![]() ![]() On 25 October 1916, the second prototype was completed, powered by a Hispano-Suiza engine and differing from the first prototype in its tail-skid, which was integrated into the base of the rudder. It was fitted with B.E.2d wings (Bristol were major contractors for the type) to save time its lower wings were attached to an open wing-anchorage frame and had end-plates at the wing roots. On 9 September 1916, the first prototype performed its maiden flight, powered by a Falcon I engine. In July 1916, work commenced on the construction of a pair of prototypes on 28 August 1916, an initial contract was awarded for fifty production aircraft. Note column radiators on fuselage sides, forward of the wings. Prototypes Bristol Fighter prototype with B.E.2d wings. The resulting Type 12 F.2A, was a two-bay equal-span biplane, closely based on the R.2A and R.2B designs. The anticipated improvement in performance changed the emphasis in its intended operational use it was now seen as a replacement for the F.E.2d and Sopwith 1½ Strutter two-seat fighters, rather than a competitor with the pedestrian reconnaissance designs that were to replace the B.E.2. Barnwell drafted a third revision of his design around the new engine, with its decidedly superior power/weight ratio. The crew positions were placed as close together as possible, to help communication between the pilot and observer.īefore either the R.2A or R.2B could be built, the new 190 hp (142 kW) Rolls-Royce Falcon inline engine became available. These features were intended to improve the field of fire for the observer the positioning of the fuselage also resulted in the upper wing obscuring less of the pilot's field of view. ![]() Both designs had the fuselage mounted between the wings, with a gap between the lower longerons and the wing, along with a substantial part of the fin beneath the fuselage. This initially took two forms, the Type 9 R.2A, to be powered by the 120 hp Beardmore engine and the similar Type 9A R.2B, powered by the 150 hp Hispano-Suiza. In March 1916, Frank Barnwell of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, commenced work on a replacement for the B.E.2. Several new types were developed the Royal Aircraft Factory offered its R.E.8 design and Armstrong Whitworth produced the design that eventually emerged as the F.K.8. Among other attributes and performance requirements, emphasis was placed upon the ability to defend itself in aerial combat. In the Autumn of 1915, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) needed a new aerial reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft to replace the pre-war Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c. Some surplus aircraft were registered for civilian use, and versions with passenger cabins were converted. ![]() It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter, "Brisfit" or "Biff".Īlthough the type was intended initially as a replacement for the pre-war Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft, the new Rolls-Royce Falcon V12 engine gave it the performance of a fighter.ĭespite a disastrous start to its career, the definitive F.2B version proved to be a manoeuvrable aircraft that was able to hold its own against single-seat fighters while its robust design ensured that it remained in military service into the early 1930s. The Bristol F.2 Fighter is a British First World War two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft developed by Frank Barnwell at the Bristol Aeroplane Company. ![]()
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