Royal Aircraft Factory BE.9

Royal Aircraft Factory BE. 9 History

The designers wanted to create an aircraft that combined the high performance of tractor configuration planes with a good field of fire for the machine gun operated by the observer. They modified a B.E.2c aircraft by adding a small wooden box in front of the propeller where a gunner could sit with a Lewis gun. They removed the normal observer's cockpit, moved the engine backward, increased the wingspan, and added a larger fin.

However, this design had several drawbacks. The gunner was in a dangerous position, at risk of being injured by the propeller or crushed by the engine even in minor crashes. The Royal Aircraft Factory did not pursue further development of this type, although a similar concept called the French SPAD S.A. was used in service. The availability of synchronization gears also made the design unnecessary.

The single prototype of this modified aircraft flew for the first time in August 1915. Initial tests showed that its performance was not significantly different from the original B.E.2c, but there were difficulties in communication between the pilot and observer due to the engine and propeller separating them. The B.E.9 was then sent for field testing in France by several units. However, the feedback from the testing was mostly negative, with concerns about the machine's danger to the observer. Major Hugh Dowding described it as "an extremely dangerous machine," and Hugh Trenchard, head of the RFC in France, stated that it couldn't be recommended. The B.E.9 was returned to the UK in early 1916. Lt Duncan Grinnell-Milne expressed relief that the aircraft's combat experience was inconclusive and that it was not mass-produced.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 1915

Origins: UK

Status: Development ended.

Crew: 2

Production: 1

Manufacturer: Royal Aircraft Works - United Kingdom

Operators: UK

Roles

Air-to-air combat, fighter

The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 29.0 feet (8.85m)

Width/span: 41.0 feet (12.50m)

Height: 11.5 feet (3.50m)

Performance

Installed: 1 x Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF) 1a 90 hp V8 air-cooled engine driving a four-blade wood (front pilot, rear gunner) propeller in a tractor arrangement.

Maximum speed: 84 km/h (135 km/h | 73 kn)

Rate of climb: 225 ft/min (69 m/min)

Weapon

1 Lewis .303 caliber (7.7mm) cannon mounted in the main gunner's cabin.