The Sopwith Camel's construction was based on the construction of its predecessor, the Sopwith Pup. Taking into account that a new larger and heavier engine would have to be mounted, Sopwith's chief designer Herbert Smith decided to make alterations to the previous design. Some changes were made to the landing gear struts, the spacing of the wings and stabiliser were increased, and the fuselage acquired an extension to the cockpit's trailing edge which looked rather like a camel?s hump. That 'hump' gave the plane its name - the Sopwith Camel.

A remarkable detail of the plane?s construction was its compactness: the pilot?s seat, fuel tanks, machine guns and engine were all very compactly installed.

In parallel with the work of the central factory, the plane was also assembled by a number of other companies such as Ruston Proctor Co, Portholme Aerodrome Ltd, Boulton & Paul Ltd, British Caudron Co. Ltd, Clayton & Shuttleworth Ltd, Hooper & Co. Ltd and others. In total, about 5490 Camels were built.

An agile, highly maneuverable biplane, the Sopwith F.1 Camel accounted for more aerial victories than any other Allied aircraft during World War I. Credited with destroying 1,294 enemy aircraft. Much like a real camel, this aircraft could turn and bite you. Noted for its tendency to kill inexperienced flyers, many pilots feared its vicious spin characteristics. Until sufficient speed was developed during takeoff, Camel pilots maintained full right rudder to counteract the torque from the rotary engine. Failure to do so often resulted in a ground loop with the Camel crashing on its starboard wingtip. During World War I, 413 pilots died in combat and 385 pilots died from non-combat related causes while flying the Sopwith Camel.

"A great number of trainee pilots had been killed learning to fly this machine, as its tricks took some learning, although they were really simple to overcome. Its main trouble was that owing to its very small wingspan, and its purposely unstable characteristics, coupled with the gyroscopic effect of a rotating engine and propeller, it flipped into a spin very easily at low speeds. Consequently, in landing and taking off, a tremendous number of fatal accidents occurred, and a general feeling of dislike for the machine was prevalent. It really had people frightened."

Specifications
Engine Clerget 9B rotary 9 cyl.
Power (h.p.): 130
Height (mm): 2590
Length (mm): 5490
Wing span (mm): 8530
Wing surface (sq.m.): 21.46
Empty weight (kg): 431
Takeoff weight (kg): 700
Fuel capacity (l): 168
Oil capacity (l): 20
Climb rate
1000 m ? 3 min. 7 sec
2000 m ? 6 min. 35 sec.
3000 m ? 11 min. 5 sec.
4000 m ? 17 min. 39 sec.
5000 m ? 27 min. 56 sec.
Maximum airspeed
(IAS: km/h)
sea level ? 190
1000 m ? 178
2000 m ? 166
3000 m ? 154
4000 m ? 142
5000 m ? 128
Service ceiling (m) 6000
Endurance
(h.,min.) at 1000m
combat ? 2 h. 30 min.
cruise ? 5 h.
Armament 2?Vickers Mk.I 7.69 mm, 500 rounds per barrel.
Bomb load 36kg

I hope you enjoy these old photos (inc a two seater)

























































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Regards Duggy.