B.E.2a

The B.E.2a was an early British two‑seat biplane designed and built by the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) in the first years of the First World War. Developed from the successful B.E.1 prototype, the B.E.2a first flew in August 1912 and entered service with the Royal Flying Corps in early 1914. Powered by a 70 hp Renault V‑8 engine, the aircraft featured a wooden box‑girder fuselage, fabric‑covered wings with a modest 10‑degree sweep, and a fixed, tailskid undercarriage. Its control system employed conventional ailerons, elevators and a rudder, while the tandem seating arrangement gave the observer a clear field of fire for a Lewis gun. The B.E.2a’s stable, forgiving handling made it popular for reconnaissance, artillery spotting and elementary pilot training. Although later variants would be criticized for poor maneuverability in combat, the original B.E.2a set a benchmark for early military aviation by demonstrating that a purpose‑built, reliable aircraft could be produced in quantity for front‑line use. Its production helped establish the RAE’s reputation as a leading designer of military aircraft and contributed to the rapid expansion of British air power during the war.