Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a

While the Sopwith Camel was credited with shooting down more enemy aircraft than any other aircraft in the First World War, its contemporary, the S.E.5a was considered by some to be a superior aircraft.  It was not as maneuverable as the Camel, but it was easier to fly, held together in a dive and provided the pilot with excellent visibility in all directions.

Volunteers of the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum in New York City built this aircraft.  This volunteer group consisted of veteran W.W.II pilots and was headed by Mr. Doug Douglas.  The Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum donated the S.E.5a to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum in 2000.