SE 5A
The SE 5A was the first fighter aircraft of the RAAF. Designed by the Royal Aircraft Factory in 1916, the aeroplane was officially known as the Scouting Experimental 5. In 1917, the SE 5A version entered service with No 2 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, and the official war history contains many vivid accounts of the aircraft's fighting qualities.
A number of SE 5As arrived in Australia in 1920, but because of financial stringency only a few were uncrated. In 1922, a flight of SE 5As flew to Sydney (an event in those days!) and stole the show at one of the first aerial pageants.
These 'Imperial Gift' aircraft were delivered in khaki-green finish, but were later re-covered and aluminium doped, and served with Nos 1 and 3 Squadrons.
In 1925, SE 5As were taken on strength by Nos 1 and 3 Squadrons, forming the fighter flights of these composite squadrons. Reconditioned and resplendent in silver finish, the fighters served with distinction, and were always the star turns at aerial pageants.
Although the SE 5A disappeared in 1928, one example, A2-4, has survived in the collection of the Australian War Memorial.
TECHNICAL DATA: Royal Aircraft Factory SE 5A
DESCRIPTION:
Single-seat fighter.
POWER PLANT:
One 200hp Wolseley Viper engine.
DIMENSIONS:
Span 8.11 m (26 ft, 7.5 in); Length 6.37 m (20 ft 11 in); Height 2.89 m (9 ft 6 in).
WEIGHTS:
Empty 694 kg; loaded 929 kg.
ARMAMENT:
One fixed Vickers 0.303 machine gun above cowling. One Lewis gun on Foster mounting above centre-section fired by Bowden cable.
PERFORMANCE:
Max speed 203 km/h (109 kt); Service ceiling 17,000ft (5181 m); Endurance 2.5 hours; Climb 234m (770ft)/min.
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