WW1 Aircraft Battle | Which is Best?

Quick Overview

The Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8, despite its notorious reputation for being difficult to fly and often nicknamed 'Harry Tate,' is ultimately judged by the curators to be the best of the three World War I aircraft presented because of its crucial and enduring role in artillery spotting and its successful combat record against German aircraft, including shooting down an airship.

Key Points: The three World War I two-seater biplanes compared are the DH.9 (1918-1920 service), RE.8 (1916-1920 service), and BE.2c (1912-1918 service). The DH.9 is superior in power (230 hp vs. 140 hp for RE.8 and 90 hp for BE.2c), max speed (113 mph vs. 103 mph and 72 mph), and service ceiling (15,500 ft vs. 13,500 ft and 10,000 ft). The RE.8 was the primary artillery spotting aircraft for the Royal Flying Corps, performing vital work that was often unglamorous but essential to the land battle. The RE.8's stability allowed it to successfully engage German fighters and even shoot down an SL.11 Zeppelin over London in September 1916, earning William Leefe Robinson the first Victoria Cross awarded for aerial action in the UK. The BE.2c, though the oldest (entering service in 1912), was notorious for being poorly armed and difficult to fly, making it an easy target. The Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF) aircraft, like the BE.2c, lagged behind commercial innovators like AIRCO in development until later in the war. The curators ultimately agree that the RE.8 was the most important aircraft among the three due to its unique combination of stability and combat effectiveness in its primary role.

Context: Three Imperial War Museum (IWM) curators—Alan, Bryn, and Rebecca—participate in a 'Curator Battle' to decide which of three World War I two-seater reconnaissance/bomber aircraft is the best: the DH.9, the RE.8, or the BE.2c. The comparison focuses on specifications like power, speed, service ceiling, bomb load, and armament, ultimately highlighting the operational importance and combat history of each type, especially concerning artillery spotting and air defense.