RAF B.E.2

The Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 (Blériot Experimental) was a British single-engine two-seat biplane,
designed by Geoffrey de Havilland. It was in service with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) from 1912 until
the end of World War I. Initially used as front-line reconnaissance aircraft and light bombers, variants of
the type were also used as night fighters, trainers, communications aircraft and anti-submarine coastal
patrol aircraft. About 3,500 were built. With a maximum speed of only 72 mph, climb to 10,000 ft took
45 min. Surviving and restored aircraft, and reproductions, are on display in museums like the Imperial
War Museum in London and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.