EARLY YEARS -- The SE-5E is an American-built version of the WW I S.E.5a designed by the Royal Aircraft Factory in Britain. The prototype S.E.5 first flew in December 1916 and deliveries of production S.E.5s began in March 1917. Fifty-six more were completed from components shipped from Britain. In the 1922-1923 period. (U.S. Air Force photo)