B.E.2b: First World War Aircraft

The B.E.2c shows some notable design changes in comparison to its predecessor, the B.E.2b. This machine has staggered wings, a vertical tail fin in front of the rudder, a more streamlined engine cowling and a conventional V undercarriage. In spite of these improvements, this version was no more popular with its aircrew than the B.E2b was. Here are some lines from Cecil Lewis which he wrote about his first operational mission over the Western Front. “If there was ever an aeroplane unsuited for active service it was the B.E.2c. The pilot sat slightly aft of the main planes (wings) and had a fair view above and below, except where the lower main plane obscured the ground forward; but the observer, who sat in front of him, could see practically nothing…with a plane above, another below and bracing wires all round. He carried a gun for defence purposes, but could not fire it forwards, because of the propeller. Backwards, the centre-section struts, wires and the tailplane cramped his style”. His description of this mission to photograph enemy positions involves being attacked by a Fokker E.III, a jammed machine gun, engine failure and a forced landing (fortuitously on his own side of the front line).