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Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe

The Snipe had a confused history prior to its entry into service. Its early handling problems were not completely solved before beginning squadron operations. Even with 100 hp more power, it was only slightly faster than the Camel which it was designed to replace. Not more than 100 Snipes reached France before the end of First World War. After the war the Snipe was adopted as the standard RAF fighter, and production continued into 1919. A total of 497 were built, with the last not retiring until 1926.

The Snipe is considered to be the ultimate development of the small rotary-engined fighter. While almost as manoeuvrable as the Camel, the Snipe was much less tricky to fly. One of the outstanding single-handed air battles of the war occurred when Major W.G. Barker, a Canadian pilot, fought off a formation of fighters. After shooting down a two-seater, he was set upon by 15 Fokker D.VIIs. Although wounded in both legs and one arm, he managed to destroy three of his opponents before crashing. He survived and was awarded the Victoria Cross. The fuselage of his aircraft, complete with bullet holes, is part of the Canadian War Museum collection.

Museum Example

The Museum Snipe was made in 1918. Its wartime history is unknown. Imported into the United States by actor Reginald Denny (an ex-RFC pilot), it was used in one or more movies then subsequently displayed in California before being restored and flown in 1960. After display at the United States Air Force Museum, it was purchased by the Canadian War Museum, which both flew and displayed it until 1967. On loan briefly to Britain in 1970, this aircraft was returned for museum display.

Specifications

Wing Span:
9.5 m (31 ft 1 in)
Length:
6 m (19 ft 10 in)
Height:
2.9 m (9 ft 6 in)
Weight, Empty:
595 kg (1,312 lb)
Weight, Gross:
916 kg (2,020 lb)
Cruising Speed:
Unknown
Max Speed:
195 km/h (121 mph)
Rate of Climb:
1,980 m (6,500 ft) / 5 min 10 sec
Service Ceiling:
5,940 m (19,500 ft)
Range:
3 hours (Endurance)
Power Plant:
one Bentley B.R.2, 230 hp, rotary engine

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.