The
museum's Sopwith Camel is a reproduction aircraft which was started in
the 1970s and completed in 1992. The fuselage was built by Nat deFlavia
and the wings were built by Cole Palen. It was powered with a 160
hp Gnome Rotary engine.
The Sopwith Camel was considered the leading British fighter type of World
War I. It was designed to replace the successful, and well liked
Sopwith Pup. The Camel had been described at one time as the most
maneuverable aircraft ever built. Its agility in the air was due largely
to the torque effect of its rotary engine. The nose would tend to
rise in left hand turns, and drop in right hand turns. Experienced
pilots used this to their advantage. Unfortunately, the Camel claimed
the lives of many inexperienced pilots who were not ready to handle its
peculiar characteristics. |
| Country: |
United Kingdom |
| Year: |
1917 |
|
(reproduction) |
| Engine: |
130 Clerget, |
|
110 LeRhone, |
|
100 and 160 |
|
Gnome |
| Horsepower: |
100-160 HP |
| Quantity Mfg: |
5,490 |
| Wingspan: |
28'-0" |
|
(8.53 m) |
| Length: |
18'-9" |
|
(5.71 m) |
| Height: |
8'-6" |
|
(6.17 m) |
| Top Speed: |
118 mph |
|
(190 km/hr) |
| Gross Weight: |
1453 lbs. |
|
(6.17 kg) |
| Ceiling: |
24,000' |
|
(7,315 m) |
|
