Bristol F2B Fighter (with Sunbeam Arab Engine)

When the British War Office recommended the aircraft manufacturers to try alternative powerplants the Bristol Company decided to adapt the F.2B design for the Hispano Suiza and Sunbeam Arab engines. Development at Bristol faced constant and numerous obstacles, with the result that the F.2B Fighter with the new engine flew for the first time only in 1918.
With the new engine improvement was expected in certain characteristics of the aircraft but this did not happen, mainly because the Arab engine failed to live up to expectations. In the air it vibrated severely, and a unsuitable radiator which had been created for the 300 h.p. Hispano Suiza engine further worsened the situation. Up to the end of war there were about 800 Bristol F.2B Fighters (from an overall 4,900 Bristol Fighters) fitted with the Sunbeam Arab built. However, only insignificant numbers reached the Western Front.
The great bulk was transferred at once to training schools and Home Defense. On July 23rd, 1919, under the arrangements for demilitarization this type were recognized as having become obsolete and were broken up.