Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c

  • Period: First World War (1914-1918)
  • Uses: Observation
  • First Flight: February 1912 (B.E. 2)
  • Display Status: On the Museum Floor.

Early B.E. 2s saw service with the Royal Flying Corps from 1912 onwards. The B.E. 2c operated in France, mainly for reconnaissance and military observation, although some were single-seat bombers. Single-seat B.E. 2c night fighters downed six airships over Britain. The B.E. 2d was a 2c with different fuel system. Modified wings of the B.E. 2es increased speed but not manoeuvrability. Withdrawn from action in 1917, many continued as trainers until the war’s end. In all, 3 260 B.E. 2s were built.

A B.E. 2 became the first British aircraft to fly across the Channel and land in France after the outbreak of First World War. All models of the B.E. 2 had such great stability that they could nearly fly themselves during reconnaissance and artillery observation missions. While an easy target in the air over France, the B.E. 2c’s stability contributed to its success as a single-seat home-defence fighter against German airships in night raids over England.

Museum Example

  • Registration #: 5878 (RFC)
  • Manufacturer: The British and Colonial Aeroplane Company Ltd., Great Britain
  • Manufacture Date: 1915
  • Construction #: B & C 1042
  • Aquisition Date: 1959
  • Provenance: Transfer from RCAF

The Museum specimen was built in 1915 and served with 7 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps from 1916 to 1917. Sent to Canada as a war trophy in 1919, the aircraft was reconditioned and displayed at the National Research Council Museum between 1936 and 1940. Stored until 1957, it was then restored by the RCAF. The aircraft was sent to the Canadian War Museum in 1959. An engine and a propeller were donated by 1962. A full restoration by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum revealed that this was not B.E. 2c No. 4112 (RFC) as originally thought, but rather B.E. 2d No. 5878 (RFC).

Specifications

Wing Span:
11.2 m (36 ft 10 in)
Length:
8.3 m (27 ft 3 in)
Height:
3.5 m (11 ft 4 in)
Weight, Empty:
621 kg (1,370 lb)
Weight, Gross:
972 kg (2,142 lb)
Cruising Speed:
Unknown
Max Speed:
145 km/h (90 mph)
Rate of Climb:
1,980 m (6,500 ft) / 20 min
Service Ceiling:
3,050 m (10,000 ft)
Range:
4 hours (Endurance)
Power Plant:
one RAF 1a, 90 hp, Vee engine