Armstrong Whitworth FK.8

The Armstrong Whitworth FK.8 proved to be a highly versatile platform, taking on a variety of sortie types through its production run.

The Armstrong Whitworth FK.8 model series was an aircraft conceived of by aircraft designer Frederick Koolhoven of Dutch origins. The system turned out to be a most versatile platform used throughout the First World War and proved to be quite popular with its crews. The system went on to see production numbers exceed 1,400 and no fewer than 9 British squadrons equipped with this type.

The FK.8 was of a basic biplane design intended to supercede the capabilities of the preceding FK.3 as a more powerful robust improvement model. The twin seat configuration placed the pilot in front and an observer/rear gunner in back. Armament consisted of a single forward-firing fixed 7.62mm Vickers machine gun and a single 7.62mm trainable Lewis-type in the rear cockpit position. Provisions for bombs were also a part of the arsenal for the FK.8. Power was derived from the Beardmore inline piston engine that generated upwards of 160 horsepower.

The versatility of the FK.8 shown through the variety of sorties the platform was put through. These included day and night bombing runs, ground attack / close-support roles, sustained patrol and aerial reconnaissance (bombing and attack roles would come later on in the FK.8's combat life). The FK.8 would see combat action through the end of the war. The system also came to be known as the "Big Ack" or, in some circles, as the "Big AW".