"Red Hunter"

The Bristol F.2B "Brisfit" had a disastrous beginning. On April 5, 1917 six F.2Bs of no 48 Squadron took off on the first mission of the new two seater. They had the misfortune to run into Manfred von Richthofen and his "Flying Circus" of Jasta 11 flying Albatross DIII scout planes. Only two F.2Bs returned to base. Initial belief was that the larger Bristol aircraft could not withstand violent maneuvering and so crews were instructed to fly them as a bomber, relying solely on the rear gun for defense. This proved to be so ineffective that the new 2 seater was almost withdrawn from service. Once it was realized that the F.2B was in fact extremely sturdy, crews began to fly it like a one seat fighter, aiming the front gun with the plane and using the rear gun for additional defense. It went on to become one of the most successful airplanes of WW1.