Page 4 - RAFEW A

Bristol F2.

One of the outstanding combat aircraft of WW1 it was first flown in 1916. The type had an
uncertain start to its operational career in the spring of 1917 sustaining significant losses largely
due to being flown in formation relying on the gunners for protection

However the aircraft possessed excellent performance, structural strength and agility and it was
soon realised that that it would more productively be used as a 2 seat fighter and flown as such.
This proved to be the case and for the rest of WW1 the aircraft was a great success and very
popular with its crews.

It was also used as a fighter bomber and proved equally successful in this role. The aircraft
proved an excellent performer over the Western Front and further afield and was also used for
Home Defence in 1918. 33 Squadron operated this aircraft for a time from Elsham Wolds in
1918

Top speed: 123 mph.

Engine: Rolls-Royce Falcon III liquid-cooled V12 engine, 275 hp

Range 369 miles

Service ceiling: 18000 ft

Wingspan: 39 ft 3 ins

Length: 25 ft 10 ins

First flight: 1916

Manufacturer: British and Colonial Aeroplane Company - Bristol.

Crew: 2