03/31/2009. The pictured first prototype, powered by an 110 hp Clerget nine-cylinder rotary engine, was flown for the first time on May 28, 1916. After initial trials by the Admiralty at RNAS Chingford, Essex, this aircraft was sent to RNAS 'A' Squadron at Veurne (Furnes) near Dunkerque in Belgium. Despite exemplary maneuverability and a phenomenal climb rate the type was not used operationally by the RNAS and subsequently only 147 were produced, including the two prototypes.