RAF Be.2C

History

The B.E.2, designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, was in fact identical to the BE.1 and just differed in the engine, 60 hp air cooled Renault V-8. Later a more powerful 70 hp Renault was installed. The Renault engine proofed to be more reliable than the water cooled Wolseley.

Other prototypes were the B.E.5 and B.E.6, which differed just in the installed engine. These aircraft were later equipped with the Renault engine and designated BE2.

The first version, BE2a was virtually identical to prototypes and also equipped with the Renault engine.

The Be2b differed just in a improved protection of the crew. At the beginning of the war three squadrons with BE2s were the first to be sent to France.

Just before the war broke out, the first BE.2C entered service and this type soon replaced the earlier versions of the squadrons in France. It was a more stable plane necessary for its task, reconnaissance.

It differed in the new wing, tail section, ailerons. Later the tail was enlarged. Later all production aircraft were equipped with a development of the Renault engine, a RAF 1A engine; the undercarriage was initially equipped with two skates, later it was replaced with a V-shaped construction.

The B.E.2d was a trainer with double steering en enlarged and revised fuel system.

The B.E.2e, released 1916, had new designed wings. Many BE2cs and BE.2ds on the production-lines were equipped with this new wing and received the designation B.E.2f and B.E.2g respectively.

In the end over 3500 examples were built.

Versions.

• B.E.1: Prototype, with water cooled Wolseley engine.
  • B.E.5: Prototype with a 60 hp ENV engine;
  • B.E.6: Prototype.
• B.E.2a: First production version; Small number built in 1912;
• B.E.2b: Differed from in higher sides of cockpits. Late examples had ailerons, revised undercarriage en engine cooling;
• B.E.2c: Revised and improved version;
• B.E.2d: Version with double steering and larger fuel tank;
• B.E.2e: Definite version with new designed wings;
• B.E.2f: B.E.2c with wings of B.E.2e;
• B.E.2g: B.E.2d with wings of B.E.2e.

The first BE.2C, RFC serial 1754, landed March 10, 1915 near Biervliet. For unknown reasons (possible due to a long period of repair and overhaul ??) is received its serial after the crash of the second BE.2C.
The second BE.2C, serial 1677, landed June 5, 1915 near Axel and was interned as LA24. It crashed on May 24, 1917.

BE.2C 1754, interned march 10, 1915, became LA24 (II).
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

R.A.F. B.E.2C LA24 (ex 1677) at Soesterberg, 1916.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

BE.2C, ex 1677, Dutch serial LA24 in the hangar.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

BE.2C LA24 after a crash om May 24, 1917 
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

Mechanic  omach2 H. Steensma in front of a R.A.F. (Royal Aircraft Factory) BE-2, serial LA 24 (ex-RFC 1677), at Soesterberg.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

RAF B.E. 2C, in 1915.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

R.A.F. B.E.2C as taxying trainer BE1, cracked early 1918; Ex RFC 1754 (RFC) and ex LA24(2).
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]

1/72nd Scale

Kits

• CMR
  • Kit CMR1021: A resin kit for a BE.2C Late
  • Kit CMR1020: A resin kit for a BE.2C early
• Formaplane
  • Kit C19: a vacu formed kit
• HR Models
  • Kit XX: A resin kit for a RAF Be2c Night Fighter

Modelling add-on

• Aeroclub
  • Set E027: RAF 1a Cylinders and Exhaust (RAF Be2c)
  • Set P040: WW1 RAF 4A type 4 Bld Wood (Be2-12)

Decals

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1/48th Scale

Kits

• Aeroclub
  • Set 444: RAF Be.2C
• Falcon
  • Set 444: a vacu formed kit of a RAF Be.2C
• Roden
  • Set 426: RAF BE2c Multi purpose two seat Aircraft

Modelling add-on

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  • Set --: --

Decals

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Check www.paint4models.com for an extensive conversion table with lots of colour and paint systems.

Literature.

Websites.

• Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2C
• Wikipedia UK: RAF BE.2C
• Constable .ca: RAF BE.2C
• The Aerodrome.com; RAF BE.2C
• RAF BE.2C

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