Sopwith Camel

Sopwith F.1 “Camel” Royal Flying Corps Spring 1917

Manufactured by the Sopwith Aviation Company, the Camel was introduced on the Western Front in the summer of 1917. Powered by a rotary engine, it had twin Vickers .3o3 machine guns synchronized to fire through the prop. The metal fairing over the guns gave the craft a humped appearance, leading to its nickname. The Camel was highly maneuverable in the hands of an experienced pilot, but was extremely dangerous when flown by a novice. Approximately 5490 Camels were built during the war in all variants, and Camel pilots were credited with shooting down 1,294 enemy aircraft.