R.A.F. B.E.2e

The Royal Aircraft Factory's B.E. series were fine observation planes for the needs of 1914: stable, slow, and forgiving. But those same qualities became liabilities in later warfare when speed and maneuverability were important. Self-defense was problematic because the BEs stuck with the pre-war arrangement of having the pilot in the rear seat, leaving the observer -- if he had a gun at all -- in the difficult position of trying to fire at an angle past the propeller or over the pilot's head against rear attack. By the rise of the Albatros fighters in late 1916 and early 1917, the B.E.'s were helpless and fell in large numbers, a frequent target during "Bloody April". Even after their dark days in spring of 1917, the B.E.2e served on in quieter theaters and roles through the end of the war.

The R.A.F. B.E.2e featured unequal single-bay wings with the large overhung top wings braced from king-posts. It had dual controls, an enlarged fin, and the 90hp RAF 1a V-8 engine. The observer has a Lewis gun in the forward-angle fire position; he could also move that gun to the rail between himself and the pilot.

Large numbers of BE.2e's were built, including some R.A.F. B.E.2c and 2d models that were upgraded to the newer model. It served with the RFC and the RNAS in most theatres, lasting on the Western Front until they could be replaced with the R.A.F. R.E.8 or the Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.8. Some were sent to Russia. After active service, many found new life as trainers.

Aircraft Chart

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory