NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Sopwith Triplane, built in Great Britain, was one of the best climbing, most maneuverable fighter aircraft of its day.
The development of the aircraft borrowed heavily on its predecessor, especially in fuselage and tail design. Its triplane wing design was ground breaking. In order to accommodate the drag of the extra wing, a more powerful engine was fitted to the fuselage.
We understand that the prototype Sopwith Triplane was immediately flown to the Western Front where it was tried in combat against enemy aircraft. On its first day at the front lines, the aircraft was launched to intercept enemy fighter aircraft attacking at high altitude.
Those who witnessed its performance were highly impressed by the Sopwith Triplane's climbing abilities. As a result, the aircraft was quickly rushed into production.
The Sopwith Triplane was deployed to the British Royal Naval Air Service which flew the aircraft from February through July of 1917. During that time they accounted for a record of nearly 10 to 1 in combat victories over German aircraft.
Overall aircraft performance was encumbered by heavy maintenance requirements. This plus the introduction of new, more capable German and Allied fighter aircraft soon ended the career of the Sopwith Triplane. A total of 147 of the aircraft were produced.
fighter
one
Clerget rotary
130 h.p.
1,100 lbs.
1,540 lbs.
2- 7.7 mm
18' 10"
26' 6"
117 mph
990 fpm
20,500 feet
300 miles
5/28/16
1917
Radio Control Airplane
Sopwith Triplane rc from Peter Rake plans.
Radio Control Airplanes:
Pictured above is the rc Sopwith Triplane built from a Manzano Laser Works short kit designed from Peter Rake plans. It has a wingspan of 45". You will need a Speed 600 geared motor or outrunner brushless motor.
In the first picture below is the rc Sopwith Triplane built by Robert Stinson from a Dare Hobbies kit. It has a 36" wingspan. A geared Speed 400 or similar size outrunner brushless motor is recommended.
The next picture below is of a rc Sopwith Triplane built from a K & W Models kit. Wingspan is 64" and length is 44". A .46 to .60 two stroke engine or .60 to.90 four stroke engine will pull it through the air just fine.
Traplet has plans for sale of a rc Sopwith Triplane. It has a 26" wingspan, is made from foam, and weighs 5 1/4 oz. For power you can use a WES-Tech 6-8.5 motor or the equivalent.
Pictured last on this page is the rc Sopwith Triplane ARF for sale from Kavan Models. It has a wingspan of 31" and a length of 23 1/2". A 280 motor powers the 14 oz. rc airplane.
Kit Cutters has a 1/4 scale Sopwith Triplane for sale. It is from Uncle Willies plans and has a 79" wingspan with a 58" length. Quadra 2.0 engines are recommended to power the rc airplane.
Cleveland Model has plans for sale for the rc Sopwith Triplane with wingspans of 10", 13", 20", 27", 40", 53", and giant scale 80".
Is there a Sopwith Triplane rc in your hanger? Email us.
Sopwith Triplane
