A detailed, textured 3D model of the Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a

The rudders, ailerons, prop, and elevators have been set up to be rotatable.

Textures

Detailed textures are provided including diffuse, bump, specular. Maximum dimension of textures are 4096 pixels. Photoshop template files are available for download with the product so you can modify the layered textures to your liking.

History

The British SE5 biplane was built by the Royal Aircraft Factory in late 1916 by designers Henry Folland, J. Kenworthy, and Major F.W. Gooden. The first few test aircraft were plagued with problems and Major Gooden was killed in a crash due to a poor wing design. Changes were made and that resulted in an aircraft that was maneuverable, stable, and could dive at high speeds. In 1917 after the German Albatros fighters caused havoc during the period known at "Bloody April" the British finally got the SE5 into serious production. Along with the Sopwith Camel they would take control of the skies away from the Germans and achieve air superiority during the summer of 1917. Only 77 original SE5 aircraft were built and they were replaced with the improved SE5a which used a 200 hp Hispano Suisa 8b engine. By the time all production ceased on the SE5a over 5000 aircraft would be built. Along with the Sopwith Camel it was arguably the best British aircraft of the war. Many top Allied pilots flew this aircraft including Billy Bishop, Cecil Lewis, Edward Mannock, and James McCudden.