R.A.F. B.E.12b

The R.A.F. B.E.12b was a B.E.12 adapted especially for Home Defense use. A potent 200hp Hispano-Suiza engine was mounted, lights were added, and a pair of Lewis machine guns were mounted to the top wing, where the muzzle flash would not blind the pilot at night.

Though over a hundred BE.12b's were built, only thirty-six were sent to Home Defense squadrons and three to training units. At a time when there was a shortage of engines for more capable [R.A.F. S.E.5a|R.A.F. S.E.5a's], one might question their use in a less-capable aircraft.

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