Time Period: World War I
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Type: Biplane, Trainer Aircraft, General Purpose Aircraft
Manufacturer: Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft
Armstrong Whitworth F.K.2 / F.K.3 Aircraft Overview
The Armstrong Whitworth F.K.2 was a British single-engine biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft that was used by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) during World War I. It was designed by John Lloyd and manufactured by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft.
The F.K.2 was first introduced in 1916 and was primarily used for reconnaissance missions, although it was also armed with a single .303 inch (7.7 mm) Lewis machine gun mounted on the upper wing. The aircraft featured a wooden frame and was powered by a 100-horsepower Gnome Monosoupape rotary engine, which gave it a top speed of around 98 mph (157 km/h). The F.K.2 was a relatively small and maneuverable aircraft, and was well-suited for reconnaissance and observation missions. However, it was also vulnerable to enemy fire due to its open cockpit and lack of armor. Despite its limitations, the F.K.2 was used extensively by the RFC and played a significant role in the early years of World War I. A total of around 250 F.K.2 aircraft were built, with production continuing until 1917.
The Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3 was a British single-engine biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft that was used by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) during World War I. It was designed by John Lloyd and manufactured by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft. The F.K.3 was developed as an improved version of the earlier Armstrong Whitworth F.K.2, and featured a number of enhancements such as a more powerful engine and improved armament. It was armed with a single .303 inch (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun mounted on the upper wing, and was also capable of carrying a small bomb load.
The aircraft featured a wooden frame and was powered by a 130-horsepower Clerget rotary engine, which gave it a top speed of around 102 mph (164 km/h). It was also relatively maneuverable, which made it well-suited for reconnaissance and observation missions.
Armstrong Whitworth F.K.2 / F.K.3 Specifications
- Crew: 2
- Length: 29 ft 0 in (8.84 m)
- Wingspan: 40 ft 0+5⁄8 in (12.208 m)
- Height: 11 ft 10+3⁄4 in (3.626 m)
- Wing area: 442 sq ft (41.1 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,386 lb (629 kg)
- Gross weight: 2,056 lb (933 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 28 imp gal (34 US gal; 130 L)
- Powerplant: 1 × RAF 1A air-cooled V-8 engine, 90 hp (67 kW).
Armstrong Whitworth F.K.2 / F.K.3 Performance
- Maximum speed: 87 mph (140 km/h, 76 kn) at sea level
- Endurance: 3 hr
- Service ceiling: 12,000 ft (3,700 m)
- Time to altitude: 19 min to 5,000 ft (1,500 m).
Armstrong Whitworth F.K.2 / F.K.3 Armament
- Guns: 1 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis gun in rear cockpit
- Bombs: up to 112 lb (51 kg) bombs (if flown as single seater).