(1) The BE-2c was considered to be a good aircraft to use against German bombing missions at night. On 16th November 1915 the War Office sent out information on what aircraft should be used against the German bombers.

It is realised that there are considerable risks attendant on flying at night, but these risks are minimised when pilots practice over their own aerodromes. At the same time, the officers selected for this duty should be very carefully chosen. Only stable machines, such as the BE-2c, are to be used for this purpose.

(2) On 13th July 1916, Squadron Commander John Babington was asked by the Royal Flying Corps to write a report on night flying.

Essential requirements for night-flying aircraft include: inherent stability, durability, engine reliability, good vision for the crew, slow landing speed, fast rate of climb, silence, and a rugged undercarriage. Of existing aircraft I favour the BE-2c.

(3) In 1916 the BE-12 were brought in to replace the BE-2c. At first the BE-12 were not popular with the pilots. Claude Ridley and Douglas Cooke were two of the pilots who complained about the BE-12.

Claude Ridley: The BE-12 climbs so very poorly and is so very slow at a height in comparison with a good machine. It takes a long time to reach 14,000 ft and at this height there is no reserve of power, which seems absolutely useless when it comes to attacking first-class German machines.

Douglas Cooke: The BE12 will not climb above 14,000 ft and at that height it is impossible to do a sharp turn without losing about 500 ft, owing to the fact that the machine has no power reserve, and it is only just able to keep that height.