RAF S.E.5A

The Royal Air Factory SE.5 is a British mixed-wing fighter biplane with a classic tail from the First World War. It was created as a British response to the appearance of great Fokker and Albatros fighters on the Western Front in 1916. The flight of the prototype took place in November 1916, and the machine was delivered to the linear units in March 1917. The drive was a Hispano-Suiza engine with a capacity of 200 HP, which powered the first 60 serial aircraft, in the remaining examples the Waseley W4A Viper engine of the same power was used. The SE.5 was a successful fighter, with great performance, good weapons, easy handling and good resistance to enemy fire. Many Allied fighter aces flew on it, including: Billy Bishop, James McCudden and Albert Ball. Technical data: length: 6.38 m, wingspan: 8.11 m, height: 2.89 m, maximum speed: 222 km / h, practical ceiling: 5180 m, maximum range: 483 km, armament: fixed - 2 machine guns cal.7, 7mm.