The quest for the worst combat aircraft in history...

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

Er, it's a B.E.2, not a Fe-2 (or are they the same?). Please read the part: "Faults of the type" in the Wiki link. The gunner sat on the front seat which meant he couldn't shoot forward as there was the propeller, he couldn't shoot straight to the rear as there was the pilot, he couldn't shoot top or bottom left or right as there were the wings. Combine that with an underpowered engine, a small bombload and no manoeuvrability to speak of and you have a bad plane. .... I really wouldn't have wanted to fly one of those in WWI.

You're right, it was the 'Bombing Experimental 2', not the 'Fighter Experimental 2'. And it was a bad plane after fighters came along, but that wasn't a concept when the plane was designed. The later development, the RE.8, was not really better, but they had to use what was available.

Here's one for you, the actual FE.2b.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_A..._Factory_F.E.2

The front gun was great for shooting at another two-seater, but notice the procedure for shooting at a fighter approaching from behind.



"No, Tim! Don't turn! DON'T TURN!"