flanders designed and built a two-seat biplane designated the flanders b.2 to take part in military trials that were to be held on salisbury plain in 1912. it did not take part in the trials as an engine was not available in time. the aircraft was eventually flown with a variety of engines, with the final engine fit (a 70 hp (52 kw) gnome rotary) the aircraft was bought in 1914 by the admiralty and operated by the rnas from great yarmouth on non-operational duties.