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 a plethora of contracts for the Sopwith Aviation Company to construct many military versions of this aircraft for the Royal Navy Air Service (RNAS), 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 attack and ground support roles.

This authentic Sopwith Baby reproduction will be constructed in a two location, build, storage, then assemble model. Essentially, fabricating an aircraft "kit", for later assembly. Fabric coverings will be done in aircraft grade linens as available, with modern aviation coverings substituted only if necessary. Power is to be supplied by an appropriately matched radial engine / propeller combination, again if available, or 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 project is in the very preliminary conceptual / research phase.

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

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

                                    Sopwith Baby in U.S. Navy Hands circa 1918