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Vickers FB5 two-seater fighter plane
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Vickers FB5 two-seater fighter plane
Vickers FB5 two-seater fighter plane, first flown in action in November 1914. Nicknamed the Gun Bus, it was Britains first fighter helping to counter the Fokker Eindeckker threat. Date: circa 1915
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Media ID 14224029
© Hugh W. Cowin Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Biplane Nickname Seat Seater Vickers
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This photograph depicts a Vickers FB5 two-seater fighter plane, a vital addition to the British military arsenal during the early years of World War I. First taking to the skies in November 1914, the FB5 was a biplane designed to counteract the formidable Fokker Eindeckers that posed a significant threat to Allied forces. Known as the "Gun Bus," this aircraft was the United Kingdom's first true fighter, paving the way for future aerial combatants. The FB5's distinctive design featured a two-seat cockpit, with the rear seat reserved for an observer or gunner armed with a Vickers machine gun. This configuration allowed for enhanced situational awareness and defensive capabilities, making the aircraft an effective countermeasure against enemy reconnaissance planes and dogfighting tactics. As the war progressed, the Vickers FB5 proved its worth in numerous engagements, contributing significantly to the Royal Flying Corps' successes. Its introduction marked a turning point in the air war, as the balance of power began to shift in favor of the Allies. This photograph, taken circa 1915, captures the FB5 on the ground, likely undergoing maintenance or preparation for its next sortie. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role this aircraft played in the history of military aviation during the First World War.
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