Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3

Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1916 · transport aircraft

The Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3 was a British two-seat reconnaissance and artillery observation biplane used by the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. It was designed by Dutch engineer Frederick Koolhoven while working for Armstrong Whitworth.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.84 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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WWI British two-seat reconnaissance biplane
Designed by Frederick Koolhoven for AW
RAF Corps reconnaissance aircraft 1916-17

A conventional equal-span two-bay biplane with a rotary or inline engine; it closely resembles other RFC two-seaters of the period and is best identified by markings and rigging details.

Specifications

The Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3 has a length of 8.84 m (29 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.19 m (40 ft).
Its maximum speed is 140 km/h (87 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The F.K.3 entered RFC service in 1916 as a replacement for the B.E.2 series, offering improved performance and slightly better defensive capability. It saw operational use on the Western Front and in other theatres but was itself soon replaced by more capable types. Production totalled around 500 aircraft.

Variants

The F.K.8 was a larger, more capable development that served more extensively; the F.K.3 was an interim type.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Royal Flying Corps in France and other theatres during 1916–1917 before being relegated to training duties as the F.K.8 entered service.

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