WW1 Sopwith Pup N9917

Video and Audio content is Copyright © 2014 Malcolm Auld This video and audio material may not be used in any form without written permission. The Pup design was one of classic simplicity using a fabric covered wooden structure to achieve light weight. It was considered to be under powered but, despite this, proved highly manoeuvrable with an excellent rate of climb at all levels up to 15,000 feet. In addition it achieved the reputation of having the most delightful flying qualities, and it certainly commanded respect from its enemies as a fighting machine. William Beardmore were contracted to build 50 Pups under licence from Sopwith. They were to be armed with Le Prieur Rockets which were used against observation balloons with some success. The Rockets were fired electrically from about 200 yards, the knife edge in the nose cone pierced the fabric and the escaping gas was then ignited by the rocket. Some of these Pups had transparent areas fitted to the centre section of the upper mainplanes to improve visibility for the pilot. SERVICE HISTORY The Pup followed the 1½ Strutter and preceded the Triplane in Sopwith history, entering service in 1916, first with the RNAS and later with the RFC. It was used both over the Western Front and, later, for home defence duties. The RNAS used it for pioneering sea trials and in 1917 one made the first ever landing on a ship at sea. This particular number, 9917, served for a time on HMS Manxman. N9917 G-EBKY Originally a Sopwith Dove the aeroplane had a number of owners prior to its acquisition in 1936 by Richard Shuttleworth. After being stored at Old Warden it was restored and rebuilt as a standard Pup. Specification Span 26 ft 6 in Overall length 19 ft 4 in Engine 80hp Le Rhone 9 cylinder rotary Weight empty 787 lbs Weight loaded 1,225 lbs Maximum speed at sea level 112 mph Armament One .303 calibre Vickers machine gun