FE-2
The FE-2 were a series of planes produced by the Royal Aircraft Factory. The performance of the FE-2a with its 100-hp Green engine was disappointing. The next model, the FE-2b, was an improvement and was responsible on 18th June, 1916 for shooting down the leading German flying ace, Max Immelmann. However, the plane was withdrawn when it was unable to compete with the superior Albatros D-II.
The FE-2c was mainly used for night fighting but the FE-2d achieved considerable success between July 1916 and April 1917. The FE-2d was reassigned to home defence duties with the arrival of the Sopwith Camel and the Bristol F2b during the summer of 1917.
Performance Data of the FE-2b | |
|---|---|
Type | reconnaissance/fighter |
Engine | 160 hp Beardmore |
Wing Span | 47 ft 9 in (14.55 m) |
Length | 32 ft 3 in (9.8 m) |
Height | 12 ft 7 in (3.8 m) |
Maximum Speed | 91 mph (147 kph) |
Maximum Height | 11,000 ft (3,353 m) |
Endurance | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Armament | 2 machine-guns |