Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.3
Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.3 | |
---|---|
Role | Reconnaissance |
Manufacturer | Armstrong-Whitworth |
Designer | Frederick Koolhoven |
Introduction | Sep 1916 [1][2] |
Primary user | U.K. (RFC/RAF) |
Number built | ~500 [1][2] |
Wingspan | 12.2 m (40 ft 1 in) [3] |
Engine | 90hp RAF 1a vee or 105hp RAF 1b vee |
Armament | flexible rear Lewis on pillar mount 51 kg (112 lb) of bombs[3] |
Crew | 2 |
Max Speed | 140 km/h (87 mph) [4] |
Climb | 610 m (2,000 ft) in 7:00[3] 910 m (3,000 ft) in 10:30[4] 1,500 m (5,000 ft) in 19:00[3] 2,000 m (6,500 ft) in 26:30[4] 3,000 m (10,000 ft) in 48:56[4] |
Ceiling | 3,700 m (12,000 ft) [4][3] |
Endurance | 3:00 [4] |
When Frederick Koolhoven offered to reduce the complexity of the R.A.F. B.E.2c for easier production, the result was the Armstrong-Whitworth F.K.3. With the prototype, as with the BE.2, the pilot sat in the rear, leaving the observer with less-than-perfect sight lines, but production aircraft fortunately reversed this and moved the pilot to the front seat of the communal cockpit. Dual controls were provided, which made the FK.3 a natural fit as a trainer later in its career, where it served in large numbers until the adoption of the Avro 504 as a standard trainer. Operationally it was only used in the Middle East, where 47th Squadron used the FK.3 from September 1916 until 1918. Its RFC nickname was Little Ack. [1]
For more information, see Wikipedia:Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3.
Timeline [note 1]
References
- Notes
- Citations
- Bibliography
- J.M. Bruce. British Aeroplanes 1914-18. Great Britain: Funk & Wagnalls, 1957, 1969. ISBN 0370000382
- W.M. Lamberton and E.F. Cheesman, Reconnaissance & Bomber Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Great Britain: Harleyford Publications Ltd., 1962. ISBN 9780900435027
- Ian Philpott, The Birth of the Royal Air Force. Great Britain: Pen & Sword Books Limited, 2013. ISBN 978-1-78159-333-2