B.E.2

The B.E.2 (Bleriot Experimental 2) was a British two‑seat biplane developed during the First World War under the auspices of the Royal Aircraft Establishment. First flown in 1912, the type entered service in 1914 and became one of the most widely produced British aircraft of the conflict, with more than 4,500 built in several sub‑variants. Its airframe was of conventional wood‑and‑fabric construction, featuring equal‑span, unstaggered wings, a fixed tailskid undercarriage and a single forward‑firing Lewis gun mounted on an outriggers. Powered initially by a 70‑hp Renault V‑8, later models received more reliable 90‑hp and 150‑hp engines, improving climb rate and endurance. The B.E.2’s stability was deliberately emphasized, making it an excellent platform for reconnaissance, artillery spotting and early photographic work, though the same steadiness rendered it vulnerable to faster enemy fighters. The aircraft’s long service life, extensive production, and role in shaping aerial observation tactics cement its place in aviation history as a prototype of the dedicated observation plane that influenced post‑war designs. After the war the B.E.2 served as a trainer and liaison aircraft until the early 1920s, its easy handling making it ideal for novice pilots and for instructional use.

Royal Aircraft Establishment

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Design & Classification