Bristol F.2B Fighter

The Bristol F.2B was designed from the outset as a fighter/reconnaissance aeroplane. This large and rugged biplane was powered by the highly successful Rolls-Royce Falcon III V12 engine. This combination, together with its integrated offensive and defensive armament, produced a formidable aircraft for its time.

The F.2B entered service with the Royal Flying Corps in March 1917, operating mainly on the Western Front.

After the war, the F.2B continued in operational use with the newly formed Royal Air Force in the roles of army co-operation and liaison.

About this aircraft

This aircraft was built in 1917 and saw no operational wartime service. However, it did serve with No 208 Squadron based in Turkey in 1923.

Its remains were acquired in 1936 by Captain C.P.B. Ogilvie who intended to restore it to flying condition on the civil register but failed to complete the project.

It therefore finally fell to the Bristol Aeroplane Company to restore the aeroplane and it subsequently flew again in 1952 having been entrusted to the care of the Shuttleworth Collection. After twenty-eight years with the Collection, the engine and airframe underwent a complete refurbishment during 1980-82. In 1992 the engine (the oldest working Rolls-Royce aero engine in the world) was replaced by an overhauled unit.

Specification

Bristol F.2B Fighter - Specification
Title Detail
Type Two seat biplane
Design purpose Fighter & reconnaissance
Wingspan 39ft 3in
Overall length 25ft 10in
Weight 1,730lbs
Max speed 122mph
Year 1917
Manufacturer Bristol Aeroplane Company
Engine 275hp Rolls-Royce Falcon III
Engine type V12
Era WWI
Status General Collection
Registration G-AEPH

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