.A.F. S.E.5a. The first plane with the new engine arrived at &#x2116; 56 Squadron in June 1917 and S.E.5a's replaced the S.E.5 in that unit by the end of August. However, there was difficulty in obtaining large quantities of the 200hp engine, both from France and the native Wolseley company. Wolseley was ordered to fall back to making the original ungeared engine, but they chose to improve it to a high-compression version known as the "Wolseley Viper". By January 1918 there were four hundred airframes in storage awaiting engines. In the early months of 1918 the bugs began to be worked out and deliveries from the Mayen firm increased the stock.

In combat the S.E.5a was found to be sturdy and reliable. While it was not as hair-trigger maneuverable as the Sopwith Camel, it could be thrown about without fear of crack-up. Since it was a top-line fighter, it served mostly on the Western Front, but small numbers were used on other fronts and in Home Defense.

As 1918 progressed the engines were refined, moving to 220-240hp Hispano-Suiza's and (at last) the 200hp Wolseley Viper.

The S.E.5a was one of the great fighters of World War One.

Card Links

 * 41 Sqn - Soden
 * 41 Sqn - Soden
 * 56 Sqn - Prothero
 * 56 Sqn - Rhys-Davids
 * 56 Sqn - Rhys-Davids

Aircraft Chart

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Columbia Aerodrome, Decapod, wow
 * Plastic Kit: Valom 14404, 14418
 * Metal kit:
 * Wings of War: WW23A Bishop; WW23B Dallas; WW23C Boudwin

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Decapod, wow
 * Metal kit: CinC MS-12
 * Metal Cast:

1:300 Scale

 * Metal kit: Heroics & Ros GWA102

1:350 Scale

 * Shapeways: Decapod, wow

1:600 Scale

 * Metal kit: