Roden 416 RAF SE5a w/Wolseley Viper 1:48

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The most successful British fighter of WWI was developed in 1917 right after the severe defeat of the RFC during Bloody April. Its predecessor, the S.E.5, had very good technical parameters, except for an unreliable 150 hp engine Hispano Suiza that did not allow for a full demonstration of this aircraft's potential.

The first flight of the S.E.5a with the more powerful 200 hp Hispano Suiza engine was conducted in May 1917. One and a half months later the first mass-production S.E.5a fighters arrived at the Front. Several companies received orders for S.E.5a development: the Royal Aircraft Factory, and eight sub-contractor firms (Austin, Vickers, Martinsyde, Wolseley and others). By the end of 1917, 1300 of these fighters were due to be built; however, only about 800 planes were completed. 

S.E.5A, E1295/A, No 74 Sqn RAF, Major Edward "Mick" Mannock, (73 victories), Northen France, July 1918.

S.E.5A, C1904/Z, No 85 Sqn RAF, flown by Billie Bishop, (72 victories), Summer 1918, France.

S.E.5A, D6856, No 84 Sqn RAF, Capt. A. Beauchamp-Proctor (54 victories), 1918.