[3][4] Following this accident, it was rebuilt, with an 80 hp single-row Gnome and new tail surfaces, with triangular fins above and below the fuselage, a larger rudder and conventional divided elevators.

The monocoque rear fuselage, which had been criticised as too expensive for mass production, was replaced by a conventional wood and fabric structure.

[5] By the time the rebuilt "S.E.2a" version was completed, the First World War had broken out, and the modified S.E.2 was sent across the English Channel to join No.

[7] It was fitted with an improvised armament of a pair of rifles mounted on the side of the fuselage, angled outwards to avoid the propeller, together with the pilot's revolver.

[8] It was one of the fastest aircraft available in the early months of the war, with it being said that: "Its speed enabled it to circle around the enemy machines and gave it a decided ascendancy.

[10] Data from The Aeroplanes of the Royal Flying Corps (Military Wing)[11]General characteristics Performance Armament