Bristol F2b Fighter: King of Two Seaters

The tragic losses amongst RFC airmen during the early months of World War 1 caused an outcry by the public and in Parliament, and as a result the War Office gave wider recognition to the aircraft designs of private firms. From the stable of the Bristol Co, with Frank Barnwell as its chief designer, came a 'reconnaissance' two-seater, the F2A/F2B. Better known as the Bristol Fighter, this aircraft possessed good structural strength and a single-seat fighter's combat manoeuvrability and performance, plus the bonus of a rear gun: these were assets which enabled it to take on any existing enemy fighter on near-equal terms. Not surprisingly, the 'Brisfit' saw lengthy service throughout the world. Chaz Bowyer has studied the complete career of this classic biplane, exploding the myth that the early operations of No 48 Squadron were characterised by an overly defensive mentality, and points to the squadron's successes while coming to terms with its new machines. He surveys the aircraft's service in Europe, the Middle East and India, describes the failure of the American production plans, and gives considerable coverage to the civil variants and many modifications to the standard specification. In addition to this informative text there are appendices of production, service and technical data, and over 150 illuminating and often rare or unpublished photographs.

by Chaz Bowyer
Published by Ian Allan 1985 1st edition. 128pp profusely illustrated, appendices, bibliography. 18x24 fine in very good d/j.





Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.