Although not itself a success, the design was considered worth developing, and a series of similar aircraft were produced in prototype form, eventually leading to the Vickers F.B.5 "Gunbus", which saw widespread service during World War I.
1 (E.F.B.1) was designed in response to a British Admiralty requirement for an aircraft intended for an offensive role.
As such, it was notable for being the first British aircraft to be specifically designed for a military role.
[1] Lateral control was effected by wing warping, and in order to prevent fatiguing of the structure caused by warping loads the rear wing spar was built in three sections, the outer sections being hinged to the centre section, and the wing ribs were loosely threaded onto the spars.
It was exhibited at the Aero show at Olympia in February 1913, but crashed soon afterwards, possibly on its first flight.