YouTube - SE5 Biplane
Specifications |
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Primary Function:
Crew: Engines: Power: Weight Empty: Max. Weight: Machine Guns: Bombs: Length: Wingspan: Cruise Speed: Max. Speed: Initial Climb: Ceiling: Range: First Flight: Year Deployed: |
fighter/bomber
one Wolseley Viper 200 hp 1,430 lbs. 1,940 lbs. 2- 7.7 mm 4- 25 lbs. ea. 20 ft. 11in. 26 ft. 8 in. 97 mph 138 mph 800 fpm 17,000 feet 300 miles 11/22/16 1917 |
SE5 Biplane
The best British aircraft of World War One is considered by many to be the 200 h.p. Wolseley Viper version of the Hispano Suiza engine equipped SE5 biplane (Scout Experimental 5) produced by the Royal Aircraft Factory.
The SE5 biplane was known for its ruggedness and its dependable engine. What it lacked in ability to turn inside other fighters of the day was made up for in its overall speed, high altitude performance, and excellent zoom climbing abilities.
Although the SE5 biplane first flew in November of 1916, its deployment was delayed when it was found that the windscreen obscured the pilot's forward vision. These were eventually removed. Another issue delaying the full deployment of the aircraft was a shortage of engines.
Once the SE5 biplane was deployed in sufficient numbers, it was found that the fighter was capable of besting the top German aircraft.
A total of over 5,200 SE5 biplane aircraft were produced prior to the end of World War One. After the war, the aircraft were exported throughout the British Empire and many were sold for civilian use.
SE5 Biplane
The SE5 biplane is available as an all foam kit from the Flite Test Store. Its wingspan is 24 in. with a weight, without battery, of around 9 oz. It needs your 2300 kV motor turning a 6 x 4.5 propeller, electronics, and 2 3/4 in. wheels.
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