Known originally as the Royal Aircraft Factory, Farnborough,
and
S.E.5a
was involved in dirigible construction and repair
before First World War. It was renamed Royal Aircraft Establishment
during the war and initiated biplane designs for
the Royal Flying Corps, including the B.E.2 and F.E.2 series,
F.E.8, R.E.8, and finally the S.E.5 fighter.