R.A.F. F.E.2d

From Wings of Linen
R.A.F. F.E.2d
Role Fighter/General Purpose
Manufacturer R.A.F.
First flight 7 Apr 1916 [1]
Introduction 30 June 1916
Primary user U.K. (RFC/RAF)
Number built ≥248 [2]
Developed from R.A.F. F.E.2b
Wingspan 14.6 m (47 ft 9 in) [3]
Engine 250hp Rolls-Royce Eagle Mk.I, III, or IV vee [1][note 1]
Armament 1-2×front flexible Lewis [note 2]
later, also 1-2×front fixed Lewis[1]
Ammo 10-15 drums of 47 or 97 rounds[4]
Crew 2
Max Speed 148 km/h (92 mph)[3]-151 km/h (94 mph) [5][1]
Climb 910 m (3,000 ft) in 6:00[5][3]
1,500 m (5,000 ft) in 7:10[1]
1,800 m (6,000 ft) in 14:30[5][3]
3,000 m (10,000 ft) in 18:20[1]-32:30[5][3]
Ceiling 5,300 m (17,500 ft) [5][1]
Endurance 3:15[5]-3:30[1]

In an attempt to improve the performance of the workhorse R.A.F. F.E.2b, a 250hp Rolls-Royce engine was mounted and the radiator was moved above and behind the pilot. This configuration was the R.A.F. F.E.2d. The extra power proved useful and the F.E.2d held its own as a fighter until the autumn of 1917, when it was retired to Home Defense. [2] Some forty made their way into training units, but such was the demand for the engines that it never saw wide use in this role.[1]

Starting in early 1917 a fixed Lewis gun was added for the pilot's use. Sometimes twin pilot guns were added, a testament to the robust horsepower of the engine.[1]

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

Timeline [note 3]

Game Data

Wings of Glory

Unofficial Stats
Availability Maneuver Damage Dmg Points Max Alt. Climb
16Q4-18Q4 G A or B/A or B 14 8 6

Blue Max/Canvas Eagles

Aircraft Chart

Miniatures and Models

1:144 Scale

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

References

Notes
  1. A few had the 275hp Eagle Mk.VI.[1]
  2. Frequently supplemented by another Lewis firing backward over the top wing.
  3. British usage numbers are approximate, derived from the squadron histories.[6]
Citations
  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Bruce'94, pp.10-18.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Bruce'69, p.390.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Lamberton, pp.214-215.
  4. Kelly, p.230.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Bruce'69, p.399.
  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 and G.S. Leslie, R.L. Rimell, ed., "RAF FE2D". Windsock International, Vol.10, No.6 Nov/Dec 1994. UK: Albatros Publications Ltd.
  • Kevin Kelly, "Belts and Drums: A Survey of First World War Aircraft Ammunition Totals". Over the Front, Vol. 5, No. 3, Autumn 1990. Walsworth Publishing Co, Inc. and The League of World War I Aviation Historians.
  • W.M. Lamberton and E.F. Cheesman, Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Great Britain: Harleyford Publications Limited, 1960.
  • Ian Philpott, The Birth of the Royal Air Force. Great Britain: Pen & Sword Books Limited, 2013. ISBN 978-1-78159-333-2