Beardmore WB.II

The Beardmore WB.II was a fighter aircraft developed by the English firm Beardmore. This aircraft was built based on the multi-purpose B.E.2c aircraft from the RAF (“Royal Aircraft Factory”). Instead of the original English RAF engine, a more powerful French Hispano-Suiza 8Bd engine was installed.

Development and Initial Performance

The first aircraft unit was ready in 1917. During testing, the WB.II displayed good flight characteristics. However, widespread serial production was hindered by an insufficient supply of purchased Hispano-Suiza engines.

Variants and Armament

One aircraft was converted for civil use and received the designation WB.IIB. Based on this, the sole example of the all-metal WB.10 was built, equipped with a 200-horsepower Beardmore engine.

The fighter’s armament included two synchronized 7.7mm Vickers machine guns and one turret-mounted 7.7mm Lewis machine gun.

Technical Specifications

Modification	WB.II
Wingspan, m	10.62
Length, m	8.18
Height, m	3.05
Wing area, m2	32.88
Empty weight	800
Normal takeoff weight	1202
Engine type	1 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 8Bd
Power, hp	1 x 200
Maximum speed, km/h	193
Cruising speed, km/h	168
Flight endurance, h.min	2.80
Service ceiling, m	5500
Crew	2
Armament	2 synchronized 7.7-mm Vickers machine guns and one 7.7-mm Lewis machine gun in a turret

Image and diagram gallery of the Beardmore WB.II

WB.II	WB.II
WB.II	WB.II
WB.II	WB.II
WB.II	WB.II