The reason why the B.E.2 was designed with the observer seated in front of the pilot was so that the observer would be located at the aircraft's center of gravity That way the aircraft could be flown solo, without the observer on board, without altering the aircraft's center of gravity. It should be stressed that stability was the principal criterion around which the B.E.2 was designed, not the ability to defend against enemy aircraft, which was not even a factor at all at the time when the aircraft was designed.
Anonymous, 03.12.2021 16:56
The B.E.2 has frequently been criticized for its' lack of maneuverability, rendering it vulnerable to attack by enemy aircraft. However, the B.E.2 was designed well before WW-I began, at a time when the concept of combat between aircraft did not even exist as a factor. In fact, the principal factor that the R.A.F. considered when developing its' aircraft at that time was positive stability. The B.E.2c was specifically designed to be stable in the air, and it met that criterion extremely well. in other words, it did exactly what it was designed to do, and did it very well.
Anonymous, e-mail, 21.11.2021 23:16
The link is actually static2.bigstockphoto.com / 7 / 6 / 7 / large1500 / 76723037.jpg with the spaces removed.
Anonymous, e-mail, 21.11.2021 23:13
Just some additional information and a question. Based on the below photograph, the B.E.2c had a tachometer and a compass. Does anyone know what the third instrument might be? static2.bigstockphoto.com/7/6/7/large1500/76723037.jpg
Billy R Leon, e-mail, 31.08.2021 20:03
I think one of the things that struck me about this aircraft was its crew configuration and defensive armament. It was unarmed in the a and b models. But still observation must have been much better in the rear cockpit. But not in this case. The pilot sat in the rear. Now the c model was armed, but the gunner still in the front seat, fired over the pilots head. How disconcerting that had to be. Starting with the d model some machines had the crew reversed. Somewhat better, but still with the aircraft so underpowered so that it could not run and barely fight in skies contested by Albatros and Fokker aircraft. Not an enviable position to be in for sure. But in my eyes, just to go up in one of these aircraft qualifies one as a hero.
Graham Clayton, e-mail, 13.02.2021 08:06
The B.E.2 inspired the first generation of fighters by displaying all of the qualities that no one wanted in a fighter aircraft, including poor visibility, poor reliability, difficulty of control, slow speed, and weak armament.
Greg Spence, e-mail, 18.08.2014 18:55
My family has in it's possession a piece of canvas type material about 5 x 3 inches painted a red colour on one side and a hand written inscription on the reverse which reads " A piece of the Union Jack which was on the ill fated British aeroplane brought down by our troops in mistake for a German at Gheluveldt on Oct 26th 1914 " This artefact was found in my Grandfather's possessions about 25 years ago. My Grandfather was a soldier in the Great War. Supposedly this aircraft is the first historical Ground to Air Friendly Fire incident ever recorded. I am looking to return it home after 100 years. Any suggestions? I have the names of the crew of this aircraft - LT C G Hosking and Capt T Crean and think it best be given to their direct families. Regards Greg
deneckere, e-mail, 17.08.2009 21:33
Hello, Can you sent me a scan of the BE2 nr 228. Thanks. Bernard
