The Beardmore WB.II was a fighter aircraft developed by the English firm Beardmore. This aircraft was built based on the multi-purpose B.E.2c aircraft from the RAF (“Royal Aircraft Factory”). Instead of the original English RAF engine, a more powerful French Hispano-Suiza 8Bd engine was installed.
Development and Initial Performance
The first aircraft unit was ready in 1917. During testing, the WB.II displayed good flight characteristics. However, widespread serial production was hindered by an insufficient supply of purchased Hispano-Suiza engines.
Variants and Armament
One aircraft was converted for civil use and received the designation WB.IIB. Based on this, the sole example of the all-metal WB.10 was built, equipped with a 200-horsepower Beardmore engine.
The fighter’s armament included two synchronized 7.7mm Vickers machine guns and one turret-mounted 7.7mm Lewis machine gun.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | WB.II |
| Wingspan, m | 10.62 |
| Length, m | 8.18 |
| Height, m | 3.05 |
| Wing area, m2 | 32.88 |
| Empty weight | 800 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 1202 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 8Bd |
| Power, hp | 1 x 200 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 193 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 168 |
| Flight endurance, h.min | 2.80 |
| Service ceiling, m | 5500 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Armament | 2 synchronized 7.7-mm Vickers machine guns and one 7.7-mm Lewis machine gun in a turret |
Image and diagram gallery of the Beardmore WB.II
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