B.E.3
Development and Design
In early 1912, the Royal Aircraft Factory began construction of the third aircraft in the Bleriot Experimental (B.E.) family. The B.E.3 was a two-seat, two-bay wooden biplane, powered by a 50 hp Gnome engine.
Maiden Flight and the “Goldfish”
Test pilot Geoffrey de Havilland performed its first flight on May 3, 1912. After a series of test flights and minor repairs, the aircraft was transferred to the RFC, where it received the tail number “203” and the nickname “Goldfish.”
Operational Service Life
The B.E.3 was primarily used for test flights and operated with 3 Sq. RFC until the end of 1914.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | BE.3 |
| Wingspan, m | 12.04 |
| Length, m | 8.31 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Gnome |
| Power, hp | 1 x 50 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the B.E.3
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ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.