The RAF SE.5a excelled as a fighter. Although initially had some problems with the Hispano-Suiza engine which delayed it's practical entry into the war until well into 1918. Together with the Sopwith Camel it regained the air superiority in mid 1917 and kept it for the rest of the war.
Various versions were made:
- SE.5: Single seat fighter biplane, powered by 8a Hispano-Suiza engine. Few examples manufactured.
- SE.5a: Single seat fighter biplane. Improved and main production version. The problematic Hispano-Suiza 8a replaced by a more trustable Hispano-Suiza 8b V-8 engine and in some cases by a Wolseley Viper piston engine. Built under license in Texas by the Austin aircraft company.
- SE.5b: Experimental semi-sesquiplane version. Featuring an streamlined nose and retractable radiator. We couldn't find nor blueprints neither good photos of it.
- Eberhart SE.5e: Version made out of spare parts by the Eberhart airplane company. Powered by a Wright-Hispano E engine and featured plywood-covered fuselages. Check this post to see it.
The squadrons covered in this entry are:
- No.92 Squadron, RFC
- No.2 Squadron, AFC
- No.24 Squadron, RFC
- No.84 Squadron, RFC
- No.60 Squadron, RFC
- No.56 Squadron, RAF
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