Picture depicts the S.E.2 after repair during the summer of 1913, following its accident on the afternoon of March 27 that year. It was back in the air by October, when its performance with the 80 h.p. seven-cylinder Gnome Lambda engine was evaluated.
The S.E.2a was originally fitted with a 100 h.p. two-row Gnome but was subsequently re-engined with an 80 h.p. unit.
The S.E.2 was an exceptionally aerodynamically clean aeroplane for 1913, the aim being to achieve maximum speed for an unarmed reconnaissance “Scout” machine while retaining a reasonable landing speed. The lack of a windscreen did nothing to enhance pilot comfort - hence the unconventional knitted balaclava headgear.

The B.S.1/S.E.2 on Farnborough Common on October 11, 1913. The larger rudder and dorsal and ventral fins fitted after Geoffrey de Havilland’s accident are evident.

A port side view of the S.E.2. Note the access panel for the engine auxiliaries immediately behind the cowling. There was no tailskid as such, the lower end of the rudder being shod with steel to serve that purpose. Although not unusual at the time, it was not a good idea, as it imposed undue stresses on the rudder and its hinges.

S.E.2 передали Королевскому авиационному корпусу в феврале 1913 года. Самолет получил бортовой номер 609, он летал сначала в 5-й, а затем в 3-й эскадрильях.

This photograph of the S.E.2 as 609 clearly shows the fabric-covered conventional rear fuselage that replaced the monocoque structure. Although a separate tailskid has now been fitted, it is attached to an extension of the rudder leading edge, rather than to the tail end of the fuselage frame, so there is still a danger of straining the rudder structure and its attachment.

The rebuilt S.E.2 with its further revised tail surfaces. Its military serial number, 609, is chalked or painted in small numerals at the top of the rudder. The spinner on the hub of the finer-pitch propeller is of increased diameter, but space has been left to admit cooling air for the engine.

The S.E.2 in service with No 3 Sqn RFC at Cliogues. Note the roundel on its rudder and the holster for a revolver attached outside the cockpit.

A Royal Aircraft Factory drawing for the fairing of the S.E.2’s rear fuselage. By this second stage of modification, in the spring of 1914, O’Gorman had decided that a conventional braced box-girder structure faired with formers and stringers was just as effective as a monocoque structure, but cheaper and quicker to build.

B.E.3; B.S.1; S.E.2 (1914 reconstruction)