World's first multi-role combat aircraft?

I think probably at that time all two-seater aircraft were multi-role as nobody had the faintest idea what role(s) aeroplanes could play in wartime.

More that it was discovered to match several of them.

IIRC the Bristol was initially flown as a two-seater would be at the time, in formations with the rear gunners relied on to defend them against Boche scouts. They were slaughtered.

Then one squadron started to fly them aggressively, as you would a single-seater and it was discovered they could give a pretty good account of themselves.

Moggy

I think that the Avro was designed as ‘an aircraft’, ie there was little or no concept of roles at the time. When the Bristol came along, combat roles had developed and it seemed to match several of them.

John Aero, you’ve just made me chuckle into my tea!

I’d have thought Avro 504 was pretty multi-role, and predated the F2B? I’m sure I’ve read that it was used for air-to-air combat in the early part of the war, and there were also the Zeppelin shed raids, reconnaissance, and training.

As D1566 said, Bristol F2 fighter. It’s post #44 in the Mosquito/Beaufighter thread.

I.1/2 Strutter or FE.2b, All would be capable of sweeping their wings if VNE was exceeded.

John

AVRO 504

Be2?

Bristol F2 Fighter.