Bristol F.2 Fighter - version overview
F.2A
The first production version, based on the R.2a and R.2B projects. two prototypes and 50 production units were built before production switched to the modified F.2B type.
F.2B Fighter
A standard model, produced in large numbers and by a number of subcontractors and with several different engines, usually the Sunbeam Arab or Rolls-Royce Falcon. After the war, additionally designated as the Mk.I.
F.2B Fighter Mk.II
Post-war version, used in the Middle East as a liaison aircraft with the military. It featured a tropical radiator, a standardized Falcon III engine, larger tires, and a higher takeoff weight. Apart from about 200 new-build machines, all remaining F.2B RAF aircraft were modified to this standard.
F.2B Fighter Mk.III
A 1924 variant, with additional structural modifications to allow for larger payloads. Fifty machines were built, the other 30 were unarmed and dual-controlled.
F.2B Fighter Mk.IV
Again a strengthened version, with Handley Page flaps and a new rudder. Most Mk.IIIs were converted to this standard.
F.2C Badger I
Two prototypes of an improved version of the Fighter with the ABC Dragonfly radial engine and a third prototype with the Cosmos Jupiter engine.
F.2C Badger II
A fourth prototype, with a Jupiter engine and modified Frise flap wings, not produced in series, served as a Jupiter engine flying testbed.
F.2C Badger X
Experimental machine with badger wings and a new simple fuselage, intended for aerodynamic tests.
Tourer
Civilian version of the Fighter, built in four basic two or three seat versions, including one floatplane.
Curtiss USAO-1
US licensed version, 1000 ordered but production prematurely terminated after 27 units due to unsuitability of the chosen Liberty 12 engines.
Engineering Division USB-1
Second planned licensed version, with Hispano-Suiza H engine. Prototype built, production of 2000 units cancelled due to the end of the war.
Engineering Division USB-2
Another prototype, with the Liberty 8 engine. It was destroyed in a crash at McCook Field early in testing.
Engineering Division XB-1A
Four prototypes from the spring of 1919, with Hispano-Suiza H engine and semi-screw aft fuselage.
Dayton-Wright XB-1A
A production version of the previous one, with the Wright H engine, 40 were built.
Source:
Bowyer, Chaz. Bristol F.2B Fighters: RAF 1918-32, Profile No.237. Leatherhead 1972.
Bruce, J. M. The Bristol Fighter, Profile No.21. Profile Publications, Leatherhead 1965.
Bruce, J. M. Bristol Fighter, Windsock Datafile No.4. Albatros Productions, Berkhamsted 1995. ISBN 0-948414-08-1.
Rogers, L. A.. Bristol Fighter, Windsock Datafile No.115. Albatros Productions,Berkhamsted 2006. ISBN 1-902207-77-7.
Barnes, C. H. Bristol Aircraft Since 1910, Putnam Aeronautical Books, London 1964. ISBN 0851778232.
Lamberton, W. M. Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Harleyford Publications Ltd, Letchworth 1960.
Thetford, Owen. Aircraft of the Royal Air Force since 1918, Putnam Aeronautical Books, London 1976. ISBN 0-37010-056-5
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fww1/brist_f2b.html
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fww1/brist_f2a.html
www.aviastar.org
www.aviastar.org
www.britishaircraft.co.uk/aircraftpage.php?ID=143
www.flightglobal.com
F.2A
The first production version, based on the R.2a and R.2B projects. two prototypes and 50 production units were built before production switched to the modified F.2B type.
F.2B Fighter
A standard model, produced in large numbers and by a number of subcontractors and with several different engines, usually the Sunbeam Arab or Rolls-Royce Falcon. After the war, additionally designated as the Mk.I.
F.2B Fighter Mk.II
Post-war version, used in the Middle East as a liaison aircraft with the military. It featured a tropical radiator, a standardized Falcon III engine, larger tires, and a higher takeoff weight. Apart from about 200 new-build machines, all remaining F.2B RAF aircraft were modified to this standard.
F.2B Fighter Mk.III
A 1924 variant, with additional structural modifications to allow for larger payloads. Fifty machines were built, the other 30 were unarmed and dual-controlled.
F.2B Fighter Mk.IV
Again a strengthened version, with Handley Page flaps and a new rudder. Most Mk.IIIs were converted to this standard.
F.2C Badger I
Two prototypes of an improved version of the Fighter with the ABC Dragonfly radial engine and a third prototype with the Cosmos Jupiter engine.
F.2C Badger II
A fourth prototype, with a Jupiter engine and modified Frise flap wings, not produced in series, served as a Jupiter engine flying testbed.
F.2C Badger X
Experimental machine with badger wings and a new simple fuselage, intended for aerodynamic tests.
Tourer
Civilian version of the Fighter, built in four basic two or three seat versions, including one floatplane.
Curtiss USAO-1
US licensed version, 1000 ordered but production prematurely terminated after 27 units due to unsuitability of the chosen Liberty 12 engines.
Engineering Division USB-1
Second planned licensed version, with Hispano-Suiza H engine. Prototype built, production of 2000 units cancelled due to the end of the war.
Engineering Division USB-2
Another prototype, with the Liberty 8 engine. It was destroyed in a crash at McCook Field early in testing.
Engineering Division XB-1A
Four prototypes from the spring of 1919, with Hispano-Suiza H engine and semi-screw aft fuselage.
Dayton-Wright XB-1A
A production version of the previous one, with the Wright H engine, 40 were built.
Source:
Bowyer, Chaz. Bristol F.2B Fighters: RAF 1918-32, Profile No.237. Leatherhead 1972.
Bruce, J. M. The Bristol Fighter, Profile No.21. Profile Publications, Leatherhead 1965.
Bruce, J. M. Bristol Fighter, Windsock Datafile No.4. Albatros Productions, Berkhamsted 1995. ISBN 0-948414-08-1.
Rogers, L. A.. Bristol Fighter, Windsock Datafile No.115. Albatros Productions,Berkhamsted 2006. ISBN 1-902207-77-7.
Barnes, C. H. Bristol Aircraft Since 1910, Putnam Aeronautical Books, London 1964. ISBN 0851778232.
Lamberton, W. M. Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Harleyford Publications Ltd, Letchworth 1960.
Thetford, Owen. Aircraft of the Royal Air Force since 1918, Putnam Aeronautical Books, London 1976. ISBN 0-37010-056-5
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fww1/brist_f2b.html
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fww1/brist_f2a.html
www.aviastar.org
www.aviastar.org
www.britishaircraft.co.uk/aircraftpage.php?ID=143
www.flightglobal.com