In August 1912, the Blériot Experimental 2 earned the highest marks in aircraft trials at Larkhill. During the competition, the two-seater broke the British altitude record, climbing to 10,560 feet. Equipped with a more powerful engine, the unarmed B.E.2a was introduced in 1913 and was the first British aircraft to arrive in France during World War I. Featuring built up cockpit combings, the B.E.2b was introduced in 1914 but was soon followed by the B.E.2c. Often called the "Quirk," it was armed with two machine guns and had a modified wing and tail configuration designed to provide a stable reconnaissance platform. In 1915, when air combat began in earnest, squadrons equipped with the B.E.2c suffered heavy losses to more maneuverable enemy aircraft.

Country: Great Britain
Manufacturer: Royal Aircraft Factory
Type: Reconnaissance
First Introduced: 1912
Number Built: 3,535
Engine(s): Renault V8, 70 hp [65 kW]
Wing Span: [11.23 m]
Length: [8.3 m]
Height: [3.45 m]
Empty Weight: [621 kg]
Gross Weight: [972 kg]
Max Speed: [116 km/h]
Ceiling: 10,560 ft [3,050 m]
Endurance: 3 hr 15 min
Crew: 2
Armament: 2 machine guns, 7.7 mm (B.E.2c)