Status: Airworthy
Specifications
Serial B1229 (replica)
Type Fighter Reconnaissance
Crew 2
Manufacturer The British and Colonial Aeroplane Company (Bristol)
First Flight 1916
Country United Kingdom
Wingspan 11.96 m
Length 7.87 m
Weight (empty) 877 kg
Engine Rolls-Royce Falcon
Max Speed 198 kph
Armament 3 x .303 machine guns, 110 kg of bombs
Service History
The Bristol F.2B was first flown in 1916 and designed as a two-seat fighter for World War I service in the Middle East. The original B1229 was at one stage flown by Captain Ross Smith, who flew as Lawrence of Arabia’s pilot on several occasions. This replica represents B1229 of No. 1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps, a presentation aircraft purchased from a donation of £2,700 by the Macintyre Kayuga Estate in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
Restoration
The Bristol F.2B Fighter replica was donated to Hunter Fighter Collection Inc. and is a flying exhibit at Hunter Warbirds, carrying a colour scheme to commemorate its Hunter Valley connection.