Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2d

1916

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Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2d

On 7 April 1916, a version of the F.E.2b was flown at the RAF Farnborough, fitted with a 250hp Rolls-Royce Mk I (later, Eagle I) 12-cylinder water-cooled V-type engine, becoming thus the prototype F.E.2d. Compared with the 160hp F.E.2b, the Rolls-Royce-engined version had better rate of climb and ceiling and slightly improved speed performance, and although the heavier engine adversely affected manoeuvrability and field performance, the F.E.2d was ordered into production as an interim supplement for the F.E.2b. Eighty-five were built at Farnborough and 270 by Boulton & Paul, although many of these were completed, in the event, with Beardmore engines as F.E.2b's. In those F.E.2d's completed, several versions of the Rolls-Royce engine were fitted; as well as the Mk I these comprised the 250hp Marks III and IV (later, 284hp Eagle III and IV) and the 275hp Marks I and II (later, 322hp Eagle V and VI). The first few F.E.2d's had the oleo undercarriage with nosewheel extension, but the modified oleo type without the nosewheel was soon adopted. The F.E.2d was in service in France by July 1916, and the type also served with Home Defence units, although its low speed performance made it an ineffective Zeppelinchaser. Most F.E.2d's were armed with two Lewis guns, one on a flexible mounting in the nose and another fixed forward-firing for the pilot; in some cases a third gun, on a telescopic pillar mounting, was also provided between the two cockpits.

Specification 
 MODELF.E.2d (with 250hp RR Mark I e
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight1574 kg3470 lb
  Empty weight1138 kg2509 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan14.55 m48 ft 9 in
  Length10.13 m33 ft 3 in
  Height3.85 m13 ft 8 in
  Wing area45.89 m2493.96 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed151 km/h94 mph
  Ceiling5334 m17500 ft

Comments
zifeng, 18.06.2011 10:38

Could a gunner /oberv. actually do something like this while in the air? What about "falling-out" fatalities

reply

"Bugs" Wirkus, e-mail, 25.09.2010 17:27

I have seen one photo of a gunner /observer standing and
facing backwards holding a Lewis mg---the picture was taken whils the aircraft was on the ground.
Could a gunner /oberv. actually do something like this while in the air? What about "falling-out" fatalities?
I am curious and thank all that might respond. Take Care :)

reply

"Bugs" Wirkus, e-mail, 25.09.2010 17:27

I have seen one photo of a gunner /observer standing and
facing backwards holding a Lewis mg---the picture was taken whils the aircraft was on the ground.
Could a gunner /oberv. actually do something like this while in the air? What about "falling-out" fatalities?
I am curious and thank all that might respond. Take Care :)

reply

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