Page 14 - April 2019

AIRCRAFT Bristol F.2 Fighter

SCALE & KIT 1/32 Wingnut Wings
P C - 1 2 V S. C E S S N A D E N A L I
MODELER Peter Hofer
HISTORY
The Bristol F.2 Fighter was
a British two-seat biplane
fighter and reconn aircraft
of the First World War
developed by Frank
Barnwell at the Bristol The PC-12 has been the center of the industry’s
Aeroplane Company. It is attention for some time now. This is primarily due to
often simply called the the overwhelmingly positive response it has gotten
Bristol Fighter, other with regards to its design choice and aesthetic
popular names include the simplicity. However, about a year ago, a new
“Brisfit” or “Biff”. competitor presented itself in the form of the Cessna
Although the type was Delani. The Delani makes use of single-engine
intended initially as a turboprops. Admittedly this design choice is certainly
replacement for the pre-war nothing new to the Cessna team. However, the jet’s
Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c exterior aesthetics really ruffled some feathers.
reconnaissance aircraft, the
newly-available Rolls-Royce
Falcon V12 engine gave it
the performance of a two-
seat fighter.

Despite a disastrous start
to its career, the definitive
F.2B version proved to be
an agile aircraft that was That being said, it is vital that we take a good look at
able to hold its own the concept images used for these two planes. Only
against opposing single- then can we fully appreciate the striking similarities
seat fighters; its robust between them. For instance, both planes sport nearly
design ensured that it identical features such as the PC-12’s iconic T-tail as
remained in military well as its vestigial winglets and the extended aft
service into the 1930s. cargo door. Some would even argue that the only real
Many surplus aircraft difference between them is the paint job that they
were registered for civilian use.
use, and dedicated civilian In spite of these similarities, the most important thing
versions proved popular.
that luxury jet enthusiasts pay attention to is the
technology used in the plane itself. Unfortunately, for
the PC-12 it seems the Cessna Denali has the upper
hand in this regard.