RAF SE5A B658 Nightfighter

Product Description

RAF SE5A B658 Nightfighter (1:48 scale)
- Pilot: Lt. C. A. Lewis, 61 Squadron, Home Defence 1918 The third SE5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype SE5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant & shorter span wings. The SE5a went to No 56, No.40 & No.60 squadrons from June 1917, & by the end of the year No"s 24, 41, 68 & 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard SE5a power unit. The SE5a built a fine reputation for strength, performance & general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining & maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The SE5a also service in the Middle East & several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2, 000 SE5a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US & 1 Australian Squadrons. After its "demob" 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland & the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register & were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The SE5a will always remain one of aviation"s great warplanes. Complete with st&.