Considered by many to the best British aircraft of World War One, the 200 hp Wolseley Viper version of the Hispano Suiza engine equipped Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A was by any standard of the day a highly successful fighter.
The SE5A was known for its ruggedness and its dependable engine. What it lacked in ability to turn inside other fighters of the day was made up for in its overall speed, high altitude performance, and excellent zoom climbing abilities.
Although the SE5A first flew in November of 1916, its entry into full active service was delayed when it was found that the "greenhouse" windscreen obscured the pilot's forward vision, these were eventually removed to be replaced by a small "fly screen". Another issue delaying the full deployment of the aircraft was a shortage of engines.
Once the SE5A was deployed in sufficient numbers, it was found that the fighter was capable of matching the top German aircraft, even the excellent Fokker DV11.
A total of over 5,200 Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A aircraft were produced prior to the end of World War One.
After the war the aircraft were exported throughout the British Empire and many others were sold for civilian use, many being used in the new spectacle of "air shows" and aerial sky-writing.
A saving over the BNF version can be made for those with existing batteries and chargers as the plug-N-play versions comes as plane only. Everything is installed and connected ready to go in the plane, all that's needed is to fit and connect up a receiver of choice.
Product Code: PKZ5575
