An unknown Sopwith Baby pilot releases a carrier pigeon. Seaplane operations in WWI often included the use of carrier pigeons to return vital reconnaissance data. The Sopwith Baby, unlike the much larger two crew Short 184 Seaplane, was unable to carry a wireless set. However, Sopwith Babies were also employed to spot for shipborne gunnery bombardment utilizing light gun signals to register the target.

                               Main Float Details

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The final series of aircraft to be constructed by the Sopwith Kingston on Thames factory, were numbered from 8118 to 8117 and were contracted on 7/8/15.  A redesign of the main floats occurred sometime within this production run as a result of field experiences. Strengthening of the internal rib structure and the above noted stern profile were among these changes.




                    Proposed Re-design of Main Float Internal Structures

The images below are a proposed modernization of the main float internal support structures. This is currently under evaluation, and no definitive decision as to utilization has yet been made. There is a nostalgic / historical value in keeping the original Sopwith design however, the risks and benefits of either design will be considered carefully.




                                Tail Float Details



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                                                                          Tail Float attachment fittings