R.A.F. B.E.2b

From Wings of Linen
R.A.F. B.E.2b
Role Reconnaissance
Manufacturer R.A.F.
Designer Geoffrey de Havilland
Introduction 1914
Primary user U.K. (RFC/RAF)
Number built ~85 [1][2]
Developed from R.A.F. B.E.2a
Wingspan 11.3 m (37 ft) [3]
Propeller Diam. 2.69 m (8 ft 10 in) [4]
Engine 70hp Renault
Armament small arms
45 kg (100 lb) of bombs[3]
Max Speed 110 km/h (70 mph)[5][3]
Ceiling 3,000 m (10,000 ft)[5][3]
Endurance 3:00 [5][3]

The R.A.F. B.E.2b was a development of the R.A.F. B.E.2a with improved top-decking, rudder, and elevators. In later models, ailerons were fitted for rolling instead of wing-warping. Like the BE.2 and BE.2a before it, it gave good service in the first months of the war, but it found itself completely outclassed as the war progressed. In September 1915, the RFC had only four still in service in France. [1]

For more information, see Wikipedia:Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2.

Timeline [note 1]

Game Data

Blue Max/Canvas Eagles

Aircraft Chart

References

Notes
  1. British usage numbers are approximate, derived from the squadron histories.[6]
Citations
  1. 1.0 1.1 Bruce'69, p.355.
  2. Lamberton, p.46.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Lamberton, pp.214-215.
  4. Bruce'66, p.12.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Munson, p.52.
  6. Philpott'13, pp.379-444.
Bibliography
  • J.M. Bruce. British Aeroplanes 1914-18. Great Britain: Funk & Wagnalls, 1957, 1969. ISBN 0370000382
  • J.M. Bruce, Profile Publications 133: The B.E.2, 2a & 2b. Great Britain: Profile Publications, Ltd., 1966.
  • W.M. Lamberton and E.F. Cheesman, Reconnaissance & Bomber Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Great Britain: Harleyford Publications Ltd., 1962. ISBN 9780900435027
  • Kenneth Munson, Bombers: Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft, 1914-1919. New York: The MacMillan Company, 1968, Blandford Press Ltd. ISBN 978-0753721711
  • Ian Philpott, The Birth of the Royal Air Force. Great Britain: Pen & Sword Books Limited, 2013. ISBN 978-1-78159-333-2