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Sopwith 7F. 1 Snipe, 1918. Creator: Sopwith Aviation Company
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Sopwith 7F. 1 Snipe, 1918. Creator: Sopwith Aviation Company
Single-engine, single-seat, British-built World War I biplane fighter; 230 horsepower Bentley B.R.2 engine; Olive drab upper surfaces, gray and olive drab fuselage, buff under surfaces. In the spring of 1917, Britains most famous World War I fighter, the Sopwith Camel, made its debut. Shortly after deliveries to front-line squadrons of the Camel began, Sopwith designed a new single-seat fighter called the Snipe. The new airplane was simply intended to be a derivation of the Camel, with improved visibility for the pilot, and gentler handling qualities, more reminiscent of the earlier Sopwith Pup. After nearly a year in development, the new fighter went into production in spring 1918, and the first examples arrived in squadron service on August 30 of that year. The Snipe was well-liked by those who flew it, but many Camel pilots, having mastered the tricky habits of their previous mount, were reluctant to relinquish the Camels superior combat maneuverability for the Snipes more stable flight characteristics. Snipes generally were used for escort work, but the airplane could be equipped with four 9 kg (20 lb) Cooper bombs beneath the fuselage
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Media ID 23871215
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Sopwith 7F. 1 Snipe, a remarkable British-built World War I biplane fighter. Created by the renowned Sopwith Aviation Company, this single-engine, single-seat aircraft boasted a powerful 230 horsepower Bentley B. R. 2 engine. Its distinct olive drab upper surfaces, gray and olive drab fuselage, and buff under surfaces added to its striking appearance. The Snipe was introduced in response to the success of its predecessor, the Sopwith Camel. Designed with improved visibility for pilots and smoother handling reminiscent of the earlier Sopwith Pup, this new fighter quickly gained popularity among aviators. However, some experienced Camel pilots were hesitant to transition from their agile mount to the more stable flight characteristics offered by the Snipe. Primarily utilized for escort missions during combat operations, this versatile aircraft could also be equipped with four Cooper bombs beneath its fuselage if needed. The first examples of the Snipe arrived in squadron service on August 30th, 1918 after nearly a year of development and production. As you gaze at this extraordinary image capturing a piece of aviation history, let your imagination soar back in time to an era where these magnificent machines ruled the skies with their power and grace.
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