Sopwith Triplane

The Sopwith Triplane was a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the First World War in three-decker design.

The machine was based on the Sopwith Pup. To further improve the performance and maneuverability, another airfoil was integrated. In May 1916, the prototype was ready.

Their introduction in November 1916 near the British naval airmen. After only one year, the aircraft were retired from the military service and replaced by the more powerful Sopwith Camel. A total of 152 pieces of this highly maneuverable fighter were built, which, however, showed deficiencies in armament and flying characteristics. On the German side the triplane idea was taken up and there was the Fokker Dr.I.

Specifications

  • Maximum speed: 186 km / h
  • Climb near the ground: 5 m / s
  • Service ceiling: 6080 m
  • Wingspan: 8.09 m
  • Length: 5.96 m
  • Weight: 643 kg
  • Wing area: 25.4 m²
  • Armament: 1 Vickers MG
  • Drive: a rotary engine Clerget 9B, 130 hp

Aircraft received

Only two original aircraft are still preserved and are in museums.

  • N5912 in the Royal Air Force Museum
  • N5486 in the Central Museum of the Air Forces of the Russian Federation
Vickers machine gun Royal Air Force Museum London
739157
de