Bristol S.2A • wp.archivoaereo.com

The Bristol Type 8 S.2A was a modification of the Bristol Scout D aircraft, designed to meet the requirements of the British Admiralty’s specification for a two-seat fighter. However, even before the work was completed, the Admiralty had already selected the winner of the competition, the Sopwith 1/2 Strutter.

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Origins and Adaptations

Despite the Sopwith’s selection, construction of two Bristol S.2A prototypes continued, as the War Office saw potential in the aircraft as a training plane for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). The two experimental aircraft were completed in May and June 1916, respectively.

These aircraft were initially equipped with a 110 hp Clerget engine, which was later replaced by a 100 hp Gnome Monosoupape engine.

Testing and Limited Production

In mid-summer, both Bristol S.2A examples were transferred to the Central Flying School at Upavon. Despite positive pilot feedback, the aircraft remained limited to these two prototypes, never entering serial production.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Bristol S.2A
Wingspan, m	8. 58
Length, m	6.48
Height, m	3. 05
Normal takeoff weight	635
Engine type	1 Piston engine Clerget
Power, hp	1 х 110
Maximum speed, km/h	153
Cruising speed, km/h	1 24
Crew, crew members	2
Armament:	one 7.7-mm Lewis machine gun