Sopwith Snipe

The Sopwith Snipe

    The Snipe was an improved version of the Sopwith Camel with a new engine, the 230hp Bentley rotary, which enabled it to fly faster and higher than its predecessor. The Snipe was, by 1918, considered to be the best Allied fighter plane on the Western Front and was praised by pilots for its speed, strength and agility. The view from the cockpit was much better than that of the Camel. Almost 500 Snipes were built in 1918 and eventually 1567 were delivered to theRoyal Air Force.

    The Snipe introduced a number of innovations including electric cockpit heating and pilot oxygen. Although the Snipe reached the front line only eight weeks before the end of the war, its few encounters with the enemy showed its clear superiority.

    On October 27, 1918 Major William Barker, in a Snipe of No.201 Squadron RAF, came upon no fewer than 60 Fokker D. VIIs, 15 of which attacked him repeatedly. He took them all on single-handed, destroyed four and possibly two others before he landed his bullet-ridden Snipe, weak from loss of blood from wounds sustained in his epic aerial battle against seeminly overwhelming ods. Barker was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action.

Decal for 1/144th scale Snipe kit.......................$3.00

This Page © Reviresco 2007 Created 05/03/07 Modified 05/04/07