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MODEL NO. AA37701
SCALE 1/48
The third SE5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype SE5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The SE5a went to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the year No's 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard SE5a power unit. The SE5a built a fine reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The SE5a also service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2,000 SE5a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons. After its 'demob' 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The SE5a will always remain one of aviation's great warplanes.
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