First to fly was the B.E.3, powered by a 50 hp (37 kW) Gnome Omega engine, on 3 May 1912 with Geoffrey de Havilland at the controls. Testing was sufficiently successful for de Havilland to take several passengers up in the B.E.3 later that day, and the aircraft was delivered to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) on 13 May 1912.Hare 1990, p. 165. The B.E.4, also initially powered by a 50 hp Gnome, flew on 24 June that year, and was handed over to the RFC on 8 August. It was re-engined with a 70 hp Gnome in September 1912.Hare 1990, pp. 167–168. At least two, and possibly three more similar aircraft powered by 50 hp Gnomes were built in late 1912–early 1913 by private contractors.Bruce 1982, p. 373.
