Bristol F.2 Fighter
The Bristol F.2 Fighter is a British First World War two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft developed by Frank Barnwell at the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company later known as the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter, "Brisfit" or "Biff".
| Bristol F.2 Fighter | |
|---|---|
| The Shuttleworth Collection's Bristol F.2B Fighter | |
| Role | Biplane fighter aircraft |
| Manufacturer | British and Colonial Aeroplane Company |
| Designer | Frank Barnwell |
| First flight | 9 September 1916 |
| Retired | 1930s |
| Primary users | Royal Flying Corps Polish Air Force Honduran Air Force |
| Produced | 1916–1927 |
| Number built | 5,329 |
Although the type was intended initially as a replacement for the pre-war Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft, the new Rolls-Royce Falcon V12 engine gave it the performance of a fighter.
Despite a disastrous start to its career, the definitive F.2B version proved to be a manoeuvrable aircraft that was able to hold its own against single-seat fighters while its robust design ensured that it remained in military service into the early 1930s. Some war-surplus aircraft were registered for civilian use and versions with passenger cabins were converted.