In 1915, the Royal Aircraft Factory introduced its "Fighter Experimental", F.E.8.  When the aircraft was designed, a suitable method of synchronizing machine gun fire through revolving propeller blades had not yet been developed by the allies.  This "pusher" aircraft was equipped with its rotary engine mounted behind the pilot, providing him with an unobstructed field of fire for his forward firing machine gun.

Many examples of the F.E.8 are known to have crashed in accidents where pilots were unable to recover from spins.  The factory test pilot was called upon to demonstrate the proper method of spin recovery before the machine gained popularity.

The delivery of the first F.E.8 fighters to the front occurred one full year after design of the type was commenced.  By this time, the design was obsolete, having no chance for success over the German Albatros D.I and D.II fighters.

In 1973, Cole Palen constructed this reproduction in Florida, using R.A.F. drawings.  It is equipped with an original 80 hp LeRhone engine, and flew for many years. 

It was likely not Cole's favorite aircraft to fly having said in an interview, "I can understand why they were most always shot down".  In 1987 the nacelle and center section wing panels were loaned to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. where they can be seen today on exhibit in the World War I gallery.