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Vickers FB 9 two-seater of the RFC
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Vickers FB 9 two-seater of the RFC
Vickers FB 9 two-seater of the RFC, mainly used for training. It was first flown towards the end of 1915. Date: circa 1915-1916
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Media ID 14224037
© Hugh W. Cowin Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the essence of the early days of military aviation during the First World War, with a Vickers FB 9 two-seater biplane of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) taking center stage. The Vickers FB 9, also known as the "Gunbus," was a two-seater biplane primarily used for training new pilots and observers. Its first flight occurred towards the end of 1915, making it an essential addition to the RFC's fleet during the formative years of aerial warfare. The image shows the plane resting on the grassy terrain of a wartime airfield, surrounded by a sea of uniformed soldiers and ground crew. The Vickers FB 9's distinctive biplane configuration, with its two wings connected by struts and braces, is a testament to the engineering prowess of the era. The open cockpit, with its dual controls, reveals the rudimentary conditions under which pilots and observers learned their trade. The ground crew, dressed in heavy woolen uniforms and caps, are busy attending to the plane's various components. They are in the process of checking the engine, fuel tanks, and other essential systems, ensuring that the aircraft is ready for its next sortie. The atmosphere is tense, with the backdrop of war looming large, as the RFC prepared its pilots for the challenges of the battlefield. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the early days of military aviation during the First World War, a time when the potential of flight was still being explored and harnessed for the purposes of war. It stands as a testament to the bravery, innovation, and determination of the men and women who served in the RFC, and the vital role they played in shaping the course of history.
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