Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12

In the summer of 1916, the R.E.7 was withdrawn from service and replaced with the B.E.12. With increased power and larger fuel tanks, it was designed for long-range photography and bombing missions. On occasion it was even pressed into service as a fighter. But the B.E.12 lacked even the limited manoeuvrability of the B.E.2c from which it was derived. Soon withdrawn from combat, the B.E.12 remained in service for much of the war as a trainer and anti-submarine aircraft.
Cecil Lewis, who ferried a B.E.12 to France, thought it was "nothing but a higher-powered single-seater B.E.2c armed with a forward-firing Vickers gun. The front seat had been taken out to make room for the new 140-h.p. R.A.F. engine. . . It really was a cow. The engine gave full revs and full power while sounding as if there was something radically wrong with it. The four-bladed propeller seemed to increase the vibration. It was a lovely day and I crossed the Channel high up, glad of the height, for full out or throttled back the engine rattled like a can of old nails. I was glad enough to put it down at the depot, saying fervently to the group of pilots who gathered round the newcomer, 'You can have it. That's one I don't want to see again.'" ¹

1 Lewis, Cecil. . London: Temple Press Books, 1964

Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12 Specifications

Country:	Great Britain
Manufacturer:	Royal Aircraft Factory
Type:	Fighter/Bomber
First Introduced:	1916
Number Built:
Engine(s):	RAF 4a, 140 hp, 12 cylinder air cooled inline V
Wing Span:	37 ft (11.28 m)
Length:	27 ft 3 in (8.31 m)
Height:	11 ft 1.5 in (3.39 m)
Empty Weight:
Gross Weight:	2,352 lb (1,067 kg)
Max Speed:	102 mph (164 km/h)
Ceiling:	12,500 ft (3,810 m)
Endurance:	3 hours
Crew:	1
Armament:	1 or 2 machine guns

Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12 Units

Australian Flying Corps:	1
Royal Flying Corps:	8, 17, 19, 21, 47, 67

Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12 Aces (1)

Green, Gilbert Ware Murlis

1