Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.8

The Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.8, also known as the Big Ack, was a solid two-seater that simply performed its job without attracting a lot of attention. It served with Sqns. &#8470;2, 8, 10, 35, and 82 in France; 17 and 47 in Macedonia; and 142 in Palestine. Early models used simplified nose-over oleo skid and tall, thin radiators, and a polygonal nose. Later models switched to a more conventional standard vee undercarriage, ear radiators, and a rounded nose. The pilot's Vickers gun was fully enclosed in the fuselage and could not be accessed during flight.

F.K.8's were used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting, but they also made a good light bomber. Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to crews of FK.8s: one to A.A.McLeod who, after fighting one and then eight Fokker Triplanes (shooting down three) and, while gravely wounded, managed to fly his flaming Big Ack by climbing onto the wing. After crash-landing in No Man's Land, he dragged his observer clear of the wreck and sustained wounds from ground fire.

Stated Major Keith D P Murray, "The Big A-W was slow, but my pilots liked it for the particular job they had to do, and never regarded themselves as 'cold meat'. Owning to the nature of their work, they were rarely in the position to attack, but when attacked, as they were frequently enough, they gave good enough account of themselves."

Card Links

 * 2 Sqn
 * 2 Sqn
 * 2 Sqn
 * 8 Sqn - West/Haslam

Aircraft Chart

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways:
 * Early undercarriage: Reduced Aircraft Factory, wow
 * Vee undercarriage: Decapod, Reduced Aircraft Factory, wow

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Decapod, Reduced Aircraft Factory

1:350 Scale

 * Shapeways: Decapod, wow