Assembled model 1/48 Bristol F.2B Fighter WEEKEND edition Eduard 8452 British World War I Bristol F.2b Fighter two-seater biplane starter kit. Release: Weekend release
Spruce: Edward
PE kits: No
Paint mask: No
Marking options: 4
Brassin: No
In 1916, the British Royal Flying Corps ordered a two-seater fighter from several aviation companies that could defend itself against attacks by enemy aircraft. This was to be facilitated by an observer or a gunner in the second cabin, who operated a mobile machine gun mounted on a rotating platform. The construction of such an aircraft was undertaken by the Bristol company, and at the beginning of 1916, the English Frank Bornwell, the company's designer, designed the aircraft as a biplane, with the fuselage suspended between the wings, and with very little space between the open cockpits of the pilot and observer or gunner, so that they could communicate easily. A prototype Falcon in-line engine, designated the Bristol F.2A, flew on September 9, 1916. During flight tests, the prototype confirmed good handling characteristics and predictable performance. At that time, 50 such aircraft were ordered, which were equipped with two squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps. After making some changes to the design, serial production of the aircraft began under the name Bristol F.2B Fighter. In addition to British aircraft orders, the plant also received orders from other countries. A total of 3,101 Bristol F.2B Fighters were produced between 1916 and the end of the First World War, and after its end another 378 aircraft were produced for British and 49 for foreign aviation. They were also produced under license in the USA in 50 pieces and in Belgium - 40 pieces. For the first time, 6 Bristol F.2Bs of 40 Squadron engaged in aerial combat on 5 April 1917 over Arras in France with 5 fighters of Richthofen Squadron. Then German pilots shot down 4 British planes without loss. Only the change in the tactics of using these aircraft from defensive to offensive showed its advantages and the pilots of these aircraft won a number of victories, thus 20 Squadron RFC, equipped with Bristol F.2B Fighter fighters, shot down a total of 613 enemy aircraft. Individually, the most victories in this type of aircraft were won by a Canadian crew: Major Peel. A. Mc Keever and gunner L. F. Powell, the first of them shot down 30 and the second 6 German planes within six months. The advantages of this aircraft, which were confirmed during the fighting in the First World War, meant that it was used in the aviation of the British RAF until 1932. By the mid-1930s it was also used in aviation, particularly in Belgium, China and Spain, Ireland and Mexico. Technical data: maximum speed: 192 km/h, rate of climb: 5.1 m/s, maximum altitude: 6100 m, maximum flight range: 467 km, armament: stationary — 3 machine guns of 7.7 mm caliber.
