Roden 045 RAF S.E.5a w/Wolseley Viper 1:72

Wolseley's engineers modified the design of the 200 hp Hispano Suiza 8A. This engine, given the name Viper, was expected to solve the problems of the S.E.5a. In September 1917 an S.E.5a (B4862) with the Viper engine was tested and received a favorable evaluation - its maximum speed was increased by 7mph, and its rate of climb improved as well. The RFC specified the Viper as the standard engine for the S.E.5a (some previously built planes with Hispano Suiza engines going through major overhaul had their engines changed to the Wolseley Viper). The 'new' S.E.5a differed visually from its predecessor with a radiator of a new straightened form, with two sets of horizontal shutters. The Foster gun mounting now fitted directly onto the upper wing. Several flight accidents that were caused by wing failure led to airframe strengthening.

In the middle of 1918, twenty five RFC squadrons were equipped with the S.E.5a - 15 on the Western Front, 3 in Macedonia, 2 in the Middle East, 1 in Mesopotamia, and 4 squadrons in Home Defence. Some of the most successful aces of the British Empire, including Mick Mannock, James McCudden, Billy Bishop, and Anthony Beauchamp-Proctor, scored many victories flying this type. Thirty eight S.E.5a's were delivered to the American Expeditionary Force.

After the end of the Great War the S.E.5a quickly disappeared from the front line, being replaced by the Sopwith 7F1 Snipe.

The S.E.5a served in the U.S. Army until the mid-1920s. Later, these planes were used in numerous 'flying circuses' and even took part in Hollywood movies like 'Hells Angels'.