Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.2

The Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.2, produced under licence by the French firm Nieuport in 1914, was a pivotal early‑war scout that bridged the gap between experimental prototypes and operational fighters. Originating from the Royal Aircraft Factory’s “S.E.” (Scout Experimental) series, the S.E.2 was adapted by Nieuport to meet the growing demand for agile, single‑seat aircraft on the Western Front. Powered by a 80 hp (60 kW) Gnome rotary engine, the aircraft featured a wooden frame with fabric‑covered wings of a rectangular planform, a single‑seat open cockpit, and a simple yet effective control system that gave pilots responsive handling at low speeds. Its modest armament—typically a single Lewis gun mounted on the top wing—was sufficient for the reconnaissance and limited dogfighting roles of the time. Although quickly superseded by more powerful designs, the S.E.2’s construction techniques and rotary‑engine performance influenced Nieuport’s subsequent fighters, such as the celebrated Nieuport 11 “Bébé.” The aircraft’s brief service highlighted the rapid evolution of aerial warfare, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in early aviation development and setting a precedent for future scout‑fighter concepts.

Nieuport

Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.2

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Design & Classification