Vickers F.B.19
Vickers · United Kingdom · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Vickers F.B.19 was a British single-seat fighter biplane of World War I, developed as Vickers transitioned from pusher to tractor fighter configurations. It was a compact and fast single-bay biplane intended to replace earlier pushers.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.54 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI British single-seat fighting biplane
- Gunbus series descendant with tractor configuration
- Compact single-bay biplane for fighter role
Small single-bay tractor biplane with a circular radial engine cowling, single-seat open cockpit, and conventional wire-braced structure. Its compact dimensions distinguish it from two-seat contemporaries.
Specifications
- The Vickers F.B.19 has a length of 5.54 m (18 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.32 m (24 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 164 km/h (102 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Vickers produced several F.B. (Fighting Biplane) designs during WWI. The F.B.19, appearing in 1916, adopted a tractor layout with a synchronised forward-firing gun. It was one of several Vickers fighter designs that competed for RFC/RNAS orders but did not achieve major production. Improved competing designs such as the Bristol Scout and Nieuport were preferred.
Variants
Two marks of the F.B.19 were built: Mk I with a 110 hp Le Rhône engine and Mk II with a 150 hp Gnome. Total numbers built were small.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service. A small number were supplied to the Russian Imperial Air Service. Did not see widespread operational use with British forces.
Related aircraft
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