17 June 1914

The Royal Aircraft Factory's S.E.4 was designed by Henry P. Folland. The new scout, completed 17 June 1914, represented the most advanced aerodynamic thought at the time, and the care taken over reduction of drag, coupled with the power from its 160 h.p. Gnome, gave a top speed of 135 m.p.h., making it the world's fastest aircraft. The engine proved troublesome, bringing about the premature end of its production. After some further flying, damage in a landing accident resulted in the abandonment of the development of the S.E.4.