Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8
| F.K.8 | |
|---|---|
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|
| Late Model F.K.8 with small radiators, streamlined nose, and vee-undercarriage. | |
| Role | Bomber/Reconnaissance aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Armstrong Whitworth |
| Designer | Frederick Koolhoven |
| First flight | May 1916 |
| Primary users |
Royal Flying Corps Qantas |
| Number built | 1,650 |
| Developed from | Armstrong Whitworth F.K.7 |
The Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8 was a British two-seat general-purpose biplane built by Armstrong Whitworth during the First World War. The type served alongside the better known R.E.8 until the end of the war, at which point 694 F.K.8s remained on RAF charge.
The aircraft, originally designated the F.K.7, was designed by Dutch aircraft designer Frederick Koolhoven as a replacement for the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c and the Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3. It was a sturdier aircraft than the F.K.3, with a larger fuselage and wings, and was powered by a 160 hp (110 kW) Beardmore water-cooled engine. The undercarriage used oleo shock absorbers and the observer was equipped with a Scarff ring mounting for a .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis machine gun. No armament was initially provided for the pilot. The rudder featured a long, pointed horn-balance.
The type was fitted with basic dual controls for the observer to control the aircraft if the pilot became incapacitated. The first example, A411, flew in May 1916 and was delivered to the Royal Flying Corps Central Flying School at Upavon on 16 June. Because its rival, the Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 was an unknown quantity, it was decided that fifty of the Armstrong Whitworth design, renamed the F.K.8., would be ordered for the RFC.
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