Airco DH.2
Airco · United Kingdom · first flew 1915 · fighter
The Airco DH.2 was a British single-seat pusher biplane scout that became the RFC's primary fighter in 1916, helping end the Fokker Scourge. Its pusher configuration allowed a forward-firing gun without requiring an interrupter gear.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.68 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Pusher biplane scout, pilot and gun in forward nacelle
- Twin tail booms connecting nacelle to tail unit
- Single-seat WWI fighter used to counter the Fokker Scourge
Unmistakable pusher biplane layout — pilot sits in a nacelle ahead of the engine at the front of the fuselage boom, twin tail booms extend rearward to a conventional tail, and the propeller faces backwards.
Specifications
- The Airco DH.2 has a length of 7.68 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.61 m (28 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in July 1915, the DH.2 entered RFC service in early 1916 and equipped No. 24 Squadron, the RFC's first dedicated fighter unit. It played a central role in combating the Fokker Eindecker monoplanes. By late 1916 it was being outclassed by the Albatros D.I and D.II but continued in service into 1917 in Middle Eastern theatres.
Variants
A single main production variant; minor changes were incorporated during the production run of approximately 400 aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the Royal Flying Corps on the Western Front and in the Middle East; the type was largely replaced by the Nieuport 17 and later SPAD types.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.