The first prototype flew in March 1918, powered by a Rolls-Royce Eagle as no Liberty engines were yet available.
Although later re-fitted with four 250 hp Rolls-Royce Eagles, it was unsuccessful, with the order for the remaining twenty being cancelled.
Rolls-Royce eventually built their own interpretation called the Rolls-Royce Eagle (1944).
It was powered by a Rolls-Royce Eagle or a Sunbeam engine mounted in the nose, driving a two-bladed propeller.
W.8c : 1923 version fitted with two Rolls-Royce Eagle IX piston engines.
Derived from one bank of six cylinders of the Rolls-Royce Eagle, it produced 75 horsepower at 1,370 rpm.
Rolls-Royce Eagle (1944) - H-24, 46.2 litres, 3,200 hp.
Large orders followed, with the production aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Eagles.
None of these engines could match the Rolls-Royce Eagle, however there were simply not enough Eagles available.
Examples of the Rolls-Royce Eagle are on display at the: