Introduction

Welcome to the documentary web pages for the planning and construction of an authentic replica of a unique WWI aircraft, the Sopwith Baby. While relatively unknown to the general public as compared to others of the Sopwith name, (such as the Camel, Pup, and 1 1/2 Strutter), the Sopwith Baby has the distinction of being the last operational military aircraft of the Sopwith line, having served in the Norwegian Navy until December 1931.

This reproduction is to be constructed and flown in accordance with United States Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, (Section 21) for Amateur-Built Aircraft. As such it also is an individual builder effort as opposed to an organized group project. The purpose of this website is to thoroughly document all phases of the project from initial conceptualization, planning, and construction, as well as the thoughts of the builder in a web journal format.

The aircraft will be constructed in a two-location, build, storage, then assemble model. Essentially self fabricating an aircraft "kit" for later assembly. Fabric coverings will be done in aircraft grade linens as available, with modern aviation coverings substituted if necessary. Power is to be supplied by an appropriately matched radial engine and propeller combination, again if available, or perhaps a modern horizontally opposed aircraft engine hidden within the pinched cowl of the earlier Schneider version. Color scheme and markings are tentatively planned to mimic an RNAS Baby of the serial number range 8118 - 8217 as built by the Sopwith Aviation Company: Kingston on Thames Factory.

Please check back often as this long-term project is in the preliminary stages.

Joe Perkel CFI, A&P, BS

Miami / Sebring, Florida USA                        Project Inception Date :  October 23, 2007



          A Sopwith Baby stands ready to Sortie from a forward shore base in WWI


Operational History

On April 20, 1914 in The Principality of Monaco, the Sopwith Aviation Company won the then world famous Schneider Seaplane trophy with a float equipped version of the Sopwith Tabloid at an average speed of 86.6 mph. The little biplane was thereafter referred to as the Schneider.

The outbreak of WWI saw large scale production contracts for Sopwith to construct military versions of this aircraft for the Royal Navy Air Service. Known as both the Schneider Seaplane and the later version Sopwith Baby, both aircraft were deployed in forward bases as well as shipborne for the intended and rather unrealistic purpose of intercepting German Zeppelins as far from London as possible. Zeppelins as it would turn out, could easily remain out of reach with a climb and altitude advantage. The aircraft would later gain some minor successes in the light bombing, reconnaissance, and artillery spotting support roles.

Production began with a contract awarded Janurary 24, 1915 for an initial batch of 12 Schneider's equipped with the 100hp Monosoupape rotary engine. By August, production had swelled to an additional 224 aircraft of both variants. Wartime requirements for operational aircraft required the Sopwith Aviation Company to  further subcontract production to the Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Co, the Fairey Aviation Co, and Parnall & Sons of Bristol.

Total production was 602 aircraft, 422 of which were the Schneider / Baby variants and 180 Hamble Babies.

       The Schneider trophy winner creating a sensation in Monaco April 20, 1914

                                    Sopwith Baby in U.S. Navy Hands circa 1918