The Royal Aircraft Factory’s BE2c was the result of Edward Busk’s exhaustive experiments in 1914 to achieve automatic stability; his aim to produce the steadiest possible platform for reconnaissance operations. At that time such qualities were considered desirable since the military had yet to fully acknowledge the aeroplane as a potent war weapon. In consequence BE types successfully fulfilled their intended roles in the early part of the war until advent of superior German aircraft such as the Eindeckers and early Albatros fighters against which BE2 crews had little hope of providing serious opposition. As a home defence fighter however, the BE2c proved ideal for nocturnal operations, three German airships falling victim to RFC BE pilots. The type enjoyed extensive use in most theatres of the war and was built in large numbers.