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Bristol Scout [Great Britain]
Lanoe Hawker's Bristol C Scout #1611

One of the first aircraft produced in large numbers for Britain was the Bristol Scout. Based upon Frank Barnwell's pre-war racing plane, it was considered fast and maneuverable when it entered service. The Scout was the first attempt by the Royal Flying Corps to develop a true fighter. Initially unarmed, Lanoe Hawker devised a method for mounting a Lewis gun to the side of the aircraft. In March 1916, the Scout D became the first British fighter to be armed with a synchronized machine gun. Soon outdated by more efficient designs, it was withdrawn from service in the summer of 1916 and used as a trainer.
  • The highest scoring ace for this aircraft was Charles Bell, an Englishman, with five or more victories.
Scout D Specifications
Country:Great Britain
Manufacturer:The British & Colonial Aeroplane Company, Ltd.
Type:Fighter
Entered Service:November 1915
Number Built:210
Engine(s):Le Rhône, air cooled 9 cylinder rotary, 80 hp
Wing Span:24 ft 7 in [7.49 m]
Length:20 ft 8 in [6.3 m]
Height:8 ft 6 in [2.6 m]
Empty Weight:760 lbs [345 kg]
Gross Weight:1,250 lb [567 kg]
Max Speed:100 mph [161 km/h] at sea level
Ceiling:16,000 ft [4,877 m]
Endurance:2 hours
Crew:1
Armament:1 Vickers or Lewis machine gun

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