Chino Airshow 2006
Sopwith Camel
This is a Day-Sopwith F.1
Camel. During World War I, the Sopwith Camel made a name for itself by
downing 1,294 enemy aircraft, more than any other allied fighter.
Despite it's impressive record, the Camel was a difficult airplane to
fly. More pilots were lost to accidents in the Camel than were lost in
combat.Pilot training was lacking also in the 1916-1917 period and the
average life expectancy of a British pilot was about 2 weeks!
Some Sopwith Camels carried rockets on the outer spar between the wings
for Zeppelin attacks. The Sopwith featured here is a replica that was
built in 1980 and features a Warner Scarab engine.