Bristol Fighter F.2B

Fighter & Light Bomber

Replica - Airworthy - On Display

The Bristol Fighter F.2B, affectionately known as the “Brisfit”, is a British 2 seat aircraft that was used during the later stages of World War One.  Designed by Frank Barnwell, it was intended to replace the Royal Aircraft Factory’s B.E.2. fulfilling a variety of roles including a fighter, light bomber and reconnaissance platform.  It was fast, manoeuvrable and could dive faster than any other aircraft at the time.

The type saw service in many air forces after the War including here in NZ where 7 saw service with the New Zealand Permanent Air Force and later the Royal New Zealand Air Force until 1936.  They were used for flight training, aerial photography & surveying, metrological flights and army cooperation (ground support).

Our machine is one of six replicas built for the film adaptation of “High Road to China” written by Jon Cleary in the 1970’s.   It has recently been restored here in NZ and wears the livery of  C814 ‘12’, a Brisfit flown by New Zealander Sir Keith Park during his time with 48 Squadron RFC in 1918.

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Engine: Fairchild Ranger 6-440-C, 200hp straight 6 piston engine
Original Engine: Rolls Royce Falcon III, 275hp V12 piston engine
Length: 7.87m (25ft 10in)
Height: 2.97m (9ft 9in)
Wing Span: 11.96m (39ft 3in)
Cruise Speed: 123mph (198kmh or 106 knots)
Maximum Speed: 123mph (198kmh or 107 knots)
Range: 593 km (180 mins)
Service Ceiling: 18,000ft (5,485m)
Armament: 1× 0.303 in (7.7 mm) forward-firing Vickers machine gun, 1 or 2×0.303 in observer's cockpit, 240 lb of Bombs (100 kg)