The Sopwith Triplane was a British fighter designed and manufactured by the Sopwith Aviation Company during the First World War.
It was the first military triplane to see operational service. The Triplane joined Royal Naval Air Service squadrons in early 1917 and was immediately successful.
Role Fighter National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Sopwith Aviation Company Designer Herbert Smith First flight 28 May 1916
Introduction December 1916
Primary user Royal Naval Air Service Number built 147
Engine
Le Clerget 9B 130HP
Type: Nine-cylinder air-cooled rotary engine
Bore: 120 mm (4.72 in)
Stroke: 9B: 160 mm (6.30 in), 9Bf: 172 mm (6.77 in)
Displacement: 9B: 16.29 l (994.08 cu in), 9Bf: 17.5 l (1,067.92 cu in)
Length: 920 mm (36.22 in)
Diameter: 9B: 1,020 mm (40.15 in), 9Bf: 1,030 mm (40.55 in)
Dry weight: 173 kg (381 lb)
This video is a set of stills taken during the building of The Vintage Model Companies balsa wood rubber powered free flight kit. It took 120 hours over 15 days to complete.
Hope you enjoy.
