B.E.3

Development and Design

In early 1912, the Royal Aircraft Factory began construction of the third aircraft in the Bleriot Experimental (B.E.) family. The B.E.3 was a two-seat, two-bay wooden biplane, powered by a 50 hp Gnome engine.

Maiden Flight and the “Goldfish”

Test pilot Geoffrey de Havilland performed its first flight on May 3, 1912. After a series of test flights and minor repairs, the aircraft was transferred to the RFC, where it received the tail number “203” and the nickname “Goldfish.”

Operational Service Life

The B.E.3 was primarily used for test flights and operated with 3 Sq. RFC until the end of 1914.

Technical Specifications

Modification	BE.3
Wingspan, m	12.04
Length, m	8.31
Engine type	1 Piston engine Gnome
Power, hp	1 x 50
Crew, crew members	2

Image and diagram gallery of the B.E.3

B.E.3	B.E.3
B.E.3	B.E.3
B.E.3