Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2

Fighter, Light Bomber, Patrol & Trainer

Reproduction - Airworthy - On Display

The Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2e was a British built, single-engine, biplane first used by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) from 1912 till 1919.  Originally intended as a front line fighter for air to air combat, their inherently stable characteristics and poor performance made them easy prey for the German Fokker Eindecker.  Despite this it was used for other roles including as a light bomber, night fighter, anti-submarine and coastal patrol reconnaissance platform, and trainer.

Our aircraft is a reproduction constructed by The Vintage Aviator Limited, based in Wellington, where it was faithfully constructed to the same standards as the originals were over 100 years ago.    The aircraft is painted to represent a B.E.2b flown by William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse, an Englishman of Maori descent who was the first airman to receive a Victoria Cross.

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Engine: Royal Aircraft Factory 1a, 90hp V8 piston engine
Length: 8.31m (27ft 3in)
Height: 3.39m (11ft 1.5in)
Wing Span: 12.2m (40ft 0in)
Maximum Speed: 72mph (116kmh or 62 knots)
Range: 3h 15m
Service Ceiling: 10,000ft (3,050m)
Armament: 0.303 (7.7mm) Lewis Gun, 224Ib (100Kg) of bombs